September 27 is World Tourism Day founded by UNWTO.

Purpose of this day is to encourage awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. This day is a celebration of tourism´s capacity, to bring the people of the world closer together and break down barriers between cultures. It is a chance to raise awareness of how tourism can foster tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. It is also an opportunity to explore how tourism can contribute to the world´s peace.

Every year UNWTO invites all people without exception to take part in the World Tourism Day celebrations in their countries or holiday destination. By this event the United Nations tries to highlight its Millennium Development Goal (MDGs) which are: To End Poverty and Hunger, Universal Education, Gender Equality, Child Health, Maternal Health, Combat HIV/AIDS, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnership. It also tries to highlight the contribution the tourism sector can make in reaching these goals.

Each time World Tourism Day is celebrated by events around the themes chosen by the UNWTO General Assembly, on the recommendation of the UNWTO Executive Council.

Tourism – Linking Cultures; theme of World Tourism Day 2011

This year’s theme is a celebration of role of tourism in linking cultures of the world through travel.

Millions of people are travelling the world each year, they have been to so many places, and they have been so exposed to other cultures like never before. In order to build blocks for a more peaceful world, it is important to foster tolerance, respect and mutual understanding between individuals and communities. Tourism can help to maintain spiritual and cultural respect among people, while creating economic opportunities to benefit disadvantaged populations.

History of this day

In Spain, September 1979 UNWTO General Assembly decided to establish World Tourism Day, beginning in 1980. This day was selected to coincide with an important milestone in world tourism. It was the anniversary of adoption of the UNWTO Statues on 27 September 1970.

What is UNWTO?

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a United Nations agency and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. Organization´s headquarter is based in Madrid-Spain, and it serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.  UNWTO has a central and decisive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, where it pays a particular attention to the interest of developing countries. It also compiles the World Tourism rankings. The World Tourism Organization is a significant global body, concerned with the collection and collation of statistical information on international tourism. This organization represents public sector tourism bodies, from most countries in the world and the publication of its data makes possible comparisons of the flow and growth of tourism on a global scale. The official languages of UNWTO are Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

UNWTO has memberships in 154 countries, 7 territories and over 00 Affiliate Members that represent private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.

UNWTO encourages the implementation of its The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. It is a frame of reference for the responsible and sustainable development of World tourism.

Time goes so fast and it´s already one month since me and Jakub started our marketing internship with Tropical Adventures. We have already had an amazing opportunity to go to the Manuel Antonio National Park, where there is a great future possibility for Tropical Adventures to open a new projects for our volunteers. But more about this trip you can read in our other post from David here.

Another great possibility occurred for exploring more beauty of Costa Rica and we went to stay few nights in Bambu village, where our Bambu indigenous project takes place. Commonly labeled on traditional maps as “Bratsi”, Bambu can be reached about 30 minutes from the main indigenous community of Bribri. During the way to get there we were passing alongside Suretka river and on the opposite side of the riverbank we could have seen Panama. We stayed in Bambu Cultural Centre that was built by using traditional indigenous methods and hosts people from around the world. Just by staying in the Centre it supports up to 20 local families through the income it produces through receiving overnight guests. 

 Next day we took a look around and visited elementary school of Bambu, where our volunteers have opportunity to participate and also retirement home, where we were warmly welcomed by one of the nuns that takes care of the elderly people living there and volunteers are there welcome as well. For more information about typical day in Bambu you can read more here.

Talamanca Indigenous Cultural Festival

As the headline indicates, we didn´t come to Bambu just to enjoy beauty of indigenous centre and hospitality of local people, but the main reason was to experience a Talamanca Indigenous Cultural Festival, that took place during the weekend August 6-7 in nearby village called Amubri. This was a first year of this festival among the indigenous communities of Talamanca and local political officials. The event was held in honor of common unity organized by our friend Danilo, a Bribri political activist employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Travelling to the place of event                        

Early in the morning we had to get to the shore of Súarez river. The only way how to cross the river is by motor canoe, since the government doesn´t have enough financial resources for building a bridge over the river. On the other side a bus was already waiting and we continued our adventure towards the festival. After a while we arrived to the place of the event.  My colleagues Jakub and David could lend a hand and utilize their height for hanging the big table over the stage, as you can see on the picture :). 

Festival started by several speeches of local prominent personalities that were followed by playing and singing the national Costa Rican anthem in Bribri language. As next a performance of local children showing the traditional dance of local culture was followed.

These showcases of indigenous culture attempted to show local political leaders the value of the community’s presence as well as encourage the leaders to help facilitate the administrative process of obtaining the “cédula de identidad” for the many undocumented indigenous community. The “cédula de identidad” is the necessary identifiable ID card which is required in obtaining any services as well as accessing and transactions in Costa Rica. The process for obtaining the cédula is highly complex for native people who often lack the necessary resources to navigate administrative procedures. 

Puerto Viejo

Bambu is located about a one-hour bus ride away from the popular tourist beach town of Puerto Viejo, where we had also opportunity to spend some time.  It is home to beautiful beaches, such as Playa Chiquita, Playa Negra, and Punta Uva and it is a place with the most amazing surfing opportunities. And of course, this place will love fans of reggae since cadenced rhythm of this music are present everywhere. That is caused by substantial Jamaican population that lives here. We had a chance to try Carribean sea and also experience Puero Viejo´s  local delicious food and town´s nightlife. But there are plenty of things what to do in Puerto Viejo such us many water sports as above mentioned surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, horseback tours around the area, mountain biking or for those who prefer some nature there is a possibility to visit for example National Park Cahuita.

(By Marketa Sobotkova – Marketing Intern)

August 2 is the official day of La Romería in Costa Rica, a religious festival and a long-term tradition in this country. Every year, when this date approaches, about two and half million people start walking from their homes to reach the city of Cartago. Their goal is to get to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles  and visit a dark colored stone image of the Virgin Mary. Many of them would walk long miles, many days and over nights just to get to the cathedral and say their prayers.

Since my temporary home is located in the province of Cartago I just couldn't miss it. During these days, it is basically impossible to get to Cartago by car or bus so the decision if to walk or not was not very difficult. It doesn't matter what time you choose, a couple days before the mentioned date there are people walking all the time so you know you will not be walking alone.

Getting closer to the center of Cartago it is more and more difficult to pass. Together with my friends we decided to walk on Monday, August 1, probably the busiest day. The roads  change in a continuous flow of people and when you finally get closer to the basilica you feel more like at a big concert with famous foreign band. Thousands of people at one place, long lines, several music stages and various food stands. But these people are not here because of food or music, they came to get to the cathedral and it surely won't be that easy, the line is endless and lasts at least 2 hours. No patience to even try it today, I better try some of the delicious local food and observe the atmosphere, the excitement in eyes of people waiting in the line.

Nevertheless, I don't give up and I come the second day with new energy and determination. I am rewarded and I succeed to enter to the cathedral after just a few minutes of waiting. You first choose if you want to enter walking or crawling. I have to say the sight is quite spectacular. The basilica is beautiful and the whole act very memorable. People are then leaving with a sense of accomplishment and seem happy. Its time to go home, this time by bus, no more walking. At least until the next year.

(By David Kolesa - Marketing Intern)

When anyone goes on vacation and leaves for a special place, there are two goals.

The first one is to enjoy time on holidays, get a tan and feel trouble-free during vacation. The second goal is to be able to tell about the amazing time and how beautiful the country was. We all do that. Only problem, all our friends will get bored easily because they have heard it all before. Beaches, palm-trees, waterfalls and sun. Pictures and memories are common and nothing special, unless you want a different holiday this time.

That is what “voluntourism” is about.

Holidays where you are going to learn much more about others and about yourself.

Holidays where you are going to teach much more to others about people and about yourself.

Voluntourism is a combination of being useful to the environment or to a community and having fun during your vacation time. Indeed, this type of holidays seems to be the best way to challenge your culture, your knowledge or your language. Voluntourism is about education and fun, about feeling helpful and caring.

Being volunteer is a demanding activity.  People will have expectations from you (and I’m certainly not talking about tips…) you will have to be open-minded and curious at the same time. Shyness is forbidden and forget all you think you know about life, it is a brand new experience that you will face. The best part of it is the new person you are going to become, proud, grateful and above all, aware.

Once you return home, you will definitely generate envy and curiosity. You will certainly make a hit to your family and your friends. You will love this feeling, just like you loved the experience.

Tropical Adventures

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

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!!

Every year a Cultural market is held in Suretka de Talamanca, near Bambu. This year the market will take place on July 3th, 4th and 5th. It will feature indigenous arts, typical food, drinks, music and dancing. This will all take place on the river banks of Suretka.

 

The Farmer’s market in Bambu will have a stall set up featuring a sampling of products that will be sold at the market in Bambu once it’s open.

Catholicism is the main religion in Costa Rica and this is reflected in all the different festivals that are held year-round across Costa Rica. There are so many festivals in Costa Rica that no matter when you come here, there will almost certainly be a festival going on at that moment. These festivals are a great opportunity to make new friends and learn the local traditions. We have listed the biggest, most important festivals for you:

January                                                                                                    

New Year’s day – Zapote, San Jose
Fireworks light up the city of San Jose. There are street parties with music, dancing and food in Zapote, downtown San Jose.

Palmares Fiestas – Palmares
First two weeks of January. Two weeks of concerts, dancing, bullfighting, carnival and local food.

Santa Cruz Fiestas, Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
This religious festival takes also place in the week of January 15th, for the same reason as the Alajuelita fiestas. A festival featuring folk dance, marimba music and bullfights.

Copa del Café – San Jose
The Copa Del Café is a week long tennis tournament Mid-January hosted at the Costa Rica country Club.

February

Fiesta de los Diablitos – Rey Curre, Boruca
In late February. A reenactment of the rights between the Spanish and the Indigenous take place. The indigenous are represented by the Diablitos (devils) and the Spanish by a bull.

Puntarenas Carnival – Puntarenas
A week long celebration with music, dancing, exhibitions, food and beer.        

March

Bonanza cattle show – San Jose
In the first week of march, there is a cattle show with bullfights, rodeos and horse races.

Dia de los Boyeros – San Antonio de Escazu
The second Sunday of March is Dia de los Boyeros in San Antonio de Escazu. A colorful celebration with traditional parades of oxcarts and blessings of the animals by local priests.

National orchid show – San Jose
Mid-March is the national orchid show in San Jose, featuring over 300 species of orchids. This weekend-long annual show attracts growers worldwide.

April

Semana Santa (holy week) – country wide
Huge processions in all parts of the country are held during Easter week. Costa Ricans take their Holy Week seriously, but not always religiously. All hotels are booked and most Costa Ricans go to the beach with their families.

Juan Santamaria Day – country wide
The 11th of April is Juan Santamaria day. Parades, music and dancing to honor the nation’s hero, Juan Santamaria, who helped Costa Rica defeat William Walker and the invading Filibusters.

May

Día de los Trabajadores – country wide
May 1st is Labor Day. Parades, marches and the Presidential “state of union” address to congress and the people.

June

Dia de San Pedro y San Pablo – Country wide
June 29th is Dia San Pedro y San Pablo. A Religious celebration to honor the Catholic saints Paul and Peter with processions and masses.

July

Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar – Puntarenas
On the Saturday closest to July 16th. This fiesta of the virgin of the sea takes place in Puntarenas. This day is celebrated with a procession of decorated fishing boats carrying a statue of La virgin del Monte Carmelo.

Dia de Guanacaste – country wide
July 25th is the day when Costa Rica celebrates Guanacaste day. They celebrate the annexation of Guanacaste from Nicaragua in 1824. This day is celebrated with fiestas, folk dances, topes, cattle shows, bullfights and concerts.

August

Virgen de los Angeles – country wide
August 2nd the largest religious holiday takes place in Costa Rica. On this day Costa Rica honors the patron saint of Costa Rica, La Negrita. Pilgrims come form all over the country, many on foot, to celebrate the mass in La Basilica de los Angeles in Cartago.

Día de la Madre – country wide
Mother’s day is a national bank, school and business holiday in Costa Rica.

September

Dia de La Independencia – country wide
September 15th is Independence Day. On this day in 1821 Costa Rica and the rest of Central America gained independence from Spain. The nationwide celebration starts with parades, traditional dancers and street parties. The day ends with the delivery of the Freedom Torch that’s brought from Nicaragua to Cartago. This is when everyone in the country stops and simultaneously sings the national anthem.

October

San Isidro del General – San Isidro, San Jose
On October 9th the celebration of the anniversary of San Isidro’s founding takes place is San Isidro, San Jose. This anniversary is celebrated with street fairs, fiestas, dancing and sporting events.

Dia de la Raza – Limon
This celebration of Columbus' arrival in the new world starts on the twelfth of October (Columbus day). It is celebrated with week long street dances, parades, and popular carnivals with loud Caribbean rhythms, rum and dancing.

November                                                                                           

Dia de los Difuntos – Country wide
November 2nd is All Soul’s Day in Costa Rica. Day of the dead has people paying their respect to lost loved ones.

Coffee picking contest – Central Valey
In mid-November local communities in the Central Valley have coffee picking contests, accompanied with music and dancing.

El Desfile de Carretas – San Jose
In late November one of the largest parades of Oxcart drivers takes place in San Jose. This celebration honors Costa Rica’s oxcart and agricultural traditions.

December

Festival de la Luz – San Jose
The first week of December is a week long festival with lights, lights and lights. Fireworks, lightning displays and live concerts are some of the ways this week is celebrated.

Fiesta de los Negritos – Boruca
In the week of December 8th, La fiesta de Los Negritos is held in the Indian village of Boruca. This fiesta is a festive combination of traditional indigenous celebrations and catholic rituals.

Fiesta de la Yeguita – Nicoya
December 12th. Parades, bullfights, fireworks, concerts, dancing and food to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe.

El Tope – San Jose
December 26th a horse parade is held in downtown San Jose. The famous horse parade strolls through the center of San Jose.

San Jose Carnival – San Jose
December 27th a carnival in San Jose with floats, music and a big parade.

As you can see there are a lot of Festivals and Carnivals in Costa Rica and there are a lot more. For a complete list with all the festivals and other events you can click here.

As we announced in our last newsletter, we are busy planning our first Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night, which will be held on August 14, 2009 in the Center on Halsted in Chicago. This year’s award recipient will be Danilo Gabb from Bambu on the Talamanca Indigenous Reservation. We are really hoping Danilo will be able to obtain a US Visa so he can join us in person.

Our staff and board members are putting a lot of time and effort into this event and we are working hard to get everyone there: local staff from Costa Rica, past volunteers, local community members and our supporters. Our sincerest and deepest appreciation goes out to Modesto “Tico” Valle, the Executive Director of the Center, for donating the space and beverages.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour from 6pm to 7pm, after which we’ll be showing a short, 10-minute video presentation and introducing our new partners, Children Incorporated, who have invited some very special guests. After presenting Danilo’s award, we’ll all enjoy some scrumptious BBQ food.

The next day, Saturday August 15, we are welcoming all who want to join us in the morning to an open board meeting. We will be discussing how to improve our services to both our volunteers and our projects, as well as doing some strategic planning for the future. We’d love to have you there to share your experience, thoughts and ideas.


If you are planning on joining us, please send an email to event@tropicaladventures.com to RSVP and let us know. We need to know how many people to plan for. Plus, we hope to be able to help you out by sharing what we have found out about affordable lodging and transportation. We hope to have a website ready soon with more information.

We understand that for some people it is not possible to come all the way to Chicago. If you can’t make it but you do want to help support us and Danilo…you can! Here are a couple of ideas:

1. You could write thank you and congratulation letters to Danilo, which we will bind and present to Danilo the night of the award. No doubt, just hearing the appreciation of past volunteers will bring Danilo to tears. Feel free to mail the letters to our address below.
2. Send your favorite pictures! We want to show our new friends in Chicago what it is we do. And your pictures could speak thousands of words! If you have some photos you are willing to share with us, please email them to event@tropicaladventures.com and we’ll print them out and share them with our guests in Chicago.
3. We would love to cover the expenses of the event. At this point we still need to cover the cost of the food, printing of invitations and postage. A couple of very generous supporters have donated air miles for a round-trip ticket to get Danilo to the event, so we are now within just $3,000 of covering all the costs. Please consider making a donation by clicking here now. No amount is too small!
   
   For more Information or to register for the event, please click here