<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 29Palms:
Randy makes a good point about SAN JOSE but I won't go that far. To travellers there, I have heard his point of view on a few occassions. San Jose is definately not the prettiest of towns. But you can't really compare SAN JOSE COSTA RICA to alot of places. Costa Rica is a typical BANANA REPUBLIC kind of town, a third world Central American city. The infastructure is pretty good, lots of stores and things to do if you really know where to go. I am attracted by San Jose's surrounding mountains and cool not so hot climate. Crisp nights in the high 50's or low 60's year around. It does rain too much during raining season and it can pour hard. The city is congested and there is some crime. Not the cute little town it used to be back in 1974 when I first went there. Costa Rica has become a bit commercialized, lots of European backpackers and visitors. The big coffee plantations owned by foreigners and the land and fruit companies have been exploited by U.S. buisness throughout its history. (DOLE) But if you take Costa Rica for what it is, it is still a very beautiful place, and like RANDY says, particularily when you go outside of San Jose. The rainforest is pristine, the food and people for the most part are great. But Costa Rica isn't the only paradise place falling prey to exploitation, rising prices, overpricing of land and property. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Randy, 29 Palms, I have to tell you, Costa Rica ("No artificial Ingredients") is heavily promoted here; eco-tourism , great backpacking and golf packages are heavily publicized. Of course the beautiful couple running down the beach, with butterflies and birds in tow and the waterfall in the distance makes a nice impression too.

Keep'em flying