I think the writer at BirdingCraft.com put it best saying, “The upsides of living in a seismically active country are the hot springs and I suppose visiting active volcanoes. The downside is of course the possibility of having your house collapse onto your head or other nasty effects cause by EARTHQUAKE.”

It was a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Thursday, January 8th, 2009 at 2 pm and the death toll is now estimated at about 40. (Reuters)

Daniel Gallardo, the National Emergency Commission head, believes that the 14 bodies in addition to the 23 missing are probably it as far as fatalities go.

“If there are (more) people missing,” he said, “their families will advise us. It’s unlikely Read more

The vast majority of Latin America is expressing their excitement over the “election of change” in the United States with Obama being voted into office earlier this month. Costa Rica is no exception.

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias had this to say:

As a Costa Rican Democrat and I am very happy for what happened in the United States. The significance of this election is too big, not only for that country but also for the rest of the world.

He went on to compare Obama to JF Kennedy for his “idealism.”

The Costa Rican press seemed just as excited. Nación ran an article entitled “Presidente de la esperanza” (President of Hope) which stated in part: Read more

Elections are right around the corner, and they are what practically everyone the world over is talking about. But, what effect will the election of Obama have on Costa Rica? And what if McCain takes office? Both scenarios have pros and cons for Costa Rica.

If McCain takes office and puts his plans into action to reduce the American tax burden wealthy Americans might be more inclined to spend their disposable income investing in Costa Rica. McCain also supports CAFTA, which would fuel trade and the outsourcing of labor to Costa Rica. McCain’s proposal of a Wall Street bailout could end with banks finding their feet again, supporting investment in Costa Rica. However, many Costa Ricans do Read more