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Sunday
16 February 2003
NOT FOR A MILLION DOLLARS!
By: Paul Hovinga
When I first came to Costa Rica, it was easy to come to a speedy conclusion to stay here for a long long time. What a country! The greatest bio diversity in the whole world, so many different
climate zones and a laid back life style in which the only real issue seems to be the decision where to go dancing the coming
weekend.
A Dutch friend picked me up at the airport. He had arrived five days before me and the first thing he told me was: "It's so funny here, they are playing country. You can find here everything a real country has, but you just can't believe it's all true".
And it isn't! The traffic cop who stops you for speeding (yes, they play with radar guns) turns out to be your
neighbour's nephew, cellular phones don't work half the time and if you want to pay someone by electronic banking, you first have to go to the bank to ask permission to pay that particular someone.
It's exactly what I was looking for. I was tired of the
European and American efficiency.
BORING! I was tired too of the arrogance of power. What I found here is much better and more pure: the arrogance of beauty.
Costa Rica is like this breathtaking girl who says to herself: " Hell, I know you rich guys will come looking for me, so why worry about a career?"
So, Costa Rica tries to remain beautiful. About 40% of the total territory is National Park and being well protected. Other than that: we are playing country.
In my weekly article I'll write about this beauty, about the challenges it offers and about the positive sides of human involvement in all this. You will get to know many interesting people who, often unselfishly and creatively, contribute in a huge way to protect the priceless treasure this country offers to everyone who is willing to see it.
I'm privileged, for I get to discover the spots and the people for you and guess what: I wouldn't trade places with anyone, NOT FOR A MILLION DOLLARS!
Paul Hovinga has traveled all over the world before settling down in Costa Rica, as a travel consultant.
You can contact him at: baulatours@racsa.co.cr
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