central america
Central America, once home to the Mayan Civilization, offers a Wander-worthy mix of old and modern.
Pura Vida Means Good News for All Who Care to Listen!
We love to share stories about the GOOD NEWS that happens here in Costa Rica. And the great thing about it is that these stories NEVER RUN OUT. . they NEVER STOP! Everyday, more stories are shared with us and the excitement grows about one of the happiest countries on the planet! We pass these stories on to you and then we're all in a good mood!
By William "Skip" Licht4 years ago in Wander
The Concept of 'Time' Seems to be Different Here in Costa Rica. .
Alarm clocks and calendars. . both necessary items for most people in 2022. We are guided by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years. Our future plans are laid out in a fashion that have been with all of us for hundreds of years! Even before the adjustable alarm clock was invented in 1847, we all still, as a society, relied on natural ways to plan our days, weeks and months ahead. Whether we measured time by the rising of the sun, the phases of the moon and / or the alignment of the stars and planets above, knowing where you were in the entire realm of life was so very important and necessary. Julius Caesar even used a calendar that guided him and the masses for many years.
By William "Skip" Licht4 years ago in Wander
Today is the 1st Day of the Rest of Your Life!
How nice would it be to finally be in the position to build a dream home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica? What happens on that 1st day of the rest of your life? You've arrived and the sun is coming up. . DAY 1!
By William "Skip" Licht4 years ago in Wander
The Bus People
I just came back from a walk in the jungle. More precisely, a walk in the rainforest with a backdrop of cloud forest behind me and a view of two active volcanoes directly ahead. Once home, I boarded a bus, took a hot shower to soothe a few new purraja bites I picked up outside, then settled into my recliner with a cold glass of tamarindo juice and my laptop.
By Rhonda Kay5 years ago in Wander
The Geography of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a tiny, mountainous country located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. . Nicaragua is to the north and Panama is to the south. The coastal areas are made up of beaches and mangroves. Moving further inland, it becomes immediately mountainous. . the Talamanca Mountains divides the country into eastern and western areas. These mountains average a few thousand feet in elevation, though some peaks are much higher. The higher-altitude mountains often ascend into the clouds, creating a beautiful, cooler cloud forest habitat. The tallest peak in Costa Rica is "Cerro Chirripo", which is 12,533 feet above sea level. Costa Rica is also home to many volcanoes. . only five are considered "active". There are many streams, rivers and waterfalls, but only a few lakes. Lake Arenal is the largest and of course, is located in front of the Arenal volcano.
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
Your Pathway to Paradise!
That first hike into the jungle. It's not for the faint of heart. . you're going to be surrounded by things that can hurt you. Over 20,000 species of spiders. . YES, 20,000! At last count, 137 species of snakes. . 8 known species of poison dart frogs. . 6 different kinds of wild cats. . pumas, jaguars. . Sharp teeth. . fangs. . deadly toxins. . beware!
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
How the "Gringo" Got His Name!
When you first arrive in Costa Rica, wherever you are from originally doesn't really matter. You're a "gringo" whether you like it or not! As a person from the USA, I have never thought that there was any bad feelings at all when standing face to face with a Tico. In fact, I have experienced nothing but smiles and kind words.
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
Cuteness at the Highest Level. . Costa Rica's Coatimundi. .
The white-nosed coatimundi, or "coati", as it is sometimes called, is one of Costa Rica 's 200 mammal species. It is commonly mistaken for a raccoon or a large house cat, as it is similar in size and appearance. Their fur is reddish-brown to dark brown in color. And, they are so cute! By the way, in Costa Rica, they are also known as "pizotes".
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
The Beautiful Waterfalls Here in Costa Rica. .
With close to 30% of Costa Rica's land mass designated as "protected" by the government here, it is safe to say that hundreds of these treasured waterfalls will be here forever. And that is good news for the millions of visitors and for the 5 million citizens.
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
The Arts. . the Culture. . the Theatre. . the Music. . the Museums. . the Dances. .
Although the temptation is there to spend your time here in Costa Rica on a beach, hiking in the jungles, climbing a volcano or two or enjoying a coffee plantation tour, do not forget to carve away some free time studying this country's many rich cultural offerings. . the arts, their museums, the theater, its music and so much more.
By William "Skip" Licht5 years ago in Wander
