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Rica"},{"term":"Anything NICARAGUA"},{"term":"Manuel Antonio Quepos"},{"term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Puerto Viejo"},{"term":"Baldi Hot Springs"},{"term":"Costa Rica Cooking Class"},{"term":"Eco friendly"},{"term":"Politics"},{"term":"Rincon de la Vieja National Park"},{"term":"Tabacon Hot Springs"},{"term":"Sea Turtles"},{"term":"Eco Termales Hot Springs"},{"term":"Eco Tourism"},{"term":"Gringo Pricing"},{"term":"La Fortuna"},{"term":"Manuel Antonio National Park"},{"term":"Nicoya Peninsula"},{"term":"Palo Verde Resort"},{"term":"michael alan"},{"term":"Blue Zones in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Buses in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Casa Caletas Hotel"},{"term":"La Fortuna Costa"},{"term":"Our Vacation Rental Property La Fortuna"},{"term":"San Jose International Airport"},{"term":"Sex Related Topics"},{"term":"Shark Finning"},{"term":"Arenal Bungalows"},{"term":"Gaia Hotel and Reserve"},{"term":"Los Laureles Hot Springs"},{"term":"Drugs in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Fiji"},{"term":"Juan Carlos Salazar Mena"},{"term":"Leichamenisis"},{"term":"Money Matters"},{"term":"Princesa de la Luna"},{"term":"Rio Celeste"},{"term":"Taxi Service"},{"term":"Arenal Lake"},{"term":"Boruca Masks"},{"term":"Conversion\/Exchange Rate"},{"term":"Couchsurfing"},{"term":"Due Deligence Tour"},{"term":"Green market"},{"term":"Interbus"},{"term":"Relocation Tour Costa Rica"},{"term":"Retiring Costa Rica"},{"term":"Samara"},{"term":"Tamarindo"},{"term":"Tenorio National Park"},{"term":"Travel Costa Rica Now"},{"term":"Truth Costa Rica"},{"term":"michael alan DAngelo"},{"term":"ATV Tour"},{"term":"Abercam La Fortuna"},{"term":"Aguas Zarcas Costa Rica"},{"term":"Bachelor Party"},{"term":"Buying Real Estate"},{"term":"Cano Negro Reserve"},{"term":"Casa Alfi Hotel San Jose"},{"term":"Club Vertigo"},{"term":"Cocos Island"},{"term":"Costa Rica soccer"},{"term":"Dominical\/Uvita"},{"term":"Happier Than a Billionaire in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Hotel La Amistad"},{"term":"Hotel Villa Decary"},{"term":"Immunization shots"},{"term":"Jaco"},{"term":"La Fortuna Suites"},{"term":"La Paz Waterfall Gardens\/Poas Volcano"},{"term":"Lawyer in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Monteverde\/Santa Elena"},{"term":"Naked Girls"},{"term":"Party Boat"},{"term":"Pital Costa Rica"},{"term":"Prostitution"},{"term":"Renting a car in Costa Rica"},{"term":"Rio Frio"},{"term":"Road signs"},{"term":"San Jose Bus Schedule"},{"term":"San Jose Nightclubs"},{"term":"Simon Bolivar Zoo"},{"term":"Spirogyra Butterfly Garden"},{"term":"Tamarindo Costa Rica"},{"term":"Tico House"},{"term":"Vamos 4X4"},{"term":"Whitewater rafting"},{"term":"container homes"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Doin' Costa Rica"},"subtitle":{"type":"html","$t":"The Real Deal about Traveling and Living in Costa Rica"},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/-\/National+Parks+in+Costa+Rica?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=6"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/search\/label\/National%20Parks%20in%20Costa%20Rica"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"},{"rel":"next","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/-\/National+Parks+in+Costa+Rica\/-\/National+Parks+in+Costa+Rica?alt=json-in-script\u0026start-index=7\u0026max-results=6"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"12"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"6"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-7818576170227338808"},"published":{"$t":"2009-10-05T11:25:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-10-05T18:44:56.925-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Rincon de la Vieja National Park"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica or NOT?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/Sso-MG3A51I\/AAAAAAAACTA\/CYHRu9aK_Gg\/s1600-h\/davidG3.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 260px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/Sso-MG3A51I\/AAAAAAAACTA\/CYHRu9aK_Gg\/s320\/davidG3.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389188281822930770\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003EUPDATE:\u003C\/span\u003E David Gimelfarb, 28, has been missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park since August 11th.  If you don't know the story, you may want to START here: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/08\/david-gimelfarb-missing-in-costa-rica.html\"\u003EDavid Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica\u003C\/a\u003E. \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E*this pic of David is SO much better than the other GEEKY\/NERD pics first used when he went missing.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFirst, here's what AM Costa Rica reported not too long ago:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\"Investigators are working on the assumption that a missing 28-year-old doctoral student is living as a hermit  just outside Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThat is why his parents have posted a $10,000 reward for anyone who provides verifiable information leading to the son's return.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EA resident of the area picked out a picture of the missing man from a photo lineup and said that he had seen him twice, on Sept. 9 and Sept.12, said Derish. The man told investigators that the individual he saw was sleeping in the grass and got up, appeared to be startled and walked into the nearby forest.\"\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe story goes on, but I won't even provide the link for such 'sensational' journalism.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EAM Costa Rica is often VERY subjective in their news reporting and I would take this INFO as a 'grain of salt'. \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E My BEEF with AM Costa Rica started here\u003C\/span\u003E: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/03\/am-costa-rica-is-fugly-let-me-count.html\"\u003EAM Costa Rica if FUGLY let me count the WAYS\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SspLj9zT3bI\/AAAAAAAACTQ\/dwEs947iZPM\/s1600-h\/puzzle.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 280px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SspLj9zT3bI\/AAAAAAAACTQ\/dwEs947iZPM\/s320\/puzzle.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389202985359498674\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EFor instance, David could have incurred head trauma and may be confused and dis-oriented appearing 'hermit' like. Truthfully, he could be dead... or AM Costa Rica may have it right this time- David's fell off the grid on his own accord and become the hermit of Rincon de la Vieja.  This '\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Eresident\u003C\/span\u003E' who reported seeing David, well again, the siting could be accurate or maybe NOT.  Maybe the resident merely wants to read their name in the paper, or NOT.... \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Ejust sayin.\u003C\/span\u003E  I learned a LONG time ago, you never REALLY know why people say and do the things they do.  More to the point, EVERYTHING is being taken seriously with cautious optimism by family and friends of David Gimelfarb. \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThe family is utilizing tracking dogs in hopes of picking up David's scent in case he is alive and dis-oriented and\/or confused...\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Eor yes, living life as a hermit.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E*Here's an \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003EUPDATE\u003C\/span\u003E of the \u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003EUPDATE\u003C\/span\u003E reported just minutes ago, but still its Oct 5th:  The dog handler (Sara) and her tracking dog (Jack) have completed their time in Costa Rica and have now left. They are currently looking for other tracking dogs and handlers with these specifics:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\"Most importantly the dog must be able to work a specific scent. Additionally, they must be able to work off lead and also be able to follow older trails. The handler must also be very fit as the terrain is very demanding. We are not asking for an open call of dog handlers this time and only need information if you personally know a team that fits this description. We also have professionals in the field checking an individual’s certifications and qualifications before they can go to Costa Rica.\"\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E The bottom line- the search CONTINUES for David Gimelfarb.  Let's wait and see... and of course, HOPE for the BEST.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SspIU9q_M5I\/AAAAAAAACTI\/LBOVCCgNEEU\/s1600-h\/trackdogs.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SspIU9q_M5I\/AAAAAAAACTI\/LBOVCCgNEEU\/s400\/trackdogs.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389199429091668882\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EREALLY, they just want to FIND their son.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHey Everyone, we got TONS of Costa Rica Travel Information in our Travel Guide at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Main_Page\"\u003ETravel Costa Rica NOW\u003C\/a\u003E and don't FORGET all our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Costa_Rica_Travel_Videos\"\u003ECosta Rica Travel Tip Videos,\u003C\/a\u003E completely ORGANIZED so you can EASILY find what you're LOOKING for. ENjOY!\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7818576170227338808\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=7818576170227338808","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7818576170227338808"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7818576170227338808"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/10\/david-gimelfarb-missing-man-costa-rica.html","title":"David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica or NOT?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/Sso-MG3A51I\/AAAAAAAACTA\/CYHRu9aK_Gg\/s72-c\/davidG3.GIF","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-8028168694107838140"},"published":{"$t":"2009-09-30T12:02:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-10-01T09:07:53.139-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Cocos Island"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Commentary\/Editorial and Rants"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Cocos Island does anyone CARE?"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKD90qV12I\/AAAAAAAACRg\/isLCSOMh9i8\/s1600-h\/bedfellows.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 248px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKD90qV12I\/AAAAAAAACRg\/isLCSOMh9i8\/s320\/bedfellows.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387013202420029282\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EThe owner of Casa Caletas Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula, Sylvester Feichtinger, has basically told the Environmental Tribune of Costa Rica to F-Off.  Don't know the story? Read it \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/09\/costa-rica-sea-turtles-pretoma-wetlands.html\"\u003EHERE\u003C\/a\u003E.  But this post isn't really about them.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why Sylvester Feichtinger ASSUMES he can get away with this blatant disrespect towards the '\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Epowers that be\u003C\/span\u003E' in Costa Rica- foreign governments have been doing the same thing for so long now, it's turned into a weird bedroom co-dependency of sorts,  \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\"You know I'm going to FUCK you anyway, so you may as well enjoy some of the BENEFITS of allowing me to fuck you.  I should mention, I won't be wearing a condom, but you can TRUST me.\" \u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003ETwo days ago this came out:  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\"A team of National Geographic researchers and filmmakers have become eyewitnesses to what many scientists consider to be among the major threats to marine biodiversity at Costa Rica's treasured Isla del Coco, a national park 365 miles off the Pacific coast.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFishing is prohibited inside the park's boundaries. Still, hundreds of miles of illegal fishing lines and thousands of hooks are found inside the protected area every year, according to the National Geographic group.\"  Full Story \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/doincostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/09\/national-geographic-witnesses-illegal.html\"\u003EHERE\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKFw1Gg6rI\/AAAAAAAACRo\/BsEY-6VYPA0\/s1600-h\/hammerheads.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 227px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKFw1Gg6rI\/AAAAAAAACRo\/BsEY-6VYPA0\/s320\/hammerheads.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387015178223151794\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EIf you don't know anything about \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Cocos_Island_National_Park\"\u003EIsla del Coco\u003C\/a\u003E or \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003ECoco's Island for you gringo's\u003C\/span\u003E, it is basically the 8th Wonder of the World and for good reason.  This is Costa Rica's crown jewel of marine biodiversity.  Scientists and divers come from all over the WORLD to explore Coco's Island.  The beauty is beyond compare both above and below the surface.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EUnfortunately, the marine life and especially the sharks and sea turtles of taken a HEAVY hit over the years from ASIAN fishermen more interested in exploiting Cocos Island in order to line their pockets as well as provide the Asian upper class with their traditional and very pricey, shark fin soup.   Costa Rica is either unable or unwilling to protect the sharks and sea turtles from long line fishing and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shark_finning\"\u003Eshark finning\u003C\/a\u003E off the waters off Coco's Island.  \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EUnfortunately I believe the latter to be true. \u003C\/span\u003E   \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EYou didn't think all the police cars, bicycles, soccer balls and the all-purpose sports Stadium being built in San Jose were an actual 'gift' from the Chinese government, did you?\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cblockquote\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003E*Interested in knowing more about sharks and sea turtles as well as the effects of shark finning and long line fishing on the environment in GENERAL: Check out the folks at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.pretoma.org\/\"\u003EPRETOMA.\u003C\/a\u003E  They have TONS of INFO and articles.... and also how YOU can help.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/blockquote\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKHWmXSSEI\/AAAAAAAACRw\/rIa-lPSpN4Y\/s1600-h\/longlineseaturtle.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 236px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKHWmXSSEI\/AAAAAAAACRw\/rIa-lPSpN4Y\/s400\/longlineseaturtle.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387016926613620802\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003ELong line fishing does NOT discriminate.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EPresident Oscar Arias is off giving speeches about the effects of Global Warming and telling folks how Costa Rica will be the first \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Carbon_neutrality\"\u003ECarbon Neutral\u003C\/a\u003E country in the world, but he's pretty much proven he doesn't have much time for the problems concerning Coco's Island.  Oscar is \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003ECLASSIC\u003C\/span\u003E- the perfect face to put on Costa Rica- serious, smart, articulate, seemingly committed \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Eblah, blah, blah,\u003C\/span\u003E but he markets PERCEPTION, not reality... and I gotta say, outside Costa Rica it works like a charm.  Ask anyone what they know about Costa Rica,,, the following words are sure to be uttered: eco-friendly, green, sustainable, diversity, carbon neutral... blah, blah, blah.  Unfortunately, Oscar is not only in bed with the Chinese government, he owes them a little \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Esomethin-somethin\u003C\/span\u003E for all their 'gifts'.  Believe me, these are NO gifts, this is \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Quid_pro_quo\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Equid pro quo\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, nothing more, nothing less, so I suppose a few hundred thousand shark fins isn't too much to ask for a poor tico boy to be able to kick around a brand new soccer ball or ride a bike to church.  \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EAhhhhh....the ties that bind....  \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EOscar's the classic case of  the construction worker FOREVER working on other peoples' houses, but never his OWN.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKJsnGQbyI\/AAAAAAAACR4\/H5RnPl3E8ZI\/s1600-h\/blow+the+whistle.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 276px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKJsnGQbyI\/AAAAAAAACR4\/H5RnPl3E8ZI\/s320\/blow+the+whistle.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387019503791009570\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EShark finning off Coco's Island is BLATANT.  Long line fishing is BLATANT.  Don't listen to me...hell, National Geographic now knows it.  I hope they tell EVERYONE.  I want Costa Rica's dirty little secret- OUT.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EBut really, who cares... a few hundred thousand sharks are killed each year as well as any other sea creatures that GET in the WAY,,,, but people are making a living, Asians are eating their soup, foreign relations are COZY, poor tico kids are riding new bikes and kicking around  brand NEW soccer balls, and have you seen the NEW police cars- pretty snazzy (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Ealthough most seem to already have run into a pole or two\u003C\/span\u003E), and STADIUM for god sake... and through it all, Costa Rica STILL maintains eco-'fuck'in-friendly STATUS.\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E*I added the 'fuck'in' part.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EI have a new slogan for Costa Rica:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E'\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EToday's Costa Rica- worrying about tomorrow, TOMORROW.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E'\u003C\/center\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cobject width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"movie\" value=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/vZfvw3yQV8k\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026border=1\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cembed src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/vZfvw3yQV8k\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026border=1\u0026rel=0\" type=\"application\/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003C\/embed\u003E\u003C\/object\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E*I reserve the RIGHT to write BULLSHIT. I could be wrong. I would encourage you to connect your own dots.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHey Everyone, we got TONS of Costa Rica Travel Information in our Travel Guide at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Main_Page\"\u003ETravel Costa Rica NOW\u003C\/a\u003E and don't FORGET all our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Costa_Rica_Travel_Videos\"\u003ECosta Rica Travel Tip Videos,\u003C\/a\u003E completely ORGANIZED so you can EASILY find what you're LOOKING for. ENjOY!\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/8028168694107838140\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=8028168694107838140","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/8028168694107838140"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/8028168694107838140"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/09\/cocos-island-shark-finning-long-line.html","title":"Cocos Island does anyone CARE?"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SsKD90qV12I\/AAAAAAAACRg\/isLCSOMh9i8\/s72-c\/bedfellows.GIF","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-7096715201571204764"},"published":{"$t":"2009-08-25T09:34:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-08-25T11:13:48.641-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Rincon de la Vieja National Park"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SpQTNzZFiFI\/AAAAAAAACDI\/4AV5DnktNE8\/s1600-h\/missingman.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SpQTNzZFiFI\/AAAAAAAACDI\/4AV5DnktNE8\/s400\/missingman.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373941383214499922\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EDavid Gimelfarb, 28, missing from the region of Rincon de la Vieja National Park in northern Costa Rica.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHey EVERYONE! Here's what I know for sure:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E \u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003E'The littlest of THINGS can make the BIGGEST of differences\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E.'\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDavid Gimelfarb, 28, has been missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park since August 11th.  I'm asking YOU to do whatever YOU can to help locate him.  It's assumed David got LOST hiking alone in the dense jungles of Rincon de la Vieja, but however he went missing is purely speculative at this point. \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/news\/local\/chi-missing-student-facebook-aug25,0,3761222.story?track=rss\"\u003EGo HERE\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Efor the complete story.\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SpQY78hBcFI\/AAAAAAAACDY\/1yWqxVoNcSs\/s1600-h\/missingDAvid.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 200px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SpQY78hBcFI\/AAAAAAAACDY\/1yWqxVoNcSs\/s200\/missingDAvid.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373947673495826514\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E- \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EDo you know someone who can HELP.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E- \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EDo you have TONS of friends on Social NETWORKS such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc who can HELP spread the word.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E- \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EMaybe you're IN Costa Rica and would like to Volunteer.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight:bold;\"\u003ETHINK how YOU may be able to HELP!\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EDon't forget to \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.chicagotribune.com\/news\/local\/chi-missing-student-facebook-aug25,0,3761222.story?track=rss\"\u003Eread the article\u003C\/a\u003E for the complete story and CHECK out the LINKS to see how YOU may be able to HELP locate David.  It would be MUCH appreciated.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E*Just as a reminder, when visiting Costa Rica, don't hike alone."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7096715201571204764\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=7096715201571204764","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7096715201571204764"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7096715201571204764"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/08\/david-gimelfarb-missing-in-costa-rica.html","title":"David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SpQTNzZFiFI\/AAAAAAAACDI\/4AV5DnktNE8\/s72-c\/missingman.GIF","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-3410587426308563104"},"published":{"$t":"2009-07-20T10:40:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-07-26T10:57:03.023-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Commentary\/Editorial and Rants"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Gaia Hotel and Reserve"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Manuel Antonio National Park"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Manuel Antonio Quepos"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Plight of the Squirrel Monkeys"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SmTdnmfyxsI\/AAAAAAAAB4A\/jWWRINWFFMM\/s1600-h\/20081221121607(1).jpg\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 203px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SmTdnmfyxsI\/AAAAAAAAB4A\/jWWRINWFFMM\/s400\/20081221121607(1).jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360653128896267970\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Ccenter\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003ESquirrel Monkey in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/center\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Central_Pacific#Manuel_Antonio\"\u003EManuel Antonio in Costa Rica\u003C\/a\u003E is a tourist destination for a VERY good reason-  Nice beaches, picturesque sunsets, hotels and restaurants to fit any budget, and it's also home to probably the most visited park in the country (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Manuel_Antonio_National_Park\"\u003EManuel Antonio National Park\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E)... and of course the wildlife in the area is also a MAJOR attraction.  Although not necessarily a good thing, it is possible to get quite close to the wildlife in the area, so photo and video ops are around every corner.  Especially in the park, and double especially with the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/White-Faced_Capuchin\"\u003Ecapuchin monkey's\u003C\/a\u003E, iguanas, and squirrel monkeys.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SmTeHuewhtI\/AAAAAAAAB4I\/d03GbV0K7Do\/s1600-h\/Untitled-1.jpg\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SmTeHuewhtI\/AAAAAAAAB4I\/d03GbV0K7Do\/s320\/Untitled-1.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360653680795223762\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EWe were in Manuel Antonio not too long ago reviewing \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=za0DcqQ6z0c\"\u003EGaia Hotel and Reserve\u003C\/a\u003E and a few of the restaurants in the area like \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=F_ujFkYlgkA\"\u003EEl Avion\u003C\/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=r9jrEtsnoA4\"\u003ELa Luna Restaurant\u003C\/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Xn9GnZ3b5vo\"\u003EEl Atardecer\u003C\/a\u003E.  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe had just checked out of Gaia and were making the trek down the hill to our car in order to head back to our town, \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Monteverde%2C_Arenal%2C_and_Northern_Plains\"\u003ELa Fortuna\u003C\/a\u003E, approximately 5 hours away.  But a TREAT was in store for us, because passing through the Gaia Hotel and Reserve was a community of squirrel monkeys.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EThese little guys are SOOOO CUTE.... much smaller than the capuchin's and the howlers in the area, but in my opinion, WAY cuter and more FUN to watch.  Unfortunately, these species of squirrel monkeys that call Manuel Antonio home, are not doing so well.  The corridors in which they roam are being cut down to make way for what the 'powers that be', like to call 'PROGRESS'.  Habitats are destroyed, and 'HOME' is becoming smaller every year.  There's only about 1500 of these little guys left.  My take on Costa Rica's conundrum: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2008\/12\/listen-to-your-mother.html\"\u003ECosta Rica- SLOW Down\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHere's our VIDEO. If you dig monkeys, this is pretty nice footage, so sit back and ENjOy.  And if you 'd like to help the plight of the squirrel monkey, please contact us at TravelCostaRicaNOW@gmail.com\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cobject width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"movie\" value=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/vI7FYM9_EQE\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cembed src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/vI7FYM9_EQE\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\u0026rel=0\" type=\"application\/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003C\/embed\u003E\u003C\/object\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe have ALL your Costa Rica Travel Information at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/TravelCostaRicaNOW.com\"\u003ETravel Costa Rica NOW.\u003C\/a\u003E and don't forget our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/icostarica24\"\u003ECosta Rica Travel Tip Videos\u003C\/a\u003E posted on YouTube. Hope it HELPS!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3410587426308563104\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=3410587426308563104","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/3410587426308563104"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/3410587426308563104"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/07\/manuel-antonio-costa-rica-squirrel.html","title":"Plight of the Squirrel Monkeys"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SmTdnmfyxsI\/AAAAAAAAB4A\/jWWRINWFFMM\/s72-c\/20081221121607(1).jpg","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-7622198921167786084"},"published":{"$t":"2009-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2010-03-16T09:33:42.133-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Rio Celeste"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Tenorio National Park"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Rio Celeste- the OPTIONS"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicDPcEM10I\/AAAAAAAABc0\/Zwiu2ZTFBUs\/s1600-h\/rio1.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 294px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicDPcEM10I\/AAAAAAAABc0\/Zwiu2ZTFBUs\/s320\/rio1.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343243046665115458\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003ERio Celeste located in the Tenorio National Park has been generating a LOT of emails lately.  Actually with good reason as we HIGHLY recommend visiting Rio Celeste if you have the chance.  Most questions seem to be centered around visiting Rio Celeste WITHOUT a guide or GUIDED tour, which run from La Fortuna for around $65.\/ person (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Edon't quote me on the exact price, it fluctuates- depending\u003C\/span\u003E).  Here's more INFO on Rio Celeste: \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Tenorio_Volcano_National_Park\/Rio_Celeste\"\u003ETenorio National Park\/Rio Celeste. \u003C\/a\u003E  I'm not saying NOT to take a paid tour from La Fortuna as many people are much more comfortable with guides, but for you adventuresome types and backpackers- YOU have some options.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicGlNGtzRI\/AAAAAAAABc8\/8ucUkA_Lb1E\/s1600-h\/rental.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 109px;\" src=\"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicGlNGtzRI\/AAAAAAAABc8\/8ucUkA_Lb1E\/s200\/rental.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343246719141137682\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EFirst, if you have a rental car, you should drive to Rio Celeste yourself (directions below).  It's only about 1 hour and 15 minutes from La Fortuna- give or take.  If during the rainy season, you may need a 4-wheel drive, there's a couple of steep inclines when you get close to the park, but I gotta say, we did it in a 2-wheel drive, but you gotta 'make a run' and don't stop once you begin the incline(s) \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E(not recommended for people uncomfortable behind the wheel\u003C\/span\u003E).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicHcdPVJrI\/AAAAAAAABdE\/NvS2cu3dq5s\/s1600-h\/backpack.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicHcdPVJrI\/AAAAAAAABdE\/NvS2cu3dq5s\/s200\/backpack.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343247668365043378\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EIf you don't have a rental and want to do it on the cheap, it can be done.  Personally, I would try to gather a few like-minded people who want to visit Rio Celeste and then negotiate a price for a taxi from \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Monteverde%2C_Arenal%2C_and_Northern_Plains\"\u003ELa Fortuna\u003C\/a\u003E, there and BACK.  Also, I would even approach the '\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Epiratas\u003C\/span\u003E' or pirate taxi's located on the main street in front of the park.  I know it's not politically correct to say so, but I've never had a problem and you can often get a decent deal.... or not. (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EI guess I need to say, if you use a pirate taxi, you do so at your own Risk\u003C\/span\u003E).  I wish I could give you numbers, but they change too often... I would think $60. would be fair, but then again, the taxi people will assume you don't know shit and obviously tell you some outrageous number, but at least you can 'negotiate' from there and you'll have a ballpark of what to expect with the NEXT guy you talk too.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWant a cheaper, but more adventuresome way?\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicJoc2Vq5I\/AAAAAAAABdM\/o8Sdc6Bpeuk\/s1600-h\/buses.GIF\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;\" src=\"http:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicJoc2Vq5I\/AAAAAAAABdM\/o8Sdc6Bpeuk\/s200\/buses.GIF\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343250073441905554\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003EA bus leaves out of El Tanque (the next small town over from La Fortuna- maybe 5 minutes in a car driving on the main street AWAY from the volcano) for Penas Blancas, which is the border crossing from Costa Rica into Nicaragua (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EIt costs about $6.00 and takes 5 hours if you're interested\u003C\/span\u003E).  This bus departs EVERYDAY at about 7:00am.  It returns from Penas Blancas at 2:00 returning to El Tanque at about 7:00pm.  The reason this is important is because the turn-off to Rio Celeste is on the way between Guatuso and Upala.  You could hitch a ride to Guatuso then negotiate a taxi the rest of the way, which isn't too far.  Then meet the returning bus from Penas Blancas in either Upala, Guatuso or just on the road between the 2 (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Ebelieve me the bus STOPS a LOT\u003C\/span\u003E).  You may need to know a little Spanish just in case, but this is doable.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E1. Head to El Tanque- 5 minutes away  driving on the main street of La Fortuna and AWAY from the volcano.  The cheap way to El Tanque (without a rental car) is to basically hitch, or catch a ride, often locals that just happen to be going that way will only charge a dollar or so, but if that frightens you, then obviously take a cab to El Tanque.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E2. Take a left in the middle of El Tanque across from the the super market and hardware store (\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003Ethis is easy as there is NO other left to take, it's the only intersection in El Tanque\u003C\/span\u003E).\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E3. A few miles and you'll see the sign for Upala or Guatuso,,doesn't matter, follow that.  Then go to Guatuso.  In Guatuso you might have to ask directions to Rio Celeste (or Upala), the town's small but there's no clearly marked directions.  The turn off (left) to Rio Celeste (or Rio Celeste Lodge) isn't far away after Guatuso, so if you make it to Upala, you went TOO far.  Follow the signs to Rio Celeste Lodge, that's the starting point.  It cost $10. to enter the park.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIt's worth the EFFORT however you get there.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cobject width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"movie\" value=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/9zjMeHXhkgo\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cembed src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/9zjMeHXhkgo\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\u0026rel=0\" type=\"application\/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003C\/embed\u003E\u003C\/object\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHey Everyone, we got TONS of Costa Rica Travel Information in our Travel Guide at \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Main_Page\"\u003ETravel Costa Rica NOW\u003C\/a\u003E and don't FORGET all our \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Costa_Rica_Travel_Videos\"\u003ECosta Rica Travel Tip Videos,\u003C\/a\u003E completely ORGANIZED so you can EASILY find what you're LOOKING for. ENjOY!"},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/7622198921167786084\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=7622198921167786084","title":"0 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7622198921167786084"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/7622198921167786084"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/06\/rio-celeste-directions-la-fortuna.html","title":"Rio Celeste- the OPTIONS"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SicDPcEM10I\/AAAAAAAABc0\/Zwiu2ZTFBUs\/s72-c\/rio1.GIF","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"0"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8012409977835989274.post-3985910806473575662"},"published":{"$t":"2009-03-23T06:43:00.000-07:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2009-03-27T06:21:25.875-07:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Arenal Costa Rica"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Costa Rica Travel Info"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"National Parks in Costa Rica"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Travel Tips"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Travel Videos"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"Costa Rica Travel Tips pt 2"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003Ca onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SceS8dZKslI\/AAAAAAAAAz4\/Usf0fxdRsVo\/s1600-h\/us.JPG\"\u003E\u003Cimg style=\"float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 100px;\" src=\"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SceS8dZKslI\/AAAAAAAAAz4\/Usf0fxdRsVo\/s200\/us.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\"id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316379452514153042\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E Traveling to Costa Rica? \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Main_Page\"\u003ENeed Costa Rica travel Information,\u003C\/a\u003E or possibly some Travel Tips to unsure the BEST vacation possible. We got a few tips that may be able to help you.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EHey Everyone!  WE love providing Costa Rica Travel Info and \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/icostarica24\"\u003ETravel Tip VIDEOS\u003C\/a\u003E about 'ANYTHING' Costa Rica, to YOU- the potential Costa Rica Traveler.  We understand there's a lot of Costa Rica Info out there to choose from, so we work hard giving you the most updated, pertinent \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Main_Page\"\u003ECosta Rica Information through written words,\u003C\/a\u003E and of course VIDEOS- reading is fundamental, but sometimes, it's just easier to WATCH than to read.  \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003E(All the links in this post will take you to even MORE info on the subject.\u003C\/span\u003E)\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EIn part 2 we'll explain the toilet paper situation in many Costa Rican hotels, restaurants and the like. Not for the faint of heart! BUT, it is good info to know so you can prepare, especially you backpackers and Costa Rican travelers on a budget. Also, want's the camping situation here in Costa Rica... can you camp on the beaches, what about he beaches in the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Costa_Rican_National_Parks\"\u003ENational Parks?\u003C\/a\u003E So, is Costa Rica in the 21st century in regards to supporting the handicap traveler to Costa Rica... this and more in Part 2 of \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/youtube.com\/icostarica24\"\u003ECosta Rica Travel Tips\u003C\/a\u003E with michael alan and DAngelo. If you're not sure of the answers, don't be caught unaware, it could be the difference between a good Costa Rican Travel Experience or a 'not' so good one. \u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EThe most\u003C\/span\u003E \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/FAQ%27s\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-style:italic;\"\u003EFAQ's about Costa Rica Travel.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cobject width=\"430\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"movie\" value=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/Y-zSxjAqleg\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cparam name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"\u003E\u003C\/param\u003E\u003Cembed src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/v\/Y-zSxjAqleg\u0026hl=en\u0026fs=1\u0026rel=0\u0026color1=0x3a3a3a\u0026color2=0x999999\u0026border=1\u0026rel=0\" type=\"application\/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"430\" height=\"364\"\u003E\u003C\/embed\u003E\u003C\/object\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWe have all your GAY Travel Costa Rica Information as well, in the \u003Ca href=\"http:\/\/travelcostaricanow.com\/index.php\/Gay\"\u003EGAY Section of our Guide:\u003C\/a\u003E Travel Costa Rica NOW."},"link":[{"rel":"replies","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/feeds\/3985910806473575662\/comments\/default","title":"Post Comments"},{"rel":"replies","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/comment.g?blogID=8012409977835989274\u0026postID=3985910806473575662","title":"2 Comments"},{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/3985910806473575662"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/8012409977835989274\/posts\/default\/3985910806473575662"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"http:\/\/doingcostarica.blogspot.com\/2009\/03\/costa-rica-travel-tips-pt-2.html","title":"Costa Rica Travel Tips pt 2"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Anonymous"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/02785577953127321666"},"email":{"$t":"noreply@blogger.com"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"16","height":"16","src":"https:\/\/img1.blogblog.com\/img\/b16-rounded.gif"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"http:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/_C-zXzp9Odak\/SceS8dZKslI\/AAAAAAAAAz4\/Usf0fxdRsVo\/s72-c\/us.JPG","height":"72","width":"72"},"thr$total":{"$t":"2"}}]}});