Lake Arenal Costa Rica Homes Of Distinction

 

This Newly renovated 5 bedroom Walled Estate was just completely renovated by an old world craftsman and due to health concerns is forced to sell. The property is situated in a quiet community walking distance to Nuevo Arenal Town and the public Park where you can swim, fish or launch a boat. The home includes a pool and beautifully landscaped grounds and offers a variety of options to a new buyer as a large family or corporate home, or a B&B. The owner is asking $275,00 and open to offers. This is one of the best home values at Lake Arenal today, so please call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or cell 506 8880 8888   24/7 for further information.

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Experts
Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica
Moran Real Estate Caribbean

Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Lake Arenal Costa Rica Canopy Zip Lines

 

Now that you have been relaxed taking a calm, peaceful, tranquil Kayak Tour on the Lake it is time to get some adreneline going and your heart pumping.

For this we recommend our friends at Sky Tram Sky Trek for the ultimate Canopy Zip Line ride of your life. They are located on the south eastern coast of the Lake very close, and with breath taking views of the Volcano and the Lake.
You will never be closer to feeling like a bird, flying through the canopy at up to 50 miles an hour over 100 feet in the air, zig zagging through the jungle like Tarzan on steroids. They also have an aerial Tram for those that don't wish the more exciting Zip Line experience which slowly ascends the Jungle Canopy to a outlook that is spectacular.  You will see Costa Rica, Lake Arenal and the Volcano from a perspective you had no idea existed and this exciting experience will be with you until the day you die.  Very few ventures will leave you with such an intoxicating glow, so hook up, hang on and fly like the wind.

Moran Real Estate

over 50 years of tropical real estate Excellence

Call 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

Costa Rica Lake Arenal Howler Monkeys

When you come to Lake Arenal  Costa Rica you are likely to be awakened by a very unusual alarm clock. Just before dawn you will hear a chorus of Howler monkeys that you might think came from King Kong, and can be heard for up to 3 miles. Named for their throaty howls, they are the largest of all the New World Monkeys and can grow up to 20 pounds and live up to 15 years. Feeding on leaves, fruit and flowers, troops of Howlers Generally howel at dawn and dusk to let other troops know where they are. Rarely descending from the trees the troops normally consist of 15 to 20 members and are visable all around the lake, sometimes coming very close to humans while feeding on trees in fruit.
These fantastic creatures truly add to the unique experience of Lake Arenal Costa Rica and contribute to the marvelous ambience that makes up this remarkable , one of a kind, region of Central America.

Moran Real Estate

Moran Lake Arenal

Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

Lake Arenal Costa Rica By Kayak

If you really want to see all the beauty of Lake Arenal may we suggest seeing it at a leisurely pace on the Lake by Kayak. Our neighbors at Arenal Kayaks, Arenal Kayaks will treat you to a very very unique experience.

Not only will you see the beauty of this pristine Lake, and the volcano, but you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Central America. Depending on your skill and endurance there are a variety options open to your Kayak adventure. There are coves, bays, a 500 acre jungle island with more bird and animal species than you might see in any single location in the world. There are single and double Kayaks available in full and half day tours with very experienced safe tour guides, so grab a paddle and get going.

  Arenal Kayaks   Moran Real Estate

or Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

An Incredible True Story, of a Dream, Trust, Teamwork, Achievement, Happiness and Gratitude

Over one year ago a Doctor from Chicago surfing the web for information on Real Estate In Costa Rica came upon our web site  moranlakearenal.com and was enthralled by what he saw. We began to correspond, him doing his due dilligence asking a million questions, especially since he had never been to Costa Rica. The real estate questions I answered as completely and thoroughly as possible. When the questions regarded legal I introduced him to our super attorney Gonzalo Viquez (Junior), for construction to Luc Charette. All responded quickly and efficiently to his every inquiry. He was drawn to the Real Estate development Turtle Cove Yacht Club. He asked my opinion as to what lot I thought was the best buy. I responded and he bought it cash sight unseen.
He then asked Luc Charette to recommend an architect to design a home for the lot. Luc gave him a name and a plan was created, with Luc,s input about the site, topography and the views. The Doctor approved the plans and construction commenced. He had still never come to Costa Rica. As the construction progressed Luc would send him regular photos and comments, questions about the construction. He would call me regularly to ask my opinion about colors, tiles, windows. The house was completed just a  month ago and is now being furnished by Luc. The Doctor has still to this day never stepped foot on Costa Rica and I would like to include an e mail I just received from him today as a testament to our team work, trust and professionalism.

Hi Terry, Just wanted to let you know how much I like the house, and how much I appreciate all the help you and Luc and Jr. have been. I am just starting to work with Luc on the furniture and look forward to seeing it finished. But most of all I want to say thank you and wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Talk to you in 2010. Regards, John

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica

Lake Arenal Construction

Lake Arenal Costa Rica Development

Lake Arenal Costa Rica management

Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888   24/7

The Preserve At Lake Arenal

Several years ago 2 young developers  from the United States fell in love with Lake Arenal's beauty and walked into our office with a vision. A very specific vision. Could we find a parcel of land for them with spectacular lake and volcano views, rivers, easy access, close to the National Park and plenty of jungle, primary forest and all the flora and fawna that went with it. Tall Order, but with our extensive knowledge of the land around the lake a parcel popped into mind right away, and thus began Lake Arenal's first  truly ecologically sensitive development. These two men had a dream, an  inspiration, to blend human habitation together with the land with a minimum effect on the environment. After years of careful planning The 85 acres that has become just 46 lots has become a reality. Four rivers intersect the property, lots of primary jungle, tremendous views and the easiest terms in Costa Rica. With s little as a couple of thousand dollars down they will finance the balance for up to 15 years, you can become a Costa Rican landowner, and some great people have seen the dream and wanted to be part of it. You can see more by going to their web site at mypreserveatlakearenal.com or call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or cell phone 506 8880 8888   24/7

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica

The Preserve At Lake Arenal

Moran Real Estate 50 Years Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Costa Rica Lake Arenal World Class Windsurfing And Kite Surfing

Windsurfing in Lake Arenal Costa Rica will take your breath away. With waves up to 5 feet and winds up to 40 mph it is  renowned to be one of the 5 best wind surfing locations on earth. The best months are from December to April when the winds are stable and from an easterly direction. And not only a sport for professionals, this is a sport for beginners too with equipment rentals and lessens availavle right on the lakeshore. Hotels such as our friends at the  Hotel Tilawa  which specialize in wind surfing and kite surfing enthusiasts, and the lake bounded on the eastern shore by the Arenal active volcano and surrounded by Pristine jungle, exotic birds, plants and wildlife there is no better place anywhere to enjoy this exilerating sport

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica   

  Hotel Tilawa Windsurfing

Moran Real Estate Central America

Or Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888 24/7

Costa Rica Lake Arenal - Birdwatching Paradise

For its relatively small size, Costa Ricas has recorded over 860 species of birds, with  over 60 National Parks and Reserves, it is a Birders Heaven. People come from all over the world to glimpse some of the exotic and rare birds, which are visible from the largest cities to the deepest parts of the Park jungles. To put this in perspective there are more bird species in Costa Rica than the U.S. and Canada combined.  Even more amazing, Costa Rica has more bird species than the continent of Africa. The birds can be found in a wide array of habitats, many in the dense canopy of the forests and often heard more than seen. There are many tours available for birdwatching and the Costa Rican Tourist Insttitue http://www.tourism.co.cr/  in San Jose can offer a wealth of information also.  So pack your binoculars, camaras, comfortable shoes and clothes and enjoy one of the great wildlife adventures of the world.

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica

Or Call Moran Real Estate at 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888  24/7

Moran Real Estate 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Over 50 years ago Roger Moran and his wife Evelyn and their 4 children decided to move to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the cold north of Chicago. They opened their first real estate and construction office in St. Thomas in 1956 and the dynasty began. Over the years, 3 of the 4 children joined the business and it grew to become the largest real estate company in the Caribbean with offices and associates on every island in the Caribbean. With their own aircraft they could show property anywhere in the caribbean on a moments notice.
The entire family were awarded, appointed, designated various honors over the years which included, founding members of the Virgin Islands Board of Realtors, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries of the Board, Chairman of the Virgin Islands Government Real Estate Commission, Regional Vice President and national Directors of the National Association of Realtors, many designations as property managers, appraisers and many many other too numerous to name. Moran Real Estate celebrates its 54th anniversary in the Caribbean this year April Moran Newland Real Estate my sister April Moran Newland and we are now 8 years in Costa Rica at Lake Arenal.

Below is a partial list of clients we have served over the years:

Rockresorts Hotels, Hilton Hotels
Holiday Inn Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels
Krisch Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Best Western Hotels
Hardrock Cafe - Planet Hollywood
University of the Virgin Islands
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
U.S. Government, Federal Housing Authority, Veterans Administration
Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Government of the British Virgin Islands
U.S. National Park Service
The United States Navy
Sterns Jewelers - Amsterdam Sauer Jewelers - Colombian Emeralds
U.S. Nature Conservancy
Governors of the U.S. Virgin Islands Cyril King and Juan Luis
Christies Great Estates
Congressman Ron Delugo
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda
Baron Benjamin De Rothschild
Lauren Hutton
Christie Brinkley
Christy Mcvee
Maureen Ohara
MTV
The Rolling Stones
John Lennon
The Momas and Popas
Herman Wouk
Adnan Khashoggi
Ferdinand Marcos
Nelson Rockefeller - David Rocefeller - Laurance Rockefeller
Robert Oppenheimer
Dow Chemical
Golds Gym
Jose Cuervo Tequilla, Pussers Navy Rum
Chase Manhattan Bank, CITI Bank, Barclays Bank, Bank of America
Merrill Lynch, Bank of Nova Scotia, Prudential Bache

Next Generation Dalila Moran 6 Years Old

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Costa Rica

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Experts

Moran Real Estate Lake Arenal Most Experienced

Costa Rica Lake Arenal Hot Springs

 The active Arenal Volcano sputtering day and night at the eastern shore of Lake Arenal creates numerous incredibly beautiful hot springs just minutes away, some with famous volcano mud spas and fantastically beautiful hot jungle rivers and waterfalls. Many of these springs have been developed into 4 star hotels featuring the healing waters, sacred to the indians in the past.  Exotic flowers and plants abound which are specific to these conditions. It is definitely a must see to anyone coming to Lake Arenal costa Rica

http://moranlakearenal.com/    or phone 506 2694 0088 or Cell 506 8880 8888   24/7

Famous Mountain Lakes

Lake Tahoe  California,  Lake Lure, North Carolina, Lake Como in Italy, Lake Killarney in Ireland, Lake Louise in Canada, ad  to this list: Lake Arenal in Costa Rica.
Lake Arenal features: 22 miles of pristine waters, surrounded by mountains, wildlife of Costa Rica. Real Estate is affordable and Priced from under 50,000 to 7 Million.
With 2 Lakes, Lake Arenal famous for Fishing, Windsurfing, Sailing & Tennis and Yacht Clubs along with Lake Cote' a small crater lake just 1 mile away, you will find " Paradise awaits at affordable prices in Costa Rica".
Fishing all year round with temperatures in Nuevo Arenal at 78 degrees in the day and 68 at night...dont miss Costa Rica at this Price...
Terry Moran  Real Estate Broker Costa (506) 2694-0088 dial 011 for international, or http://www.moranreallakearenal.com/

Costa Rica Lake View Homes for Sale or Rent

Real Estate for Sale of Rent on Lake Arenal, the  "Lake Tahoe of Costa".  Minutes from La Fortuna, Costa Rica the #1 Tourist desination you will find, a quiet town with a Pristine Lake, Rainforests, Fishing, Cafe's, Tennis Resorts , Real Estate starting at 70K for a Lake View Home for sale of Rent, Tennis Resort Rentals or Homes for Sale.
Affordable Real Estate at Affordable Prices... Undiscovered Costa Rica..
Contact: Moran Real Estate for more information: http://www.moranlakearenal.com/
(506)2694-0088

Lake Tahoe of Costa Rica

I found Lake Tahoe of Costa Rica. Lake Arenal is a pristine 50 square mile Lake teeming with bass and a windsurfers paradise just minutes from the tourist mecca of Fortuna. Incredibly low Real Estate Values. Fishing, Windsurfing, Bass Fishing, skiing, sailing can all be found in athe quiet town  of Nuevo Arenal with a 1950's atmosphere.

Minutes from La Fortuna, Costa Rica Wildlife, Rainforests, and Real Estate with Lake Views will set you back in time. I have lived in Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica for 8 years with over 40 years in Real Estate and find this Ecological area of Costa Rica to be the finest in all of Costa Rica.

Real Estate Rentals, Sales, Real Estate Investments are available today:

http://www.moranlakearenal.com/

Christmas in Costa Rica Lake Arenal

Christmas in Costa Rica, Fishing in Lake Arenal famous for Rainbow Bass on a pristine Lake, set in amoungst rolling green hills and mountains forming the bowl of the Lake is the Quaint Town of "Nuevo Arenal". Real Estate is affordable, set amoungst the next Lake Tahoe of Costa Rica.

Real Estate for Sale, Real Estate for  sale, Rent, development, Investments, hotels, businesses Seasonal Rentals with Lake Views.

Real Estate Information : moranrealestate@gmail.com

Costa Rica Lake Arenal - Gary A Scott International Real Estate Expert, Recommends Moran Real Estate

Lake property for $1,000
Many years ago, when we had a condo in the Dominican Republic, American real estate broker Terry Moran was very helpful to Merri and me as we searched for property. Recently he informed me that he has moved to a beautiful lake (he says it looks just like Lake Como) in Costa Rica. He invited us there. Between the farm and Ecuador, we do not have time to go, but the data he provided was quite interesting. If you are interested in lake property, Costa Rica, or international investments take a look at this description.
LAKE ARENAL, a pure, clean, 50 square mile freshwater lake, high in the cool, lush, tropical, Costa Rican mountains.
Low, undiscovered, Real Estate prices, including Land, homes, condos, hotels, development opportunities, with waterfalls, hot springs, rivers, lakefront, volcano views, in a virtual Garden of Eden setting with exotic fruits, flowers, toucans, monkeys and parrots right outside your door.
Gorgeous land from $1000 an acre, small homes starting at $35,000, great development opportunities for hotels, marinas, condos, land sub divisions, shopping centers.
New fully furnished condos with breathtaking views of the lake starting at $72,000.
Easy access, good shopping, safe, secure, peaceful, no traffic, extremely friendly people, good utilities and medical, inexpensive retirement.
US Title insurance available on property.
Long term and vacation rentals availble.
Fabulous fishing and watersports. Just being discovered so don,t wait.

Christmas Special, Fishing tours, Delux Boutique Hotel, Gourmet Food Package

Right now we can offer you an all inclusive package of great Rainbow Bass fishing with Captain Ron, Delux Boutique Hotel Accomodations and Gourmet food at the Gingerbread Hotel. A Christmas you will never forget. Call 506 2694 0088 or e mail moranlakearenal.com or gingerbreadhotel@gmail.com for details and availability.

International Living Visits Moran Real Estate At Lake Arenal

The Switzerland of Latin America






Dear International Living Reader,

Arenal in north-central Costa Rica was a complete surprise to me. I had seen the raw jungle in the southern zone and the cleared rolling landscape of Guanacaste, but neither prepared me for what was to come.

Arenal could be mistaken for Switzerland or the Italian lakes. The focal point, Lake Arenal, is surrounded by sloping hills and pasture land. Rising majestically on one side, is the pointed cone of a volcano, dominating the landscape.

The volcano is live and without sounding too New Age, has an aura all its own. I stood on a hillside dipping gently down to the lake, with a direct volcano view, and was mesmerized. At night, you can see the lava flowing; the best viewings are by boat from the lake.

There is a Swiss mini-village, complete with church and chalets, perched on the hillside overlooking the lake. There is a German bakery in the town of Nuevo Arenal, and an Austrian restaurant, all adding to that middle-European feel.

It is a tranquil, peaceful place…howler monkeys in the trees was the noisiest encounter that we had. Hiking, horseback-riding, bird-watching, swimming, fishing (mainly for rainbow bass), and boat trips are all possibilities. The lake is host to world-class windsurfing from November to April and the weather is moderate all year round.

Property prices here are as mesmerizing as the volcano. A three-bed, three-bath home was listed for $139,000. A fixer-upper was on offer for $45,500 and 38 acres of forest, pasture, rivers, and springs with volcano views was $139,000. Development here is in the early stages; most larger parcels of land have been sold.

The hot springs in La Fortuna are a major attraction that I wanted to visit, but ran out of time. The thermal water has reputed healing powers, and the volcanic mud is great for deep cleansing. There are a number of hotels that offer a variety of treatments...or you can simply soak contentedly outdoors in the heated water and relax.

And at the end of my day’s scouting, I sat down to a delicious meal at the Gingerbread Hotel. The chef hails from Israel and is passionate about food. His wild mushrooms in a wine and cream sauce on homemade bread was mouth-watering. The hotel has three rooms, set on the edge of Nuevo Arenal, and the restaurant opens for lunch and dinner.

Margaret Summerfield

CHIRRETE - COSTA RICAN MOONSHINE

CHIRRETE – COSTA RICAN MOONSHINE

Don’t Get me wrong its illegal, but this doesn’t stop some enterprising Ticos from the age old tradition of making moonshine, which is called Chirrete here in Costa Rica.

As a matter of fact there is a small village just minutes from the lake that is famous for its Chirrete. All you have to do is go to the village and ask around and you will be given the directions to a house on the outskirts of town where an old woman, the wife of the man who makes the spirits will gladly let you sample her husbands latest batch and sell you whatever quantity you need, generally sold per gallon at the going rate of about $8.

I have asked the farmer who has the still if I could see the still and he said he would be happy to show it to me, until I found it was a half days horse ride into the mountains each way, so I declined until another day.

This particular Chirrete is well known in northwestern Costa Rica for its quality and I wish I could say smoothness but that would be pushing it a little too far.
The proof, or strength of Chirrete is by definition impossible to say as every batch is different although usually ends up being between 100 and 120 proof. Anything over 160 proof is extremely strong and almost impossible to drink unless mixed with water or juice. 200 proof is pure alcohol. Costa Rican Chirrete is generally made with sugar cane, corn and rice and produces a clear liquid. There are some distillers that after the distilling process flavor their Chirrete with herbs which gives it various other colors.

Because of the single run distilling process most all moonshines are subject to some poisonous by products, including methanol and fusel oils. Fusel oil gives the moonshine that particular oily smell and is not very good for your health if you really get into your shine.

Going to a birthday party one day I thought it would be fun to take a 5 gallon plastic water container normally put on top a cooler and bring it as a gift. I asked the woman if she could fill it for me and without a thought she disappeared into the garage and came back 5 minutes later with it full. More important than that I got a quantity discount at only $6 per gallon and she threw in a bottle of her own home made concoction of Chirrete mixed with coconut syrup that tasted as good or better than a similar brand name bottle at the store.

Was my friend surprised when I walked into his house for the party with a 5 gallon water jug over my shoulder and plunked it down on the ground and just walked away. He later told me he was mystified at first why I was dropping off 5 gallons of mineral water.


Only later did he discover the real contents and needless to say he had a very happy birthday party

Costa Rica Lake Arenal Moran Real Estate

The Gold Mines At Lake Arenal

THE STORY OF GOLD AT LAKE ARENAL


For thousands of years the various Indian tribes of Central America have been mining gold through simple methods of shallow surface mining and panning. And there is evidence of this in many of the graves that have been excavated with small amounts of gold mainly in the graves of the nobles and caciques. The gold museum in San Jose has some excellent examples of this.


But our story begins with the purchase of 40,000 hectares of land in the Tilaran Mountains by an American named Minor Keith in the late 1800,s. Minor Keith in 1884 had made a deal with the Costa Rican Government to construct a narrow gauge railway from San Jose to Limon in exchange for 300,000 hectares of land on the Atlantic coast that later became The United Fruit Company.


His company was called Abangares Mining Company and the first mine he opened was in Las Juntas de Abangares. Later other mines were opened, two very close to Lake Arenal. A mines which closed fairly recently was located in Rio Chiquito on the south side of the Lake. The mine shaft has been dynamited shut, but all the machinery and smelter is still there. It was recently sold to a farmer for cattle grazing.


Another mine, with more historical significance was situated in the small town of Libano, which is 5 miles south of the town of Tilaran and about 40 minutes from the Lake. The Libano mine was opened in 1911 and finally closed in the late 1970,s not due to the lack of gold but because the price of gold dropped below the break even point where it became profitable to mine at $485 per ounce.


It took one ton of excavated rock to produce one half ounce of gold. The mining was done by hand, pick and shovel in hot narrow mines that went straight into a mountain side rather than down. They could only dig as far as the water table which was usually the elevation of the nearest river because they did not have the expensive pumping equipment to mine below this point.


The earliest mines were done with very primitive methods, crushing the extracted rock in large rocks which have been hollowed out and crushed mortar and pestle style, then treated with cyanide before smelting. If you go to Libano you can still see the old rusting machinery used in the mines and there is an old bar there where the miners would ease their weary backs after long hours in the mine.


I have purchased many of these interesting relics and artifacts from the Libano mine and they adorn the Gingerbread Restaurant grounds.






The written accounts depict the tough physical work of the miners and the tribulations to survive those hard existences.

Desperate men who were going through hard economic times for them and their families and end up working as miners because they could not find any other type of employment in the city. Despite the grueling hard work that the mines demanded, it still allowed many families to eat, particularly for people who hardly knew how to read and write.

Those who went to work for the mines were young, others middle age and some, pretty old. Some of them were physically strong. Some were slender and small built, others average in size, but the majority of them had a strong preference for hard work and for a hard living.

The conditions which miners had to endure were harsh to say the least The hours were long and so were the days. They worked under physically exhausting conditions being constantly exposed to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and different rashes and skin diseases. The miners spend the day crawling in wet, dark, bat and tarantula ridden tunnels. Rheumatic pain afflicted their sore muscles and aching joints and the long squatting and crawling inside tunnels carrying heavy buckets of ore or pushing heavy small gauge train carts stiffen their backs for hours.

The last General Manager of the mine at Libano who lives in Tilaran and was gracious enough to provide me with much of the information on the mine there said there is still a lot of gold to be had. And now with the price of gold hovering at $1000 per ounce, well, anyone feel like getting into the gold mining business.

Costa Rica Is The Worlds Greenest, Happiest Country

Costa Rica Is The Worlds Greenist, Happiest Country

Costa Rica Is The Worlds Greenest, Happiest Country
Published on Sunday, July 5, 2009 by the Observer/UKCosta Rica is World's Greenest, Happiest CountryLatin American nation tops index ranking countries by ecological footprint and happiness of their citizensby Ashley SeagerCosta Rica is the greenest and happiest country in the world, according to a new list that ranks nations by combining measures of their ecological footprint with the happiness of their citizens.A rainbow over San Jose in Costa Rica. Photograph: Juan Carlos Ulate/ReutersBritain is only halfway up the Happy Planet Index (HPI), calculated by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), in 74th place of 143 nations surveyed. The United States features in the 114th slot in the table. The top 10 is dominated by countries from Latin America, while African countries bulk out the bottom of the table.The HPI measures how much of the Earth's resources nations use and how long and happy a life their citizens enjoy as a result. First calculated in 2006, the second edition adds data on almost all the world's countries and now covers 99% of the world's population.NEF says the HPI is a much better way of looking the success of countries than through standard measures of economic growth. The HPI shows, for example, that fast-growing economies such as the US, China and India were all greener and happier 20 years ago than they are today."The HPI suggests that the path we have been following is, without exception, unable to deliver all three goals: high life satisfaction, high life expectancy and 'one-planet living'," says Saamah Abdallah, NEF researcher and the report's lead author. "Instead we need a new development model that delivers good lives that don't cost the Earth for all."Costa Ricans top the list because they report the highest life satisfaction in the world, they live slightly longer than Americans, yet have an ecological footprint that is less than a quarter the size. The country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of what NEF calls "one-planet living": consuming its fair share of the Earth's natural resources.The report says the differences between nations show that it is possible to live long, happy lives with much smaller ecological footprints than the highest-consuming nations.The new HPI also provides the first ever analysis of trends over time for what are supposedly the world's most developed nations, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).OECD nations' HPI scores plummeted between 1960 and the late 1970s. Although there have been some gains since then, HPI scores were still higher in 1961 than in 2005.Life satisfaction and life expectancy combined have increased 15% over the 45-year period for those living in the rich nations, but it has come at the cost of a 72% rise in their ecological footprint. And the three largest countries in the world - China, India and the US, which are aggressively pursuing growth-based development models - have all seen their HPI scores drop in that time.The highest placed western nation is the Netherlands. People there live on average over a year longer than people in the US, and have similar levels of life satisfaction - yet their per capita ecological footprint is less than half the size. The Netherlands is therefore over twice as environmentally efficient at achieving good lives as the US, Nef says.The report sets out a "Happy Planet Charter" calling for an unprecedented collective global effort to develop a "new narrative" of human progress, encourage good lives that don't cost the earth, and to reduce consumption in the highest-consuming nations - which it says is the biggest barrier to sustainable wellbeing

Costa Rica - Health Is Number One

Costa Rica - Health Is Number One

Living in Costa Rica can be a healthy experience according to the United Nations. Costa Rica is in first place in Latin America for the development of curative and preventitive diseases, a ranking that places it in the top 20 in the world. In fact, this small tropical paradise surpasses the United States in both lower infant mortality and life expectancy.

So what sets Costa Rica apart from Mexico and other Central American countries? There are many factors, but probably the most fundamental is Costa Rica's strong and undying commitment to maintaining a high level of water quality. Unlike most of Latin America, you can drink the water right out of the tap! This applies to San Jose and the larger cities as well as small rural villages. All over the country, water quality and sewage treatment facilities are stringently monitored, and those few sources that are deemed unsafe to visitors are exposed. As a result, water quality standards have greatly benefited the restaurant industry. This coupled with their natural tendency for cleanliness and sanitation, Costa Ricans maintain extraordinarily high standards for their restaurants.

Foreign residents have lots of choices when it comes to how they want to handle their health care needs. Choosing clinics, doctors, and the mode of payment all take careful consideration. As a foreign resident, one must ask the question, "What kind of health care experience do I want?" As a general rule, the more one pays for their medical treatment, the more choice that person will have in which doctor they will go to, how quickly they will be seen by a physician, and how comfortable their accommodations will be. To answer this question, many residents have combined the best of both the public and private medical systems to create a hybrid health care plan for them and their families. Here's how it works: Many doctors in Costa Rica that work in the public CCSSS hospitals also conduct their own private office hours during the afternoons. Foreign residents can pay the CCSSS membership Costa Rica Residents Association fee (US$40-50) and visit the free clinics and hospitals in search of a doctor that they like. If this doctor provides a private service in addition to his public practice, the resident can take advantage of both worlds. They can make routine appointments with ease and little delay; however, should they need a complicated and expensive procedure, the CCSSS will cover the expenses.

Moran Real Estate Costa Rica Lake Arenal

Gingerbread Boutique Hotel And Restaurant Kudos

Gingerbread Restaurant, possibly the best place to dine in Costa Rica
October 3, 9:53 PMDallas Living Abroad ExaminerLynn Farris

Gingerbread Restaurant lit at night. Photo courtesy of Gingerbread Restaurant.
Most people come to the Arenal area to see the spectacular active volcano, to soak in the thermal waters, to windsurf Lake Arenal and enjoy the wide variety of entertainment nature has to offer. They must also now add dining to that list of things to do. The 2009 Lonely Planet guide book to Costa Rica has called Gingerbread Restaurant "arguably the best restaurant in northwestern Costa Rica (if not the entire country)." To those of us who live here, we know it is the finest place to dine in Costa Rica.


The Gingerbread Restaurant is located on the Lake Road, in Nuevo Arenal, northwest of the tourist area of La Fortuna. The head chef and owner, Eyal Ben-Manachem has an incredible passion for life and for food that makes dining here a memorable occasion. He believes food is to be shared and enjoyed. Eyal is originally from Israel and worked in a catering company there. He followed his enjoyment of food and rugby to the U.S. where he ended up in Chicago and enrolled in Kendall College, earning a culinary degree. He returned to Israel and then in 2003, he fell in love with Costa Rica, making it his home.



Here he creates what he calls an International fusion of French, Mediterranean and California cuisine, using only the freshest local ingredients. The menu changes nightly depending on what is good at the market. His specialties often include hand selected fresh local beef and pork. With the Costa Rica location, he also often showcases, fresh tuna, mahi mahi, red snapper, sea bass, jumbo shrimp, calamari and occasionally octopus.



I had the opportunity to dine there recently with friends. They had brought with them a special bottle of wine for us to share at dinner and Eyal was quite gracious in opening the wine and serving it to us without a cork fee. However, Gingerbread offers a wide selection of fine wine, spirits and both national and imported beers.



We all shared his amazing mushroom appetizer, and a caprese salad which was incredible. I’ll confess, I have shared his mushrooms and caprese salad every time I have dined here. These are two of his specialties and I strongly recommend them.



Our friends raved about his blackened tuna salad. The dressing allowed the salad to shine, but added a fascinating blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Her husband had the Mexican Pork, although he had planned to have prime rib, which wasn’t available that night. Despite his disappointment at having to make a substitution, he was blown away by the tenderness of the pork and the flavors. On our way home that evening, he was still wondering how anyone could make pork that tender.


Vegetarian Fettuccine. Photo by Donald Farris.
My husband and I are vegetarians, which often test the skills of fine chefs. Eyal made us a vegetarian fettuccini with feta cheese, green beans, carrots, sun dried tomatoes, peppers and fresh herbs in a very light sauce. As a vegetarian, I have certainly had my share of vegetarian pasta dishes; this was by far the best I have ever eaten. While Gingerbread may not advertise it, this is the place to come if you are a vegetarian.


Eyal is also known for his desserts featuring rich dark chocolate and fresh fruits. Unfortunately we were all too full to even entertain dessert.



Gingerbread also has a boutique hotel attached to it. With his spirit of creativity, it is not surprising that each room features the work of local artists. One room features a jungle motif with fantastic murals, another is a butterfly room and a third, the honeymoon room, offers a cupid motif. Eyal has supported local artists and not only is their art displayed here, you can purchase some of it as well.



While this certainly is not the least expensive place to dine, most people consider it quite reasonable for a dinner of this quality. Because portions are large and sharing is encouraged, if you come with friends, you can partake in a number of courses fairly economically. Make reservations before coming and bring cash. Credit cards are not accepted here.

Gingerbread Hotel And Fine Restaurant