The most striking thing about Costa Rica is not that it is a egalitarian society but that it is so because colonizers left it alone; Yes, you read it right. Precisely because our so called development model and civilized people did not touch it, it is setting a fine model today. Colonizers did not find any natural resources on this strip of land and the population was too thinly spread for exploitation of cheap labor. Here are some noteworthy things about this tiny nation -
- Produces >90% electricity with renewable resources
- Aims to be 100% carbon neutral by 2021
- Abolished military since 1949 - Yes, that school of thought is alive and kicking although our ideas of fake machismo may not allow space for it
- Best human development record in the Latin region
- Least inequality among Central and South American countries
- Extremely high literacy rate
Costa Rica is a land of surging rivers, growling volcanoes and rich jungles. It is a mecca for adventure junkies. You cannot drive 5 Kms (yes, they are ahead of america in adopting science; they follow the more accurate metric system) without facing a billboard welcoming you to jump into a deep gorge or climbing a volcanic peak.
Recommended activities:
- Bungee Jumping in Monteverde, Costa Rica - Lush green views from one of the tallest Bungee platforms in the world
- Whitewater Rafting on Pacuare river, Costa Rica
- Surfing in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Waterfall Rappeling in the canyons of La Fortuna, Arenal, Costa Rica
- Ziplining in Monteverde, Costa Rica - Some of the fastest and longest zip lines in the world
- Kayaking in Mangrove forest among Monkeys and Constrictor Boas in Costa Rica
Recommended spots:
- Lake Arenal
- La Fortuna
- Monteverde - This will remind Indians (the ones Columbus did not find - Thank God for that stroke of good luck for us) of Nainital etc
- Tamarindo - Surfing, surfing and more surfing
- Manuel Antonio - Although on the beach, this is more suitable for relaxed observation from your luxury suite than any adventure
Most touching experience: Growing up in non-cosmopolitan India, I remember experiencing little acts that made us a community from a bunch of individuals. An experience I sorely miss in USA and more recently, even back home in Mumbais and Delhis of our new world. However, Costa Rica is a warm experience. An instant throwback to bygone era. People are generally happy and the nature of work (working the farm and tourism) makes them more social than individualistic. They make enough to afford to care but not so much to be ignorant and vain. In short, life is more or less in a sweet spot and I got to experience a touching example of that. After I was returning whitewashed from my fresh surfing lesson, I noticed by knees were bloody so Chandni took me to a small store to buy bandage etc. The lady initially directed us to some piece of cotton but when she saw my knee, she took matters in her own hands. From some nook, she pulled a tray with first aid kit, personally gave instructions to Chandni to clean up the would and apply disinfectant etc. In my typical social instinct, pulled out my wallet but she categorically refused any colones and immediately went back to attending other customers. The point I am making is that although this appears this is how the world should operate. That there should be some things sacred. Out of reach for arguments of efficiency, value addition blah blah bla. I am so corrupted by this new system of paying off that I wanted to buy something from the store to thank the lady but mercifuly Chandni dissuaded me and preserved the beauty of that kind act as a loving memory.
