As you already know, our annual event is planned for  Chicago, IL, in the US this year and our guest of honor is Danilo Layan Gabb, who some of the past volunteers already know. Danilo is a member of the Bri Bri tribe living in Bambu and is a famous element of Tropical Adventures family.

We have been waiting anxiously to know whether Danilo would be able to come with us to the event or not. To do so, he needed to get a visa from US Embassy, not an easy task for a Costa Rican who has never received any visa to the US before.

This morning, Danilo had an appointment at the US Embassy for his visa interview. Scott went with him and they waited for hours to get the answer, and it was yes. How relieving it was! You can imagine how excited Danilo is now. It is so rewarding for him and it would have been so unfair to see a refusal from the Embassy.

Now, Danilo is definitely going to Chicago and will enjoy his first travel to the US. We are all proud and excited for him. This kind of story gives hope and reason to fight. Never give up and do your best.

Danilo will be in Chicago for the annual event on August the 14^th and the 15^th, what about you?

We really hope you will come and join us in Chicago!

Tropical Adventures

For almost five years now, Tropical Adventures has been providing help and support to all the communities with which the Foundation has been working. In this sense, we can consider our actions successful but, as you already know, we are too dependent on the context of external decisions (politics e.g.) to keep a budget steady. This is the drawback of being a non-profit, we can’t anticipate market fluctuations. Still, we keep thinking that our projects deserve to be and have a strong meaning. This sharing of knowledge and culture benefits you and us and that’s why we are asking you to help us out.

This time of the year is very difficult, in the months coming, not many volunteers will travel to our projects so our income decreases. Nevertheless, people from the communities who are working with us continue their life…That’s why we need you: kids still need to go to school, our friends from Bambu still need our support and animals from the Wildlife RescueCenter still need to be rescued and fed.

We have until August 31th to collect about $40,000 and thus to be able to provide you the same service quality and to continue to be efficient in our support of communities and environment.

Your donation will be an investment in their future and their success in life…

Hundreds of kids, families, foundations and animals count on your help, it’s up to you now.

Thank you for your support and all your love,

Always yours,

Tropical Adventures

Nowadays, something is happening to the world. People start to worry about the place we live and feel more and more concerned about ecological issues. It is a good point, but we have to be careful about the way to do it, and be very vigilant about who to trust in.

When you want to travel and to discover a new country, the safe reflex is to get informed about who you are going to travel with and especially if you have chosen to volunteer. Nevertheless, do not think that all ecotourism companies and organizations will provide you the same service quality, it is not true. Some of these are just using it as a business, won’t care about the kind of activities and you will be doing nothing really useful either for the community or for yourself.

At Tropical Adventures, our purpose is your personal fulfillment, the community development and the environmental aspects.

What we can do for you:

First, only come if you really want to do so and if you are highly motivated. We are not offering a sweet and nice hotel with swimming pool and drinks all day long. No, what we can do for you, is provide you with a sense of self accomplishment, a new definition of yourself and something that you probably never felt before. You will meet people from our communities, our friends, and not just business partners. Our host families will do their best to make you feel comfortable and will teach you all they can about the Costa Rican culture and lifestyle.  

We have been providing these projects and tours for years now and you can be sure that every single day will be busy. We have all kind of activities for you, no matter how old you are, if you are in groups or by yourself, or if you came as a family. What we offer you are not simply vacations but life experiences. 

What we can do for the community:

            As I already said, we are not talking about collaborators, but very close friends. Our action, through your help, can help more and more people each year. First, because we are a non-profit organization, the benefits made from programs are going to the communities we are working with. We buy them materials like paint or tools and gifts, this money is also helpful to pay teachers and school supplies. Secondly, the meeting between local people and foreigners is really beneficial for both parts.  You, as volunteers, will teach them English and they will teach you a lot of things about their culture. And last, but not least, the point of our commitment is to fully respect the environment, nature and the culture. We want you to learn how life is here and  why we love it.

Tropical Adventures is not about being a regular company, making profits, selling you a service and taking your money. Tropical Adventures is a community, a way of thinking morally and more than this, we are a family, growing every time a volunteer joins us. We would love for you to be our next family member.

Tropical Adventures

Living in Costa Rica these five years I have learned much about myself, other people and the similarities and differences in cultures. Recently there was a survey posted on CNN announcing Costa Rica as the happiest country in the world. This was based on general contentment, life expectancy and ecological footprint. While there are areas which could use improvement, I generally agree with this.

In these years, I have seen people working hard at construction or standing on steep mountain sides picking coffee, all the while singing and sometimes in unison. I have attended a birthday party for a gentleman who is 101 years old and still going strong. People here are extremely polite and friendly. Where else does everyone who gets off the public bus, thank the driver as they descend the steps and the bus driver replies, “Con mucho gusto”,  which means, it was my pleasure. And where else do the people give up their seat on the public bus so an elderly person may sit down. The same gesture is given to pregnant women or ones with small children.

People here remember your name, even if you are not close friends and if they haven’t seen you in months. I was in a restaurant a couple of nights ago and the owner and cook, Aida came running announcing our names, greeted us with a kiss, asking where we had been these past months. As someone once said if someone came to your house to tell you it was burning, they would ask how you and your family were first.  A friend here once met my mother four years ago and every time I see him he still asks about her.

Yes, Costa Rica is a happy country and I am happy to call it my adopted country.

Ray Reynolds

Saint Francis of Assisi, Francisco de Asis in Spanish, is not the most famous of Catholic Church Saints, but he is one we all have to learn from. Indeed, Francisco de Asis used to place as equals, all the creatures of God. The interesting part to us is not about God’s Creation, but more about the equal aspect. What Francisco de Asis wanted for all of us was the unity, the harmony and a synergy between human beings and the whole of nature; and that is what Alvaro and his father Jaime want for all of us as well. From this comes the name Asis Project.

Asis Project is located near La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano, in Alajuela province of Costa Rica. When you are standing outside the front gate, waiting to enter, you think about an old factory or an illegal workshop. Once inside, it is just another world.

The office reminds you of a nice and cozy hotel office, the main building is very impressive and it is hiding a beautiful pond, full of ducks, herons, blue jays, fishes and even a caiman! If you hear like a buzzy noise, turn your head and you'll see dozens of hammerbirds flying around.

In addition to its amazing scene, humans and animals live in a perfect harmony in this Center. You will meet two adorable Kinkajous, Benjamin and Cindy, three funny monkeys, a lovely and smelly wild boar named Perla, parrots, parakeets, an impressive hawk and three hilarious and likeable baby raccoons, who are only 3 months old and are already smarter than any dog or cat.

This is the wildlife you are going to meet in Asis Project, where Alvaro, his father Jaime who is a professional veterinarian, Teniente, Mary and volunteers and students work every single day a year, helping animals and educating people. Because that what all this is about: Education.

This Wildlife Rescue Center exists because of people’s behavior, for example if they see a raccoon or a caiman in the backyard, they will try to kill it. This is just ignorance, you can find examples of even more cruelty.

Let me tell you a story: two days before leaving the Center, a MINAE car (governmental environment safety), brought us an animal they found on the road side, an owl. It was a beautiful white owl, with black patches around its yellow eyes. Very impressive in its way to stand and to look at you, it was clear that this owl, young but at least one year old, did not fall from a tree and had not been attacked but was abandoned. It was accustomed to human presence (even if you could barely touch it) and especially because it had its wing cut off. Yes, some people wanted to make it as a pet, and to be sure it would not fly away, cut its wing off. This owl won’t never fly again, and, without the help of the MINAE and Asis Project, it would have been dead a couple of hours after they abandoned it.

This story, which is one among dozens, is a proof of the importance of Asis Project, but it especially demonstrates a lack of humanity in some humans…Volunteering in the Wildlife Rescue Center means working hard, digging out for days to build a lagoon for example, or building new cages for new arrivals, because even if they are shut in, they still need a decent place to live, if you want have idea in video, clik here. Come and help us! This project is beautiful for any person who wants to be useful and humane, because these animals just need a hand from you.

Romain, Marketing Intern for Tropical Adventures.

             Hojancha truly is the most peaceful and friendly town I have ever been to. Within days of arriving I have friends religiously stopping by my house to see what I am up to. In addition to providing me with a great opportunity to practice my Spanish, each person I have met is genuinely kind and sincere. Being such a small town “todo el mundo conoce a todos” or everybody knows everybody in Hojancha. It is difficult to walk down the street without someone shouting your name or giving you the friendly Pura Vida!  One of my best friends, Maikol, is a taxi driver, which can really come in handy. The other day I had a TON of laundry to carry back from Ricardo's house (the only guy in town I know with a washing machine). As I was struggling with the awkward and heavy bags, out of nowhere came Maikol, ready and willing to give me a lift to my house.  My host family has been unbelievably kind and hospitable. They are always willing to go on a walk, go out for pizza, or watch a movie together.  Not only have they been able to immensely help me practice my Spanish, but I have also helped them with their English!

            Working with the kids in the day care center has also been a great experience. While they can get a little rowdy at times, they are all fun, great kids. They love listening to me read stories and learning new words in English!  The day care Staff has been a blast to work with. They always provide me with something to eat and a delicious “fresco” to drink. In addition to volunteering in the day care center, I have also gone to Monte Alto where I worked alongside another volunteer. While it was a lot of intense labor, I really enjoyed getting to know the friendly and hardworking staff while simultaneously enjoying the breathtaking, beautiful views. Zachary, the other volunteer, and I helped create handrails for a bridge across a river and afterward we were able to carve our names into one of the rocks used as a support! I also spent a few days in Camaronal working on the Sea Turtle Project.  The beach at Camaronal was unbelievably clean. The waves were HUGE, and attracted a lot of high skill- level surfers. Getting a taste for the night patrols was really fun!  I wish I could have stayed for more time!

            While not volunteering I have enjoyed swimming in the river, lifting weights with some of my new friends, eating the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted, and learning to cook new and interesting things with  my host family.  On the weekends I have been to a few dances, gone to the beach, and played basketball. Last Saturday my friend Josue invited me to his family reunion party at his grandparents' house. It proved to be an amazing celebration starting  with a game of “fútbol.”  Afterwards there was loads of food, music, and dancing. They even had a Nintendo Wii set up for the kids to play with. Ok....I played too! For me, living and volunteering in Hojancha has been an amazing experience. I cannot wait to see what the next few weeks will bring.

Jason, intern in Hojancha for Tropical Adventures.

A brief description of Puerto Limon

    If you have never heard of Limon before, it means that you have never been to Costa Rica.

Indeed, Puerto Limon is one of the oldest cities of the continent, and has been exporting fruits and other typical products for almost two centuries! Located on the Caribbean coast, Limon is the capital of Limon Province is around 160 kilometers away from San José.

We cannot really define Puerto Limon as a touristic place, this city got its importance because of the strategic location and because coffee and bananas exports used to be the first income of Costa Rica, which is tourism nowadays.

Anyway, Puerto Limon remains a very attractive place, first because of the architecture, but especially because this city has nothing to do with others cities of Costa Rica! Indeed, by its location and its history, Limon has become a typical Caribbean city, with a Jamaican lifestyle and population. The only place of Costa Rica where you expect to meet Bob Marley at each street corner, and it is even craziest during the Carnival! But this is the richness of Costa Rica, its diversity!a

What’s happening in Lemon?

    Today, Puerto Limon port really needs a relooking as it is old and not competitive compared to its potential. Costa Rica has not enough resources for this kind of renovation, so the government launched an invitation to tender for this project. We are talking about a $800 billion venture, and several international corporations are already interested in this opportunity, such as for example Dubai Ports, Marina Evergreen from Taiwan and Hutchison Whampoa from Hong Kong.

This renovation project is obviously a great opportunity for the economy and the activity in this part of Costa Rica. Still, there are different factors to consider in this project. First, even if it would be a substantial income for the country, this issue means a new private ownership from a foreigner company and involves questions. Can we be sure that it will also benefit to Costa Rican? Will they be respectful of the environment and the nature around which makes the beauty of the country?

Of course, this renovation will reduce the importations costs and will allow local producers to be more competitive on the international market.

This renovation will definitely be beneficial for the community of Puerto Limon, but we have to be careful of the possible consequences of such a project, especially on the long-term.

Tropical Adventures.

Hi there! We just wanted to inform you about a couple of events taking place in Puerto Viejo area, so if you are around, enjoy it and let us know about the experience!!!

This Weekend:

Festivals of Suretka: Starting today the 3rd of July and continuing on the 4th and 5th, the community of Suretka is having its community festival on the River bank (Playón). Take this opportunity to go spend some times enjoying food, art, and music up in Alta-Talamanca.

Friday July 10th:

Movie Night with ATEC and the BioFuel Cooperative:

The BioFuel Cooperative and ATEC are starting at series of Movie Nights at the restaurant in the corner of Puerto Viejo called Tex-Mex.

Tonight’s Movie is called "Human Foot Print." 

It's about consumerism and trash. It's Really Good!

When: Starts at 6:30

No Cost--but donations for the biofuel coop accepted

Where: Tex Mex in Puerto Viejo.

Next Week:

It's school vacation and various workshops are being offered:

Recycled Art Workshops.

In Puerto Viejo

What: ATEC has an energetic young volunteer, Anouck is her name. She and ATEC's favorite recycled artist, Tirza, are putting on a workshop making recycled art projects.

When: Starting Tuesday the 7 of July, all week days until Friday the 17th. From 10 AM to Noon.

Who: 5th and or 6th Graders

Contact: Tirza and Anouck at ATEC 2750 0398

Where: the ProNiño building in Puerto Viejo

Inscription: The kids will be asked to bring in supplies for creating art from recycled materials.

In Punta Uva

Eco-Art

When: Monday's, Wednesday's, and Fridays for the next three weeks starting the 6th of July until the 24th. From 10 AM to 1PM.

Who: Kids

Contact: Pamela at the Tree House 2750 0706

Where: the Tree House/Iguana Foundation in Punta Uva.

Inscription: 10.000 por semana. (1200 por hora)

In Playa Negra

What: Primer Festival de la Expresión

Workshop of ceramic painting of ceramic fish for the kids

A guided hike around Finca la Isla's Botanical Garden for the adults

An afternoon mud bath.

Includes a snack

When: The 16 of July from 8AM to Noon

Who: Kids and their parents

Contact: Ashley at the Botanical Garden 2750 0046 or Anaís 8323 4650

Where: Finca La Isla's Botanical Garden in Playa Negra

Inscription: 5.000 colones

Enjoy and…Pura vida!!

A quick briefing

Nowadays, the world is in movement. European countries have opened their borders each other, free movement of people and goods are multiplying, air traffic is growing day after day, it is a time of globalization and international business. This evolution of our world touches each one of us. We can have any tropical fruit, such as a mango or a pineapple imported from Brazil, to  our front door supermarket. Today, with just a click on your computer, we are able to book a trip to the other side of the world. We can enjoy every part of it. Yes, we can. And we do, but careful, every pleasure has a cost and every move that we make can have a negative effect.

     Most of people are now aware of the existence of associations, as well as NGOs, whose purpose is to guarantee a fair trade between producer and consumer. This system helps local communities to lead a more decent life, to get their children educated and to feed themselves. But, if to buy through a Fair Trade label is enough for you to feel satisfied of your action, you are far from the truth. Fair trade is the beginning of a consciousness from people, but it remains a tiny part of all what we can do. Not only food or clothes are involved in this process, services are too.

    Indeed, travelling can be very noxious for the environment and for people living in the country  you are visiting. Just have a look to some places in Mexico, which became a real spot for tour operators and travel agencies, not really concerned by environmental issues. You can help us to preserve that.

What about ecotourism?

     Ecotourism is simply another way to travel. Ecotourism means to care about the country you are visiting and the culture you are meeting. People love to discover a new lifestyle, but we have to think about locals too. For example, do not book a hotel for just one week of trip when you are coming from the other part of world, it is a waste of energy and money. Be careful who you are travelling with, some tour operators and hotels don’t care about Human Rights or the environment protection, just like airplane companies which don’t worry about CO2 emission. It looks obvious to people that local communities should take benefits from tourists coming to their country, unfortunately most of time it is not the case. If we think it is normal to pay the right price to a coffee producer, why wouldn’t it be so for the same for the population who hosts you on his own home land?

This is a behavior we need to integrate for the well-being of our future, and as you know, if the demand of such a program increases, the offer will too. Of course, there are limits of sustainable tourism, you will have to fly anyway for example, but we are still far away from those limits. Ecotourism is not only about environment, it is about cultures, traditions and social issues.

Romain.