COSTA RICA - LAND OF SUNSHINE & SMILES

AGRICOLA MONTE ALBAN

Agricola Monte Alban is a privately owned botanical garden established by Dr. Geovanny Arias M. in Santiago de Puriscal, Costa Rica.

The garden is situated on about 3.25 acres in a climate suited for most tropical plants. There is an irrigation system to provide moisture for the higher moisture requiring plants and to provide moisture during the dry season.

There are a wide variety of fruit trees and stunning collection of heliconias and ginger. The colors are stunning. The collection is comprised of specimins from all of Costa Rica.

Dr. Arias was kind enough to spare us almost all day to visit this remarkable undertaking.

Tortuguero is located on the North East coast and is largely a wetland with a beach on the ocean. As the name implies, the sea turtles (Green & Leatherback) come to these beaches to lay their eggs. The area is highly protective and has many comfortable lodges as tourist accommodations. All have boats to tour the region.

Lodges are reached only by boat. The drive to the boat loading area is a trip in itself through pineapple and banana plantations and abundant cattle country. We stopped to see banana being packed for the USA.

This area is a "must see" in Costa Rica as there is an abundant biodiversity of flora and fauna. Because of their protected status, the animals are not shy, and many great photo opportunities exist daily.

OXCART PARADE - SAN ANTONIO DE ESCAZU

Each year, on the second Sunday in March, people in Escazu observe the tradition of the oxcart parade. Escazu is noted as being "The City of Witches".

At the start, mounted police are followed by the "mascaras" or masks that are carried the whole way on the shoulders. These are quite heavy.

The oxen handlers/drivers are known as "Boyeros" and wear their trademark machetes on their belt. In past years these carts were used to transport coffee to the Coast for shipment. This journey sometimes took over a week walking with steady, slow moving oxen.

Each entrant has individually decorated carts, and a matched pair of oxen. The cost for maintaining this tradition can be quite high (several thousands of dollars), and the animals are especially trained to pull the carts.

Everyone has a great time - lots of partying, and all ends up in the square in front of the church in San Antonio de Escazu.

FLOWERING TREES OF COSTA RICA

During the dry season many of the trees loose their leaves to conserve moisture. Many flower during this time also.

Most of these trees are legumes and the brilliant colors make this time beautiful. The Roble Sabana, from a distance remind one of Japan during cherry blossom season.

Also included is a picture of the National flower, an orchid, and some interesting Oropendula nests.