The True Costa Rica

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-137613292011-12-20T00:15:42.798-06:00The True Costa RicaPhotographs with commentary by Mary B. Thorman Scenery, Flowers, Birds, Insects, People, Places, Events Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica and Life in Costa RicaChihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.comBlogger1231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-51717796540012286972011-11-11T10:21:00.000-06:002011-11-11T10:23:10.705-06:00Música Típica - Costa Rica - Los Ticos - Ticas Lindas - YouTube

Música Típica - Costa Rica - Los Ticos - Ticas Lindas - YouTube: ""'via Blog this'Copyright Mary B. ThormanAll rights reserved

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-19538713748184853832011-10-21T16:33:00.000-06:002011-10-21T16:33:26.861-06:00Costa Rica's Got Talent

Young inventors gain honors at Intel's engineering expositionBy the A.M. Costa Rica staff San José, Costa Rica, Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, Vol. 11, No. 209 Some 56 students or teams of students from ninth to 12th year brought their creations to the ExpoINGENIERÍA which is run by the Intel Corp. The five top projects have the chance to compete in January to attend the Intel Science and Engineering

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-15551787974990228132011-03-22T22:59:00.000-06:002011-03-22T22:59:11.825-06:00www.outlookindia.com | A Dark Lining To The Shine

www.outlookindia.com | A Dark Lining To The ShineCopyright Mary B. ThormanAll rights reserved

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-20326847105855900512011-01-09T14:52:00.003-06:002011-01-09T14:52:29.976-06:00Dressed for the Occasion

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Another Parade Goer in Tica Costume. The traditional Costa Rican clothing is very much a part of Indepence Day celebrations: Independence Day Celebrations in Costa Rica are more muted than in the USA. But every little

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-66612862885712505962011-01-09T14:52:00.001-06:002011-01-09T14:52:24.481-06:00Dressed for the Occasion

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-23703714075800614772011-01-09T14:08:00.001-06:002011-01-09T14:08:12.145-06:00Butchers in municipal market

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } These butchers asked to have their photo taken. The shop is part of the municipal market for San Isidro de El General, the largest city in Costa Rica's southern zone.: Almost every city has a municipal or central "

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-89927679892679355592011-01-09T13:57:00.001-06:002011-01-09T13:57:26.049-06:00Spiny Caterpillar Macros

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Macro of Costa Rican caterpillar. ID needed.Whatever it is, it's really protected!: Need some help identifying this very spiny caterpillar. The branching spines are an almost classic Mandelbrot set design.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-51948235896935449772010-12-12T09:10:00.000-06:002010-12-12T09:10:12.303-06:00http://www.timescolonist.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=3964575

http://www.timescolonist.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=3964575Copyright Mary B. ThormanAll rights reserved

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-41983429510856772402010-10-12T18:05:00.001-06:002010-10-12T18:05:02.166-06:00agitated behavior

agitated behaviorOriginally uploaded by Mary ThormanHarlequin Beetle, Acrocinus longimanus. It is different from the North American Harlequin Beetle. It is much, much larger and has very interesting sexual dimorphism and behaviors. This video was shot on my kitchen table. Linda Vista de San Vito, Costa Rica.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-37722243906835160492010-02-25T23:08:00.000-06:002010-02-25T23:08:11.373-06:00VIEW OF RIO TURRIALBA FROM BRIDGE AT PASO REAL

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-12312611423757698132010-02-24T12:45:00.000-06:002010-02-24T12:45:08.540-06:00Humble Lottery Ticket Seller is Remarkable New Poet

En el principio eterno el todo estaba en la conciencia universal, y su belleza era la luz que solo podía reflejarse en la oscuridad, entonces la creación brotó du su labios como un canto agradable al oído y diseminado en todo lo que vibra y respira a través de esa inteligencia insuperable. Lo que siempre ha sido se pluralizó en billones y trillones d partículas y criaturas que están continuamente

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-12562728717457946422010-02-23T16:54:00.003-06:002010-02-23T16:54:57.730-06:00Green Honeycreeper and Blue-Gray Tanager

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Male green honey creeper (Chlorophanes spiza) on the left and a blue-gray tanager (Thraupis episcopus) on the right share fresh fruit in a cake pan on top of my pet coatimundi's house.:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-30100435899035385552010-02-23T16:54:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:54:11.318-06:00Fiery-billed Aracaris

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Small toucans of Costa RicaPteroglossus franziiSeen here at a feeding station in highland rain forest in Linda Vista de San Vito, Costa Rica:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-39891279178920239882010-02-23T16:53:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:53:10.724-06:00Fiery Throated Humming Bird

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Tiny, brilliantly colored iridescent jewel - this small humming bird or "colibri" ,Panterpe insignis, was perched on the outside of a restaurant window in the Cerro de la Muerte, Costa Rica's second highest mountain. The

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-9212027352416947232010-02-23T16:51:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:51:01.148-06:00Moss Mimic Katydid

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Macro of head and thorax of Moss Mimic Katydid, Haemodiasma tessellata usually found in higher altitude forests:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-71667913463485915642010-02-23T16:50:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:50:03.605-06:00Chirincoco

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Large bird aka Gray-Necked Rail (Aramides cajanea). They hang around close to the ground and have a very distinctive song which is usually sung in duet early morning and late afternoon here in Coto Brus de Puntarenas, Costa

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-82577556163190940042010-02-23T16:48:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:48:24.551-06:00Sunrise 2

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Mist rising from the valley obscures the mountains and valley as the sun warms the land bringing color back into the world.:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-63007405266390918542010-02-23T16:47:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:47:39.064-06:00Blue Wasp_Red Berry

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Very large navy blue wasp shown eating a wild raspberry. The plant is Rubus rosaefolia. I need indentification of the wasp. :

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-83619808040679299352010-02-23T16:46:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:46:46.117-06:00Emergence

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Caterpillars emerging from eggs. Note the one just beginning to leave the egg! The one seen at right had turned around and was nibbling at the eggshell.:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-77811386789588129102010-02-23T16:45:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:45:56.097-06:00Adorable Baby

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } My newly hatched caterpillars are so small I can't measure them. So I took this little guy and placed him on a piece of paper with a standard sized paper clip for size comparison purposes. Isn't he adorable?:

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-46694455382931532002010-02-23T16:44:00.001-06:002010-02-23T16:44:48.188-06:00Costa Rica

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } The original photo is a landscape I took in Southern Costa Rica. I worked on the colors until I had a photo that showed more of what my eye saw than what the camera could capture. The shadows and highlights, the greens and

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-87254987970662831572010-02-23T15:45:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:45:56.258-06:00Children of Illegal Immigrants

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } They fled with their families from starvation, earthquake destruction, and flooding. The bureaucracy involved in getting legal papers causes the process to take years. Behind them is "housing" under construction for these

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-77642845117121580562010-02-23T15:43:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:43:49.058-06:00obstacle course

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } An unnamed street in Barrio Ipis de Guadalupe in San Jose. The street is paved, but . . . Not only is a driver confronted with potholes (some enormous), but the road is very steep. There are no sidewalks even though this is a

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-74725826829022113942010-02-23T15:42:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:42:38.585-06:00Beautiful La Cruz

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Beautiful Downtown Barrio La Cruz.. These old house fronts actually hide more modern housing behind them. The owner thinks the appearance of poverty will keep thieves away. Or so he says. Next door is a junk yard. San Jose

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-79307607762281837042010-02-23T15:40:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:40:02.746-06:00Sreet Scene in San Jose

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-52501819401009073722010-02-23T15:39:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:39:17.395-06:00parrotvine003

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-14554960308789453032010-02-23T15:38:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:38:03.146-06:00Orchids from Old Tree

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } :

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-91957193641788419692010-02-23T15:37:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:37:21.380-06:00orchid1

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-42662092033568915892010-02-23T15:36:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:36:41.889-06:00Orchids

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Orchids are everywhere in Costa Rica. They come in all colors, many forms, and many sizes from very, very tiny to very large. :

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-13361879576735322482010-02-23T15:34:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:34:12.725-06:00Golden Double Hibiscus

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-75685302429976530682010-02-23T15:33:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:33:10.035-06:00Petrea detail

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Detail of Petrea volubilis (Queen's Wreath, Sanpaper Vine). Per Tropical Gardening by David Bar-Zvi "High-climbing vine with rought surfaced dark green leaves and clusters of lavener-blue or white flowers." Also from same

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-13105204847700952642010-02-23T15:31:00.001-06:002010-02-23T15:31:51.029-06:00Petrea volubilis with Bumble Bee

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Petrea also known as Queen's Wreath and Sandpaper Vine grows in bright clusters of blue flowers and violet calcyes. The flowers are short-lived, but the calcyes are much longer-lived. The flowers attract bees and humming

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-91201906355236997632010-02-23T14:26:00.002-06:002010-02-23T15:16:59.834-06:00Like-the-First-Morning

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } T Sunrise over Baru Volcano (Panama) with clouds covering the Sabalito Valley (Costa Rica). Photo taken from Costa Rica looking east.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-14139841324818246972010-02-23T14:25:00.007-06:002010-02-23T15:27:39.424-06:00Gotitas del sol

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Little drops of sun glow almost of their own accord as this Corteza tree comes into bloom. The bright yellow flowers which cover the tree for about two weeks every year (usually in December) are breathtakingly beautiful. In

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-36000320574433661542010-02-23T14:21:00.001-06:002010-02-23T14:21:48.429-06:00Long and Winding Road

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } The main road from San Vito to Ciudad Neily as it passes through Campo Dos y Media and Fila de Cal.: The main road from San Vito to Ciudad Neily as it passes through Campo Dos y Media and Fila de Cal. I am so often

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-72134174387110802022010-02-23T14:15:00.002-06:002010-02-23T14:41:01.426-06:00Fire in the Sky

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } : The back-glow of a fiery sunset meets a double rainbow and produces this amazing phenomena seen from my front porch.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-20320806605157186342010-02-23T14:12:00.002-06:002010-02-23T14:42:31.128-06:00Winter Vista

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } In Costa Rica the rainy season is called winter even though it starts in April or May and lasts until mid-December or January. The dry season, of course, is called summer. This photograph taken from a greater height then

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-59749928688929686252010-02-23T14:04:00.002-06:002010-02-23T14:43:40.747-06:00Sun and Shadow

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Sunset back-glow on Volcan Baru (Panama) and mountains to north and and east. Taken from Talamanca Mts. in Costa Rica (southern zone)

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-20253017636377252162010-02-23T14:03:00.001-06:002010-02-23T14:03:24.598-06:00Checking Out a Building Storm

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Long-haired Heidi Allen, singer/composer, visits property of microbiologist in Linda Vista de San Vito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica: On the property of a Linda Vista resident (a microbiologist with the Hospital de San Vito), my

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-41004899348781448572009-10-11T14:28:00.002-06:002009-10-14T08:55:14.463-06:00A remarkable new poet

There is a man who sells lottery tickets on the streets of San Vito, Costa Rica. At first sight there is nothing remarkable about this man. Although not a man of wealth or education, and although this profession is a simple and common one, he is indeed a very remarkable human being. He never tires of learning. He seeks out new people at every opportunity and engages them in conversation.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-56577642372895574672009-05-28T12:11:00.003-06:002009-05-28T12:33:41.119-06:00Leaf Cutter Ants and Biological Controls

On my farm here in the highlands of southern Costa Rica, we have a nice area on which we have planted citrus and avocado trees - a "frutal". But a plague of native leaf-cutter ants is devastating our new babies. My peon wants to use a powdered insecticide made especially for these ants because he has grown up using chemical as controls. We have an on-going battle about how best to protect the

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-64084798684741990212009-01-27T16:42:00.003-06:002009-01-27T16:52:47.601-06:00BIODIVERSITY

All of us, the living things of this planet, share our living space, our nutrients, our life-cycles, and our resources. We are interdependent. Imagine the number of life forms shown in this photo alone. Remove that tree or decrease the sunlight to it or the pattern of rainfall and ALL of those life forms cease to exist. One tiny change can destroy an entire ecosystem. Think about this in

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-53209207479202907902009-01-05T18:03:00.003-06:002009-01-05T18:09:09.986-06:00Cultural and Arts Fair - Bribri Children Dance

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-70713586971537788252008-10-26T23:31:00.001-06:002008-10-26T23:31:23.381-06:00greenbeewithpollengrains

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Green bee, Coto Brus, Southern Zone, Costa Rica. Pollen grains in bright yellow can be seen clinging to abdomen. These bees are attracted to the tabacon flower (shown). It smells a bit like cinnamon and vanilla. Would make

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-86492927403334547772008-06-19T11:53:00.001-06:002008-06-19T11:53:02.584-06:00Blogger: WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHI - Create Post

Learning to use this fun art/doodler program is as much fun as using it. Trial and error creates interesting "doodles."http://bomomo.com/

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-63987481961004368392008-06-15T22:57:00.010-06:002008-06-15T23:37:44.829-06:00Some birds of Costa Rica

Right and below: Blue crowned MotmotThis Motmot is a fairly large bird with vivid irridescent coloring and a showy tail. It loves fresh fruits. Two silver throated tanagers on the left, a blue and grey tanager with back to camera and a male scarlet rumped tanager. Tanagers are fruit eaters, so a dish of fruits such as bananas, watermelon, and papaya draws many to be photographed. This

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-56550909401118167642007-08-28T04:22:00.001-06:002007-08-28T04:22:17.044-06:00YohanyJenny01small

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Baby Geiral Johan Bermudez is expected next month and his parents share a secret during a "Te de Canestilla" in Linda Vista de San Vito, Costa Rica.: A baby shower in Costa Rica is a "Te de Canastila." More photos of this

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-22367750194363016812007-08-04T21:12:00.001-06:002007-08-04T21:12:00.918-06:00promiseofdawn

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } Sunrise at Finca CerroSur, South Mountain: More skies over the Zona Sur and Talamanca mountains. This photo was taken from the side of my house at Finca CerroSur in Linda Vista de San Vito.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-72638116433528834572007-08-04T21:06:00.001-06:002007-08-04T21:06:32.516-06:00Brilliant Symbol

.flickr-photo { border: solid 2px #000000; }.flickr-yourcomment { }.flickr-frame { text-align: left; padding: 3px; }.flickr-caption { font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px; } rainbow and glowing clouds against deep blue heavens: The highlands of the southern zone (Zona Sur) are famous for beautiful rainbows, intriguing mists, dramatic skies, and vivid sunrises and sunsets.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-4041859646338767002007-07-05T23:53:00.000-06:002007-07-08T22:21:17.589-06:00Typical Farm Houses and Scenes, Zona Sur

La Señora de la fincaHome Made Stove

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146609658643552752006-05-02T16:32:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.761-06:00Help me identify this species of cockroach

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146112838315490292006-04-26T22:38:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.644-06:00

My Christmas Bamboo (Phylostacchius). The tallest and widest Christmas "tree" in the area!

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146112694156600822006-04-26T22:32:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.584-06:00

With all the greenery we have here at Christmas, the idea of buying special tree just because only evergreens such as Pine and Spruce were green in late December in the northern climes, seemed rather silly. Sooooo, I decided to decorate that large screen of bamboo growing around the bedroom "garden" this year.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146182579056842412006-04-26T22:30:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.702-06:00

Here in the rural areas of Coto Brus, a parish in Costa Rica, Christmas is a time for Catholic families, their neighbors, and friends to celebrate a “Rosario.” These simple religious services are held in a family home and include the singing of carols, prayers, a few refreshments, and neighborliness. I've been a participant in Rosarios in three different homes since I've been living here even

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146111952028981402006-04-26T22:19:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.519-06:00

Grandpa Alvarado admires the latest edition to the family. Note that everyone is wearing a jacket. We are at about 1400 meters in altitude here in Linda Vista de San Vito and the only heating system is the wood-burning cooking stove in the kitchen at the back of the house.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146111572725062682006-04-26T22:15:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.461-06:00

Rosarios are family affairs although they also include neighbors and friends. Here are cousins. The baby is Hellen, Nogui's charming daughter.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146111301180324782006-04-26T22:11:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.404-06:00

Nogui Gerardo Alvarado Barrantes is the lead guitarist and "cantante" and also leads the prayers.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146111107648065312006-04-26T22:07:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.345-06:00

Music (usually furnished by guitars) and religious carols along with prayers are the main elements of a Rosario. Here two neighbors contribute their guitars and voices to the Alvarado Family celebration.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146110813013918682006-04-26T22:04:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.289-06:00

The Portal (Nativity Scene) is the center of the home Christmas celebration called the Rosario.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1146110618962854102006-04-26T22:01:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.231-06:00

The Christmas Owl in a Guititi Tree

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1137780515040733362006-01-20T11:56:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:48.052-06:00NEW NAME

We are changing the name of this blog. It will be THE TRUE COSTA RICA from now on. The URL address is the same - crphotos.blogspot.com.There is a reason for the name change. A new website has appeared called The Real Costa Rica. It is very good and worth checking out. It can be reached at www.therealcostarica.com.This site will be updated next week.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136070447293832382005-12-31T16:53:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.983-06:00Cumpleaños Fiesta for Little Boy Across the Street

How time flies! It seems that only yesterday my neighbor, Luz, was pregnant and then the baby boy was born and now . . . five years old! Guests came from all over the area and the little space in front of Don Bello's house was crowded with children of all ages and their parents, friends, and relatives. Unfortunately, I ran out of storage in my digital camera before the kids were blind folded

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136068339100592012005-12-31T16:30:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.925-06:00Party's End

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136068221166989672005-12-31T16:28:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.864-06:00I'm a BIG boy now!

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136068116988634972005-12-31T16:26:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.809-06:00Hellen at 11 mos. inspects a party favor.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067957468280532005-12-31T16:22:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.753-06:00Family and friends help serve cake to all.

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067766191071392005-12-31T16:20:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.694-06:00Watching the big boys (aged 5) playing tag

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067616770715052005-12-31T16:18:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.638-06:00The Cake Arrives

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067492652586602005-12-31T16:15:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.584-06:00And good food for all. Me, too, Mommy!

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067345448997342005-12-31T16:13:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.529-06:00Balloons were a big hit with the youngest set

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067202797696832005-12-31T16:11:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.475-06:00David with "Clown"

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136067087096543322005-12-31T16:08:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.417-06:00The Birthday Boy

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136066908710064682005-12-31T16:06:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.365-06:00Guests Arriving

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1136066430133183812005-12-31T15:39:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.311-06:00The Piñata

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122788726034633552005-07-30T23:13:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:47.022-06:00The Guaymí

The indigenous peoples of Southern Costa Rica and Northern Panamá who first settled this area are the Guaymí. They are a very attractive people who live in a large "nation" divided into a number of "districts." Most are poor and live in more or less the traditional way. They use the Costa Rican and Panamanian health services and other government benefits, but generally work very hard picking

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122785889063573032005-07-30T22:51:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.959-06:00Pretty Maids All In A Row

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122165040313517012005-07-23T20:14:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.633-06:00Parque La Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica

When the old airport in San Jose became obsolete with the opening of the Juan Santamaria Airport on the road to Alajuela, the government actually chose to do something constructive for the people - they turned the old airport into a big, beautiful park. Included in the park are the National Museum of Art, the National Stadium, a high school, play grounds, riding, biking, and jogging trails, a big

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122195897352139712005-07-23T17:37:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.850-06:00Parque La Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica (3)

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122195087029187422005-07-23T17:35:00.001-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.793-06:00Parque La Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122194807039594262005-07-23T17:35:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.738-06:00Llame del Bosque, Flame of the Forest

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1122217627047694212005-07-23T17:06:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.903-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1121658021776634672005-07-17T21:22:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.580-06:00A Sad Commentary

Once upon a time the Caribbean port city of Limon was a tropical paradise. Sparkling, clear water, tropical foliage, picturesque houses, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Years of poverty, racial discrimination, natural disasters, and government neglect have left once lovely Limon in shambles. Still, the people of the area have dreams. The annual "Carnival" is but one attempt to bring new life (and

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1121646071883224642005-07-17T18:21:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.525-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1121645958496321482005-07-17T18:19:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.468-06:00

With everyone's help Puerto Limon will be beautiful and clean once again.Copyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119819672556050062005-06-26T15:01:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.254-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248537925166812005-06-20T00:20:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.133-06:00Dia del Padre Fiesta de Linda Vista de San Vito, 2005

Father’s Day in Linda Vista de San Vito was celebrated yesterday and today with fiestas, rodeos, horseback riding, music, pony rides for the children, typical Tico food, soft drinks and beer, an evening dance (which I did not attend), and a great deal of socializing. Fathers proudly showed off their children and vice versa. Even the horses seemed to enjoy the festivities. People came from Los

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248301995391682005-06-20T00:18:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.080-06:00

Showing offCopyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248273629937042005-06-20T00:17:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:46.024-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248214626417672005-06-20T00:16:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.962-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248140775541292005-06-20T00:15:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.907-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248047500859262005-06-20T00:14:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.854-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119248002007734332005-06-20T00:13:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.802-06:00

NoguiCopyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247958187696312005-06-20T00:12:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.746-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247901554387042005-06-20T00:11:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.694-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247736807777722005-06-20T00:08:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.642-06:00

Comida tipica - a typical meal with meat, lots of rice, chopped chayote. The family shares one big spoon.Copyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247629027371482005-06-20T00:07:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.589-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247588889128792005-06-20T00:06:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.535-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247423523677352005-06-20T00:03:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.483-06:00

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247259775811662005-06-20T00:00:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.423-06:00

Mothers and daughters waiting for the horse parade to start.Copyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13761329.post-1119247126459331222005-06-19T23:58:00.000-06:002006-11-02T22:27:45.372-06:00

My Human loves me and buys me beautiful things to wear! Copyright Mary B Thorman 2005

Chihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04523795558095981380noreply@blogger.com0