Costa Rica’s English language newsletter
July/August 2015
El Residente Published by ARCR Administración S.A. Apdo. 1191-1007 Centro Colón San José, Costa Rica (www.arcr.net)
Taste the tropics:
Nance
ARCR IS
MOVING! Read the details inside on page
3
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YOUR BUSINESS
WANT TO REACH OUR OVER
5,000 READERS?
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Advertisements in El Residente receive exposure to an English speaking audience of full-time residents and soon-to-be residents from all over the world. Place your ad today!
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For more information, contact Alejandro Vargas at: (506) 6043 6161 / info@arcr.net
WE’VE HELPED
OVER
10,000 PEOPLE
MAKE THE MOVE.
NOW IT’S OUR TURN! Gimnasio Nacional
Avenida 4
Calle 40
Calle 42
Sabana Park
Ruta 27 (Pista )
l
Mc Donald’s
Calle 4
2
sa
DIRECTIONS: At the Southeast corner of Sabana Park, at the end of Route 27 (Pista), from the Universal Store/McDonalds restaurant proceed South on Calle 42. Go 100 meters and turn right on Avenida 14. The ARCR office is 15 meters on the right. Look for the sign.
Casa Canadá
Un iv er
After many years in the same building, ARCR offices are moving to a newer, better location! Only a few blocks away, our new World Headquarters will offer several advantages to our members: convenient access with ample street, parking, modern accommodations, and much more. Located in a newly renovated residence on Avenida 14, just a short distance South from our old location in Casa Canada, the transition will be complete approximately July 7, 2015. All our great services will continue uninterrupted at the old site on Calle 40 until that date. We are excited and looking forward to this step up! Please come by and see how we have grown and are now even better equipped to meet your needs!
New offices Avenida 14
For more inquiries, call our new number
(506)4052-4052
Administración S.A.
4
El Residente
Editorial Note
Contents Across the Board ARCR Board
Club Corner A day in the life Allen Dickinson
5 7 9
Women’s Club of Costa Rica
12
Ask ACS
14
Taste The Tropics
15
Paradise, We Have a Problem
17
Life in The Southern Zone
20
Legal Update
22 24
Sylvia Prince
American Citizen Services Maxima van Houten Tony Johnson
Carol Vaughn Allan Garro
Business Directory Administración S.A.
Contact Information Published by:
ARCR Administration
Email:
info@arcr.net www.arcr.net
Editor-in-Chief:
Allen Dickinson
Associate Editor:
Mary Holmes
Marketing Director: Alejandro Vargas Graphic Design:
Rubén Chavarría
Advertising, Publicity:
add@arcr.net
Office hours:
Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, CRC time GMT-6
Address:
Av 14, Calle 42, San Jose, Costa Rica
Tel:
(506) 4052-4052
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1191-1007 Centro Colón, San José, Costa Rica
A
s of this writing it appears that the publishing and distribution of El Residente is moving back closer in line with the cover dates. The credit goes to the hard working El Residente staff and to the contributors who submitted their articles on time. Thanks to you all! To the members who were patient with our slowness getting the last two issues out as we shifted leadership and learned and developed the new format during a trying time, we also express our thanks. If you are looking to take a day trip to someplace new and exciting, check out the story about the Fundación para el desarollo del Centro Biólogico las Quebradas by Carol Vaughn. If you are going to drive there, read Allen Dickinson’s piece on driving in Costa Rica before you leave. And, if you like to explore new tastes and fruits, be sure to read the excellent piece on Nances in Taste the Tropics by Maxima van Houten. This, the third issue under new leadership, contains many interesting stories. We hope you enjoy them all. Want to advertise in El Residente? Space is available at reasonable rates. See the ad in this issue for more information, or contact Alejandro Vargas at: info@arcr.net An update on Ryan. He is doing well and recovering nicely from his ordeal. We hope to see him back at the helm of the organization soon.
This magazine has been published every two months since 1995 as the official communications media of the ARCR. Our organization provides service to thousands of foreigners who have chosen Costa Rica to reside for short periods or for permanent residence. Since 1984 the ARCR has been offering reliable services, information and advocacy to Costa Rica’s foreign residents. We have the experience and ability to help you with your residency application, immigration, business and financial management, real estate purchases and rentals, property management, insurance, pet importation and much more. If you wish to place an ad in El Residente, please contact the ARCR main office. Goods & services offered are paid advertisements. Neither ARCR Administration nor El Residente research the companies and take no responsibility for the quality of such goods and services.
Cover photo credit: Detail of Byrsonima crassifolia (nance) flower plant, by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
5
July/August 2015
Across the Board
L
ast issue we reminded members that the ARCR staff can provide assistance in renewing driver licenses. That service is also available for renewing cédulas. An ARCR Administration staff member can obtain your appointment for you, will then accompany you to Inmigración (a difficult place to find and a driving nightmare in itself) and escort you through the process. A small fee is charged for the service but the savings in stress and aggravation make it a super bargain. Contact the office to get more details. The same service is also available for opening bank accounts.
The March 24th issue of La Nación published the headline “Foreign Pensions Would be Taxed in Hacienda’s Proposed Modification of Income Tax Law.” Such a change would have a huge impact on many expats who live here in Costa Rica, and some members have contacted ARCR Administration to inquire about this potential change to tax laws. The Board would like to advise its members that they should remember that this is a proposed change which has been promoted by the PAC Party, and is not on any current agenda of the legislature. According to Board member and attorney, Jose Carter, the PAC is a minor party and it appears they are “making good” on some campaign promises by proposing some rather exotic laws (such as making all private swimming pools in condo complexes open to the public.) It is his opinion that the chances of any
such bills being formally considered is virtually zero.
Members should be assured that ARCR Administration is aware of the income tax proposal and is monitoring it closely. Should the issue gain traction, ARCR will vigorously oppose it. We will keep members advised of any further, proposed changes to the current law.
A reminder for members is that if you are looking for a provider for some particular service (plumber, electrician, car repair, etc.) there is a limited referral list of names and contact information maintained at the front desk. If you are in need of a referral, give the office a call and check the list. If you are one of those being referred, please check and make sure all your contact information is up to date. If an update is needed, please email the new information to: info@arcr.net. If you have a service, are a member of ARCR, and would like to be included on the list, please submit your information to the above address. Another reminder, for those who like to read there are several books by local authors available for purchase in the office. Presently there are 13 titles available, with the recent addition of a new book by Helen Dunn Frame. Stop by and check them out - there are guides to restaurants, fiction, and much, much more.
And while you are in the office, be sure to also peruse the library of used books that are on hand. The books can be purchased for one USD each, or swapped for by bringing in one to get one.
7
Alcoholics Anonymous
Groups meet daily throughout the country; times and places change frequently. Call for up-to-date information. San José 2222-1880 (Anchor Club, also serves Narcotics Anonymous) Av 6 Calle 1, 2nd floor Maryland Building. Heredia (Laura) 2267-7466, Puerto Viejo Limón 2750-0080, Zancudo 2776-0012, Tamarindo 2653-0897, Flamingo (Don) 2654- 4902, Manuel Antonio (Jennifer) 2777-1548, Jacó (Nancy) 2637-8824, Zoo Group Escazú 2293-4322. Grecia (Jay) 2494-0578. Southern Zone, meetings in English & Spanish, 86349241.
Al-Anon Meetings
English language Al-Anon meetings are open to anyone whose life has been/is affected by someone else’s problem with alcohol. Meetings are one hour long and held twice each week in Escazú centro, above the Buena Tierra Restaurant, 25 meters south of the San Miguel Catholic Church. Tuesdays at noon and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Tel: 8993-1762 (Rosemary) and/or 2228-1049 (Barbara) email: rosemaryzitek@yahoo.com. Also in Grecia on Tuesdays at noon (English), contact Cheryl at 2444-1515.
American Legion Post 10-Escazú
The A.L. Post 10 has relocated the monthly meetings to Casa de España in Sabana norte. There is an elevator so those with a handicap will not have a problem entering the building or reaching the meeting area. If you wish to attend please e-mail or call for directions. Terry Wise, cell#: 8893-4021, Claudio Pacheco, cell#: 8876-1394, home#: 2225-4239.
American Legion Post 12-Golfito
Meetings are held 4 p.m. 1st Tuesday every month at Banana Bay Marina. The Golfito GOVETS have been helping Southern Costa Rica for over 20 years. Contact Pat O’Connell at: walkergold@yahoo.com or 8919-8947, or Mel Goldberg at 8870-6756.
July/August 2015
American Legion Auxiliary
The Legion Auxiliary meets the second Saturday of each month, at 1300 hours in Moravia. Contact Doris Murillo 2240-2947.
Asociación Caritativa Canadiense ACC
The activities of this charity began in 2000 as part of the Canadian Club of Costa Rica. Our Vision is that every student has access to a clean, secure, well-maintained and healthy physical environment in which to learn and grow. The focus of the program is to build the capacity within the poorer communities to access resources for their schools to repair the infrastructure that compromises the education of children. We work with the personal in the schools and use our donations to complement what the locals can raise. Our donations come primarily from fundraising events. In the past 15 years, we have raised over $325,000 for 85 projects throughout the country. Our volunteer membership is made up of both Canadians and Costa Ricans, male and female. If you would like to contribute or learn more please contact Fred Boden, fredrick.boden@gmail.com
Bird Watching Club
The Birding Club of Costa Rica sponsors monthly trips to observe local and migrant birds in various areas of the country. For more information contact us at: costaricabirding@hotmail.com
Canadian Club
The Canadian Club of Costa Rica welcomes everyone to join us for our monthly luncheons, and at our special annual events, like our Canada Day Celebration, no passport required. As of this year there is no fee or dues to pay, just sign up with your email address and we will keep you informed of Canadian Events, so you can participate whenever its convenient for you! For information visit our website: www.canadianclubcr.com or email Pat at: canadianclubcr@yahoo.com to sign up.
El Residente
8
Democrats Abroad
Democrats Abroad meets on the last Saturday of every month at the Aurola Holiday Inn, San José. Contact Nelleke Bruyn, 2279-3553, e-mail: cr.democratsabroad@yahoo.com. Join Democrats Abroad at: www.democratsabroad.org. Register to vote absentee at: VoteFromAbroad.org!
Little Theatre Group
LTG is the oldest continuously running Englishlanguage theatre in Central or South America. The group currently puts on a minimum of four productions a year offering a choice of modern, classic, serious, and farcical plays. The group’s monthly social meetings are held in the theatre on the first Monday of the month from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome. Membership: Student C2,500, Adult: C5,000, Family: C8,000. Also, earn your Wings, become an LTG Angel. For more information Call the LTG Box Office 8858-1446 or www.littletheatregroup.org
Marine Corps League
Meets at 11 a.m. the 2nd Saturday of every month, at Tres Hermanas Rest. Big bull statue in front. On service road opposite Hospital Mexico on the autopista. Call Bill Enell at 8812-0126 or write to mcleaguecr@gmail.com
Newcomer’s Club
Newcomer’s Club of Costa Rica (for women) meets the first Tuesday of every month, September through May. September meeting will be an interest fair. Contact: 2416-1111, email us at: costaricaporo@yahoo.com or visit our website at: www.newcomersclubofcostarica.com
PC Club of Costa Rica
This computer Club meets on the third Saturday of each month at Pan American school, in Belén, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Two months Free Trial for newcomers. For information call Chuck Jennings. Phone 2266-0123, or visit our website at: www.pcclub.net
Radio Control Sailing Club
Meets at Sabana Park Lake. For information write Walter Bibb at: wwbbsurf40@yahoo.com
Wine Club of Costa Rica
Please mark your calendars. The wine club usually meets at 1 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month. Join us to tantalize your taste buds and expand your education. For more information on upcoming events please contact us. Phone 2279-8927
Women’s Club of Costa Rica
The Women’s Club of Costa Rica is the oldest, continuously operating, philanthropic organization for English-speaking women in Costa Rica. Founded in 1940, WCCR now includes over 250 members representing 25 countries worldwide, drawn together by the motto: Friendship through Service. The Club attracts fascinating women who are interested in serving community needs in Costa Rica, particularly focused on children’s education while, at the same time, making deep, meaningful, personal relationships. Along with its philanthropic fundraising activities, WCCR also hosts regular lunches, teas and many special interest groups, including a Professional Women’s Group. Guests are welcome and further information and a calendar of planned events can be found at: www.wccr.org
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Open to men too. English language group in Cariari de Belén, English-Spanish group in Heredia, Spanish language group in San José. We work on peace and human rights issues. Call Mitzi, 24337078 or write us at: peacewomen@gmail.com “Club members should review the contact information for their clubs and make sure it is up to date. Send any changes or corrections to: info@arcr.net, Subject line; El Residente.”
July/August 2015
A Day in the Life
9 by Allen Dickinson
Personal space and driving in Costa Rica
S
ometimes from my narrow perspective of being just another Gringo in a large Tico culture, things I encounter just don’t seem to make sense and I find myself wondering how did that come to be the norm? Occasionally I get lucky and can figure things out, but usually I just stay confused. This time, however, I think I have an answer for one common, befuddling situation and thought I would pass it on. (I don’t assert that my deductions are accurate, I just know it satisfies me and makes my life easier.)
One of the things that occasionally stumps me is the driving. It often seems like there are no rules, at least not as I understand them. I know through conversations with other expats that they have the same bewildered feelings, and a few even have such a strong, emotional stress reaction that they refuse to drive in Costa Rican traffic, particularly in busy urban areas. As has been said to me, “They are crazy! They come so close! Even the pedestrians!” One reason we react that way is because to we Gringos, close translates to unsafe. Therefore, we automatically draw the conclusion that any pedestrian or driver who comes very close to our vehicle has no regard for our, or their own, safety. But to them, it’s okay to be that close. How can that be? It’s obviously dangerous. But apparently they don’t see things that way. An aside: let me make clear that I’m not saying there are not poor drivers in Costa Rica – there is no question that there are, but that is a subject for a whole different essay. What I am going to point out is that there are different perspectives between cultures which are at some times at odds with each other. One of those occurs when we think they are being unsafe when, by their standards they are not, they are just doing something that is normal in their culture.
The underlying reason has to do with the cultural concept of personal space.
Every person, in every culture, has learned that they need a certain amount of physical space around themselves to
feel comfortable. This is known as a comfort zone; it is the minimum amount of physical space a person needs around their bodies (and possessions) to feel comfortable and safe. Think of it as an invisible empty area with which people surround themselves and their things; a kind of personal bubble. The size of that bubble differs from person to person and from situation to situation. But more importantly, its size varies from culture to culture. Research has found that the size of the typical North American’s bubble is, in general situations, between 12 and 24 inches around the person. Everyone has this bubble and guards it jealously; any incursion into that space by anyone who is not authorized can cause an emotional reaction, often a feeling of anxiety. Generally, friends and family members are allowed to get closer than strangers (though there are exceptions like sitting at a counter in a diner or riding a crowded bus, and we can handle crowds, like at a concert.) But even though the bubble can be reduced at some times and places, it is still always there. Outside of family and close friends, like when talking to a stranger and they enter our personal space, the incursion can make us feel more than a little ill at ease. Certainly we have all experienced this when someone we have just met insists on standing very close while they talk to us. The usual reaction is to back away and put a little distance between yourself and the other person. Then, everything is fine again. So, what’s this got to do with driving? Simply, the concept of personal space also applies to our things, including things like a car; when we are inside our vehicle our bubble expands to include it. Have you heard of someone up north frantically honking a car horn
El Residente
10
in a parking lot for no other reason than some else drove within ten feet of their car? The frenzied reaction was because the one driver felt their personal space, their bubble, had been invaded and their emotional reaction was that they and their car were no longer safe.
Generally Ticos have a much smaller comfort zone that we do and consequently they can comfortably drive their vehicles more closely crammed together, pulling their car up to within a few inches from another person’s, or walk in close proximity to moving vehicles, without creating anxiety and stress for themselves or each other. What we feel as being unsafe and threatening is, in their eyes, not unsafe; to many Ticos, having six inches between you and them feels as safe to them as a North American feels having two feet. And, if you think about it, any time there is no contact there really is no offense – except to the North American’s emotional feelings about the invasion of their personal space. Here’s where we get to the heart of this: The size of a person’s comfort zone varies dramatically across situations and cultures. Latin Americans, and Costa Ricans in general, like many other cultures around the world, haven’t developed the need for as large a personal bubble as the average North American, so what feels threatening to us doesn’t evoke the same reaction in them.
Maybe our North American culture developed our need for larger comfort zones because of our tradition of wide open spaces. Maybe it was something else. Nobody really knows and it doesn’t matter. What we need to accept, if we are going to drive in Costa Rica, is that the Tico standard of how large an acceptable, safe, personal space is to them is different than ours; what is too close for us is not for them, so when they enter our bubble they are only acting in context with their culture, not being disrespectful to our safety and comfort.
My point is that if we understand that aspect of the Tico culture, and recognize how it differs from our own, when invasion of our bubble happens we can more easily accept that their style of walking/driving is not as unsafe as our emotions tell us it is. And that might help to reduce our stress. In the end, it really doesn’t matter what our culture’s standards are – we are living and operating in theirs, and it behooves us to understand and adapt to theirs, not the other way around.
Allen Dickinson retired and relocated to Costa Rica in 2006. He holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of New York and a Masters Degree from the University of West Florida. He can be reached via email at: allen@humphree.net.
El Residente
12 Women’s Club of Costa Rica
by Sylvia Prince
WCCR celebrates its 75th anniversary
T
he Women’s Club kicked off its yearlong celebration of 75 years of service and friendship at a March Luncheon held at the Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel, with over 100 members and guests attending. As members and guests arrived the spirit of friendship was everywhere with old friends greeting each other and new friends being introduced. The highlight of the festivity was the video, “Celebrating 75 years of Friendship and Service.”
The WCCR began in 1940 when a group of women from the United States, living in Costa Rica, organized the Women’s Club of Costa Rica as a social organization. During World War II the club changed its mission to provide wartime support, but since then, over the years, its objectives have varied as the country’s needs set the scope of club’s work. The focus, however, has always been service and education. Membership fluctuates between 250 and 300 women of different nationalities. They participate in lunches, conferences, dinners, themed events, fundraising, and the administration of the club’s educational projects. The group does not maintain an office because the cost would reduce the funds available for its projects. Once a month the club meets in the San José metropolitan area, where most of its members live, to discuss programs and activities.
13 The club doesn’t forget the “Friendship” part of its motto which is fulfilled by the many special interest groups whose members, linked by a common interest such as reading, French or Spanish conversation, cooking, arts, music, and other leisure pursuits, meet to socialize.
Since the late nineteen seventies one of the major commitments of WCCR has been the support of education of Costa Ricans. The club offers underprivileged youth an opportunity to persevere and to achieve an education that will help them excel and accomplish their dreams. Initially the education programs focused on high school students, but later expanded to include university students. Currently WCCR assists six students in the International Baccalaureate program and 23 university students.
Funding for programs comes in part through direct contributions to existing programs from club members and their friends, companies, and grants. The club also organizes fundraising events during the year; its main activity is always an annual event funded with ticket sales and the auction of objects donated by sponsors. Members continually seek funds and look for opportunities to bring some relief to the neediest populations in the country. Throughout the year the club concentrates on the longterm programs. However, if a member proposes an idea within the parameters of education for low-income
July/August 2015
youth, a committee establishes a pilot project to consider whether it may become a sustainable program.
Current programs University scholarships: One of WCCR’s main objectives is providing scholarships to new students.
Asobitico: The club offers support to Jose Gregorio Ramirez High School students enrolled in the Costa Rica International Baccalaureate program. There are plans to expand coverage in coming years. School Books for Kids: According to estimates in 2010, more than 270,000 school children in Costa Rica attended public school classes without textbooks. To remedy this situation, Grupo Nación launched the Libros para Todos project. The Women’s Club of Costa Rica has supported the project since then and has donated textbooks to 1,347 children for the current school year. The dedication of WCCR members, through their many volunteer hours, is responsible for the success in achieving the club’s goals. Membership is open to all English-speaking women who want to join us in moving forward to another 75 years of service. For more information contact: president@wccr.org or visit our website: www.wccr.org
El Residente
14 Ask ACS
by American Citizen Services
The American Citizens Services Section of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, in collaboration with El Residente magazine, provides an opportunity for U.S. citizens interested in living or visiting Costa Rica to ask questions about services available at the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens when they are abroad. Dear ACS,
I live on the Caribbean Coast and it is very inconvenient for me to make the drive to San Jose first to apply for a renewal of my U.S. passport and then to return to the Embassy two weeks later to pick it up. Do I have any options for an easier renewal? Thank you! Dreading the Drive
Dear Dreading the Drive: The American Citizens Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in San Jose initiated a new outreach program in April of this year to periodically provide limited services to U.S. citizens in Costa Rica outside the capital. During these ACS outreach trips, we accept applications for renewal of U.S. passports for adults, notarize documents with three pages or less, accept applications for replacement Social Security cards, and provide information to U.S. citizens on other consular topics. These outreach trips occur in designated cities within Costa Rica. The first trip was to Quepos in April. We will visit San Ramon in June. We have tentatively scheduled similar trips to Puerto Viejo in August and Tamarindo in October. More cities and dates will be announced later in the year. We hope to see you soon!
There are no visa services (including services related to green cards) provided during these outreach trips.
UPCOMING CONSULAR VISITS San Ramón When: Thursday, June 25, 11:30-12:30 and 2:00-3:00
Where: COOPENAE Bank, San Ramón de Alajuela (50 meters north of the Tribunales de Justicia) If you plan to request a service, please RSVP to ACSSanJose@state.gov. Space is limited.
Passport Renewals: To be eligible, you must present a 10-year passport that is valid or expired less than 5 years ago. (No lost or stolen passports, no minor passports.) You will need to submit a DS-82 form (found at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/212241. pdf or we will have them available) and a 2”-by-2” passport photo with a white background. The price is 60,000 colones. Notarial Services: The presence of the person requesting the notary and legal proof of identity are required. The price is 27,200 colones per seal. All payments must be in cash. Exact change is greatly appreciated. Sorry, we can’t take dollars.
Puerto Viejo ACS has tentatively scheduled an outreach trip to Puerto Viejo for one day during the last two weeks of August 2015. Those wishing to participate should register their interest by email at ACSSanJose@state.gov. In your email, please include your name, contact telephone number and the details of the service you are requesting. Once you have registered your interest with us, we will contact you via email to confirm.
Tamarindo ACS has tentatively scheduled an outreach trip to Tamarindo for one day during October 2015. Those wishing to participate should register their interest by email at ACSSanJose@state.gov. In your email, please include your name, contact telephone number and the details of the service you are requesting. Once you have registered your interest with us, we will contact you via email to confirm.
July/August 2015
Taste The Tropics
A
few weeks ago a foreign visitor inquired about foods she should try during her Costa Rica trip; she had been advised not to drink the water nor eat the fruit! I was appalled, not only is the water in Costa Rica perfectly potable, but the fruit you find in the wild and at the multiple fruit stands is an invaluable treasure not to be missed. Just make sure to wash the fruit with plenty of tap water, salt, soap, etc. before consuming them. As we’ve been discussing in this series of Taste the Tropics, Costa Rica offers a plethora of tasteful and distinct fruits, each one different with its own peculiarities. As you walk down the streets you will see tons of street vendors and fruit stands where you just might be able to find your next favorite fruit. A few days after the above conversation, I was running errands in downtown San José when I passed a fruit stand. As usual, I perused the offerings for new and interesting subjects of study, and saw a bundle of what looked like golden cherries called Nances. I had seen and tried these before as a child and vaguely remembered their taste and smell.
Suddenly everyone around me was talking about Nance ice cream and how delicious it was. I had never tried this ice cream flavor, was immediately curious, and I was soon jotting down ingredients and steps for the preparation of this tropical delicacy. I bought a kilo of the fruit and headed home to try to make the ice cream the people had raved about.
Nances (Byrsonima crassifolia) are native to tropical America and grow in large shrubs (around 10 meters high). They are an orange-yellow, round, small fruit with thin skin and white, juicy, oily pulp of various flavors ranging from insipid to sweet, sour to cheese like. They have a strong and distinct taste and a smell that cannot be compared to any other fruit. Common names include
15 by Maxima van Houten changunga, muruçi, nanche, chacunga, craboo, kraabu, savanna serrette (or savanna serret) and golden spoon.
Dr. David Fairchild, an authority in fruit, imported Nance seeds from Panama to the US Department of Agriculture in 1899. A small amount of specimens still exist in special collections in southern Florida. This species was introduced to the Philippines in 1918. Growing Nances is limited to tropical and subtropical climates; the plants grow well from sea level up to an altitude of 1800 meters (6,000 ft.) and are highly drought-tolerant. In the wild, Nances are mainly consumed by children, birds, and wild and domesticated animals. There is, however, some cultivation of the tree for its fruit in Mexico and parts of Central America. It is usually eaten raw but can be cooked as a dessert, frozen as ice cream, or fermented as wine or cream. In Magdalena, Colombia, an edible fat is extracted from the fruits in boiling water.
My ice cream, which turned out great, was closer to a sorbet than to actual ice cream. Preparation was simple; first you must seed and puree the Nances, then add sugar and evaporated milk. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes at medium heat, let it cool, then pour the mixture into containers and put them in the freezer for about 5 hours. Enjoy!
Nances are not for everyone; they can be an acquired taste. One thing I am sure of is helados de nance (Nance ice cream) is more palatable than the actual raw fruit. Another preparation made with this fruit is pesada de nance (a dessert consisting of Nances, sugar, and flour which is commonly eaten in rural Panama.) Other dishes include dulce de nance (Nances cooked in sugar and water) and crema de nance (Nances distilled to produce a liquor similar to rum.) Hopefully some of these presentations will be to your liking!
July/August 2015
Paradise, We Have a Problem
17
by Tony Johnson
How does love become loathing?
N
o one desires an intimate relationship with a person we loath. We all seek a deep and affectionate connection with someone we can love and cherish, with our soul mate, with “the one”. Sadly some relationships do degenerate into hostility and hatred, into contempt and loathing. How does that happen? How do couples go from “you make me so happy” to “you make me so sick”?
Masters or Disasters? Last time we asked if love alone was enough to make a relationship survive and thrive. While renowned relationship researcher John Gottman does not directly answer that question, his recommendations for relationship success indicate that we need more than love. He tells us which skills we need to develop, which interaction patterns we need to increase, and which we need to eliminate to keep our love alive. Gottman also provides us with clear and specific dos and don’ts which will enable us to protect and deepen a lasting connection. He then divides couples into two broad groups: the “Marriage Masters” and the “Marriage Disasters”. The Masters, as you may recall from the previous article, routinely treat each other with kindness and generosity, and engage in numerous positive interactions daily. As a result, they are comfortable together and enjoy each other’s company. While by no means perfect, their relationship is filled with much caring, affection, trust, support, and love. So it’s easy to see why they’re at ease with each other.
The Disasters, on the other hand, have a long history of negative exchanges of attacking and being attacked by each other. They treat each other like an enemy and so they are constantly on edge around each other. They may even ruin their marriage by routinely engaging in what Gottman calls the Four Horsemen (the 4 H); four extremely negative, hurtful behaviors that charge in and trample the relationship. These 4 H are criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. Those behaviors
change the climate of the marriage and fill it with hurt, anger, resentment, hostility, and bitterness.
Losing Control Previously we also explored how the negative 4 H spiral typically begins. Let’s look at that again. A typical example could be when one partner repeatedly ignores the needs, feelings, and requests of the other. Frustrated, hurt, feeling neglected and ignored, requests become criticisms which are typically met with defensiveness… which means a counterattack. Trust and respect disappear and when an impasse occurs the negativity increases, becoming stonewalling and contempt - the most damaging of the 4 H.
Feeling repeatedly frustrated, blown off by our life partner, can leave a person deeply wounded -feeling worthless, that we don’t matter at all to our partner. We can start to believe we made a very bad choice in partners and feel very, very foolish. It takes a saint to put up with such treatment and not respond in kind. Few of us are saints - including the Masters, and even they can miss some of the other warning signs of the coming 4 H.
Some Other Red Flags To Be Aware Of In addition to disappointments and frustrations, other common situations can unleash the 4 Horsemen: - Unrealistic Expectations - Feeling like a Victim
- Confusing Impact and Intent
Let’s look at those Red Flag behaviors a little more closely.
Unrealistic Expectations The world has changed dramatically within our own lifetimes. Astounding technology, only fantasized about in science fiction, is now commonplace. Massive social changes have severely disrupted family connections making us more and more dependent on our partner for just
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about everything. Core needs such as safety, security, bonding, and significance may no longer be met by the extended family so we may, unknowingly, expect our partner to be all that we need. Who could possibly live up to all those expectations?
It is easy to overlook how unrealistic our own expectations are or that we never had an explicit agreement with our partner to meet all our needs. Then, when those unspoken needs are unmet, leaving us feeling let down, deceived, and furious, they can easily become demands and criticism. Such powerful emotions are extremely difficult to control ... and it feels so good to let our partner have it, thereby provoking the 4 Horsemen.
Feeling Like a Victim When we’re not treated the way we expect, the way we need, our reactions can go deeper than feeling hurt, cheated, angry. The psychology of victimhood leaves us insisting on justice from our partner. As a victim we feel completely innocent, entirely blameless for any of the problems between us, and totally entitled to punish the one who has so egregiously hurt us. We might think “no way will I put up with this; that will just invite more abuse. I must teach them a lesson.” That lesson is probably delivered as a harsh, crushing criticism. Hear the thundering hooves of the 4 H?
Confusing Impact and Intent We often feel hurt by our partner’s words, actions, tones of voice, and attitudes, and at the heart of those injuries is a sense that they were deliberate. Sometimes those injuries are deliberate. Sometimes our partner does want to hurt us. But sometimes we feel hurt even when there was no intent to harm. Take this common example:
Our partner is late for an important meeting with us. In fact, our partner is often late. It drives us up the wall. “You don’t care about me at all”, we shout. “I don’t matter enough to you to even be on time once?” We feel hurt because we perceive the lateness as saying something negative about us; something negative about our value and our significance to our partner. If we believe our partner sees us as negatively as we think they do, even when they don’t, our belief becomes our reality. And that reality can easily lead to another charge of the 4 H.
So How Do the Masters Avoid Disasters? The Masters do engage in the 4 H, from time-to-time. The Masters do sometimes have excessive expectations, feel like a victim, and confuse impact with intent. But those feelings don’t destroy their relationships. What’s their secret? Are the Masters just nice, kind people? Are the Disasters just plain mean and nasty?
If the Disasters are simply mean and nasty people, then why do they begin their relationship as lovingly as the Masters? What changes? How are the Masters better able to put the brakes on the downward racing 4 H and reverse direction? What are the essential differences in how the two groups approach creating and sustaining relationships? Gottman says that the Masters avoid disaster because they: - Handle conflict more effectively than the Disasters
- Have a very different perspective on their partners than the Disasters
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The Masters Conflict Resolution Strategy First, they are aware of the dangers of the 4 H and they consciously avoid going there. “Oh! Oh! We’re on thin ice here. We’re starting to become abusive toward each other. Let’s be careful.”
Secondly, they begin the discussions of touchy subjects with soft start-ups. That is, they avoid harsh accusations and attacks; instead they use tactful, gentler ways of raising tough issues. Rather than saying, “You never come on time. You’re always late” (global criticisms), the Masters might say “Can we discuss the way I feel when you are late once again?”
Next, they try to be truly open to each other’s perspective. Rather than assuming that they and they alone have the whole truth and nothing but the truth, they realize that their partner also has some of the truth about the issue in dispute. “Yes, I can see that ... That make sense …” Masters are aware that they can put the brakes on a disintegrating discussion, not make things worse: “We’re both getting very, very upset and I don’t think we’re really hearing each other. Can we take a break and resume this discussion when we’re calmer?” They realize that Armageddon can be avoided and they have choices about where the discussion can go. Masters are Masters because they seek win-win resolutions not total, absolute, unconditional surrender by their partner and are willing to make effective repair attempts: “I’m sorry. That was completely out of line for me to call you a … I was wrong, you are not a ...”
Finally, they are able to engage in effective self-soothing. In other words, they know how to calm themselves and help their partner become calmer - a key to resolving painful issues. Rather than saying “Calm down! You are out of control” (a criticism), they might say “You seem to
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be very upset... tell me what I just said that upset you... let’s discuss that.” Being flooded with some strong emotion (hurt, anger, fear) makes it almost impossible to hear each other. On the other hand, having empathy, flexibility, and an open mind is essential to an effective discussion of upsetting concerns.
Basically… If such behavior is required to really resolve things, does that mean we have to become the Dalai Lama? No! But it does mean that we have to fundamentally change our basic assumptions about each other. Basically, the Masters are more positive toward each other in their daily interactions and during conflicts because they are more positive about each other. The Masters give their partners the benefit of the doubt in all matters; they regard their partner as innocent until proven guilty. The Disasters (the relationship we want to avoid, remember) see their partner as “guilty as charged... no doubt about it.” What? you protest. “What if my partner is guilty? What if my partner is totally to blame for this problem? Am I supposed to deny this reality? That’s just nuts. I was willing to hear your ideas. Now you’ve just lost me!”
I agree that this sounds nuts; it’s contrary to all experience and doesn’t seem to make any sense at all. And I’m sorry that I may have upset you. But, are you willing to look at some ideas that may truly transform your relationship for the better? Can we start over next time and explore the benefits and reality of seeing the best in your partner… and yourself? Disagreements always welcome at: paradise.we.have.a.problem@gmail.com
El Residente
20 Life in the Southern Zone
by Carol Vaughn
An Ecological Oasis in Quebradas, Zona Sur
T
here is a little-known oasis of ecological perfection just outside of San Isidro de El General in the Zona Sur of Costa Rica: FUDEBIOL Reserve. This reserve is comprised of 750 hectares of waterfalls (big and small), hiking trails, a small lake, a butterfly farm (great for kids), a medicinal plant garden, a garden of the senses (jardín sensorial), a small zip line (but you have to pedal), rest and picnic areas, and even a small conference area for up to 35 people with rustic sleeping accommodations (with hot water). Tuanis!
Founded in 1989, the Fundación para el desarollo del Centro Biológico las Quebradas (FUDEBIOL), is a nonprofit organization with the mission of preservation and conservation of the natural resources of the river basin of the Quebradas River. This river provides drinking water for six communities and FUDEBIOL strives to protect the surrounding rainforest, which in turn protects the river. The Reserve offers programs and activities of environmental education especially oriented for children and students. In March of each year they host the renowned Feria del Agua (Water Festival) which incorporates music, crafts, dancing, environmental education, children’s games, and a wonderful typical meal served in banana leaves. This Festival is a highlight of the year for those living in or visiting the region.
FUDEBIOL is probably best-known for its Ecovolunteer and Cultural Exchange Program in which young adults and teens come to the community – often from Europe and U.S.A. – to work at the Reserve and live among the locals of Quebradas. This program offers opportunities for students to stay with a local family while they experience the incredible flora and fauna of this river basin and gain first-hand knowledge of the community, culture, and language. Through their participation, the Ecovolunteers improve their understanding of biodiversity by
21 participating in the conservation and preservation efforts of the FUDEBIOL team.
The organization also hosts visiting scientists and researchers who are drawn to the oasis to study plants and animals under the watchful eye of Park Ranger Jesús Monge Fallas. FUDEBIOL’s staff is tiny, and their mission is large, but as American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
A lesser-known activity of FUDEBIOL is the Tree For Life Memorial Program, whereby locals and foreigners can adopt and plant a tree in their name or the name of a loved one. The Reserve generally offers six types of trees to choose from, plants them for you, and installs a small plaque with the honoree’s name. The cost for this lovely gesture is only $50.00 USD and is a wonderful way to honor someone special while helping to stop the deforestation of the Quebradas river basin. The Reserve is reached by the bus marked Quebradas from the central bus station which drops you at the end of the line. This is followed by about a 30-minute hike on a dirt road. Or, you can drive or take a taxi there, simply follow the map on their website www.fudebiol.org. Admission is 1,000c, (about $2.00 USD). The price allows the visitor an incredible chance to see some 175 species of birds, as well as amazing butterflies, insects, and mammals. They even provide you with hand-painted walking sticks to help you navigate their trails to access the best panoramic views. FUDEBIOL’s phone number is (506) 2771 4131, and they are open Tues. through Fri. 8 AM to 4 PM. Jorge Barbosa Valverde, President of FUDEBIOL, when questioned about the future of the Reserve states, “Our hope is that FUDEBIOL continues to develop as an environmental organization, fulfilling our mission of providing potable water for future generations and generaleños (people from Valley of El General). To that end, we hope for continued support from all those who drink water from the Rio Quebradas, both locals and foreigners.” If you want to help this worthy endeavor to preserve the Quebradas river basin, here’s how: ~ Adopt a tree: $50.00.
~ Visit the Reserve: $2.00.
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~ Make a donation of any amount to this nonprofit group; every dollar counts.
~ Recommend the Ecovolunteer Program to people who might be interested. ~ Host an event at the conference center; catering and overnight accommodations are available.
Sadly, on June 2nd, the Prince of Peace statue, which watched over the Valley of El General as well as the Reserve, was struck by lightning, leaving only smoking ashes. Asked to comment about the loss, Barbosa Valverde said, “The tragedy of the lightning strike on our Prince of Peace will surely galvanize the community to organize a movement to resurrect the statue from the ashes, like a Phoenix, a glorious symbol for the residents of the Valley and its visitors.” We look forward to both the continued success of FUDEBIOL Reserve and the restoration of its guardian angel, the Prince of Peace Statue.
Carol Vaughn is from Washington, DC and has been enjoying Perez Zeledon for three fabulous years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts and is a retired tap dancer. She can be contacted at: carolvaughn2012@gmail.com. Photos by Bryan Herrera.
El Residente
22 Legal Update
by Allan Garro
Expropriations Could Affect Expats in Costa Rica
D
emocratic governments are allowed to take private property in order to use it for a public interest. This can be done through a procedure called Expropriation, or Eminent Domain as it is known in other countries. Expropriation can be defined as “The power to take private property for public use by a state, municipality or private person or corporation authorized to exercise functions of public character, following the payment of just compensation to the owner of that property.” A good example is the latest highway built in Costa Rica, connecting San Jose with Puntarenas, better known as the “Highway 27”, where a corporation was authorized to exercise the function of public character. The Spanish corporation, Autopistas del Sol, obtained the concession to complete that route and charge for its use through toll payment sites located along the way. Because the road design included some private properties, the Government of Costa Rica had to pay compensation to the affected owners. The initial expropriation procedure is as follows:
a. The Government declares the property for public interest purposes and files an annotation over the property at National Registry.
b. The Government makes an appraisal of the property, which includes the value of the land and all constructions as well as other concessions or commercial rights held by the property.
c. The appraisal is communicated to the owner who can decide to accept it and sign a transfer deed or refuse it, in which case going to Court will be the next step. In Court the Government has to start an Expropriation Procedure by depositing the amount of the appraisal made by Government, and denied by the property owner, into a secure fund. Next, the Court will appoint an expert to make another appraisal and will order to the property owner to vacate the property within 15 days, to be delivered to the Government. If the appraisal made by the Court Expert is too different than the one made by the Government, a third expert can be appointed to clarify the situation. Sometimes the Government only intends to take a portion of a property, in which case the remaining part continues under control of the owner. However, if the owner can demonstrate the remaining portion becomes useless by having the portion taken, then the owner can request in Court that the entire property be taken and they be paid for the total, instead of just paying for the portion. If owner wants to keep the remaining portion, but can demonstrate the taking decreased the value of the re-
National Registry
Court
Appraisal
use
d
Fi l e
da t
ef if r
Deposit
if accepted
Expropriated property
Agreement
Third party clarification Second appraisal
23 maining part, the Government must pay for such a value decrease. Another scenario can be when restrictions are set on a property and such restrictions are out of proportion and totally unreasonable. In Costa Rica it is legal to impose certain restrictions on the use of a property. A good example is to leave 2.5 meters from the from property line unused, in order to build sidewalks or to leave even more meters to be reserved for a future expansion of the road. When the restrictions go out of proportion, however, the affected owner can request the expropriation of the part affected.
The Expropriations Act can also be used for the imposition or easements imposed by certain Public Institutions. A good example is when ICE, the Costa Rican electricity company, installs high tension towers inside a property, it creates a legal easement 30-meters wide through the property along the path where the towers and its power lines are located. In these cases ICE is obligated to pay proper compensation to the affected property, based on the rules of the law.
In a specific case held by our office, ICE was obligated to pay: a. For the value of the land, b. For the value of
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all trees that were cut to create the easement, c. Legal interest over amounts set for the land and trees and, d. Indexing all amounts. (Indexing means to calculate compensation at present value. For instance, if the ICE took the property in 2012, and compensation was determined in 2015, then all amounts can be indexed to 2015, based on the index created by the Statistics National Centre.)
It is important to be aware of what kinds of restrictions to use of a property are imposed by local authorities because they can affect the property compensation which can be claimed. Also, when a public Institution intends to create an easement to install water pipes, power lines, or other public services, similar compensation is owed too. In all cases, the Government is obligated to pay a “just price� which not only includes the value of the land, but also a number of other aspects depending on each property and its conditions. Allan Garro Navarro Attorney at Law
www.garrolaw.com
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Exchange rate of CRC to USD
543.08 540.58 539.08 538.11 539.99 540.92
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Directory Holidays of Costa Rica
Saturday July 25th Annexation of Guanacaste National Holiday Sunday August 2nd Our Lady of Los Ángeles Observance
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Certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica
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Saturday August 15th Mother’s Day National Holiday
Wednesday September 9th Children’s Day Observance Tuesday September 15th Independence Day National Holiday Funniest One Liners Computers used to be user-friendly. Now they are downright bold! No matter how much you push the envelope, it is still stationary. I am close to being a millionaire - just seven figures away.
I need a better attorney - the court said I was exonerated and my lawyer appealed the decision. How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? To get to the other side.
I knew my father was loosing it when he thought he was a chicken. I considered getting him some help, but I needed the eggs.
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