Costa Rica Becomes A World Leader In Space Travel Technology

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Thanks to the presence of some of the most innovative companies in the world today Costa Rica
has become a major player in high-technology manufacturing, medical technology manufacturing,
professional services and believe it or not, the development of advanced plasma rocket
propulsion technology for space travel!

Since the year 2000 the number of companies in Costa Rica's manufacturing sector has increased
by 83%, Costa Rica's medical devices sector has increased by 288% and the services sector has
increased by 1,760%

Ad Astra is a rocket propulsion company dedicated to the development of advanced plasma rocket
propulsion technology. It was started by Franklin Ramón Chang Díaz a Costa Rican-American
engineer, physicist and former NASA astronaut who is a veteran of seven Space Shuttle missions.
His ambitious goal is to revolutionize space transportation and exploration, through the
development and commercialization of the VASIMR® engine and related technologies.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics named the Variable Specific Impulse
Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) among the top 10 emerging aerospace technologies of 2009 and
aerospace experts believe that a 200 Mega Watt VASIMR® powered space ship could make the trip
to Mars in as few as 39 days.

In an effort to help bolster this new industry, Costa Rica's President Laura Chinchilla is
seeking to attract more investment from aerospace companies and this week signed a decree
creating the National Council of Aerospace Industry which will be chaired by Clotilde Fonseca,
Minister of Science and Technology.

In an interview this week, the World Bank Director for Central America Laura Frigenti was
asked about the the prospects for Costa Rica this year, she answered: "They are very good.
We at the World Bank, look at Costa Rica with a lot of admiration. It is a country that has
much to offer the world in terms of good policies, results, particularly in the areas of
social policy, debt and openness to foreign direct investment."

And you saw in the news this week that out of 65 countries, a young Tico - Rafael Angel
Rodríguez Arguedas - just won the Gold medal in the World Olympics for Chemistry? He beat
other very talented contenders from countries that have typically performed well in this
field including the USA, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina.

Good things are happening in Costa Rica, come be a part of it!

If you enjoy our newsletter and website, please feel free to forward this onto someone you love...

Scott Oliver - Founder of WeLoveCostaRica.com

We Love Costa Rica

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years Of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible

With Clinica Biblica's New Sun Ranch Medical Center, Guancaste Will Become the Medical Center of Central America

SUN RANCH HOSPITAL, RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, GOLF COURSE, HOTEL, CONDOMINIUMS

In the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, lies a real estate / medical tourism / leisure development like none other in Central America. The project combines many important components such as world class accredited hospital, assisted living and long term care, airport/medical hotel and suites, commercial area, residential component and retirement communities, as well as championship golf course with branded luxury hotel, and plenty of area for an endless number of other complimentary components. If you have experience in building and managing the different components mentioned above, Contact Us Today!

The real estate development is situated on 2,350 acres (950 hectares) a mere 2 kms from the entrance of the Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport, which is in the midst of a $35 Million expansion.

Some of the project’s components include:

50 acres destined for the state of the art Clinica Biblica Hospital with assisted living and long term care.- $40 million accredited world class hospital
- First hospital in Central America to obtain Joint Commission International Certification
- 80 yr old Non profit organization

15 acres for the branded airport/medical hotel - 200 rooms, with one wing specially designed for after care / post operative recovery
- Casino, restaurants, and convention center
- Spa, wellness center, pools and other first class amenities

500 acres for the Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed championship golf course with luxury hotels and residential development. - Par 72 championship golf course
- Luxury hotel and resort
- Condo, town home and private estate lots scattered throughout the golf course and canyon area

15 acres 1st phase of commercial area- supermarket, restaurants, offices, services, retail among others.

85 acres protected private reserve- waterfalls, 6km riverfront, rich in flora and fauna
- other green areas and natural areas to be preserved as well

Another important factor: one of only five blue zones in the world have been identified in Guanacaste, Costa Rica (Wikipedia defines a Blue Zone as: a region of the world where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100 years. Scientists and demographers have classified these longevity hot-spots by their inhabitants' ability to live longer, on average, than anyone else in the world.)

These major components combined with the proximity to the International airport, Papagayo Marina, pristine beaches, Guanacaste’s infrastructure, picturesque landscapes, and ideal climate provide a unique canvas for this visionary project.

Sun Ranch Medical Center

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

We must never be afraid to go too far, for success lies just beyond.

Costa Rican Tourism Looks Ahead To Growth

Costa Rica currently receives the majority of their tourist arrivals from the Americas, with the top three nationalities visiting the country being from the US, Nicaragua and Canada. Tourism arrivals, after increasing from 1.72mn in 2006 to 2.15mn in 2008, dipped to 1.93mn in 2009. Arrival numbers are forecast by BMI to pick up in 2010 and grow at an average rate of 8% until the end of our forecast period in 2014. 
Health tourism also brings visitors to the country and it is an area where Costa Rica can continue to develop its infrastructure to tap further into this growing market. Already known as a destination for medical tourists, Costa Rica is now competing with newer destinations, such as Puerto Rico, for the millions of Americans, and other nationalities, who travel abroad for medical care. 
In the same vein as health tourism, Costa Rica is making retirement communities a priority to keep visitor numbers up. The country is targeting North American pensioners and is doing away with the red tape of residence permits, especially for those in good health. Tax exemptions on real estate and vehicles are also being offered. The campaign is being run by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. Meanwhile, the competitiveness ministry has already identified eight locations for retirement communities, focussing on areas with natural beauty, tourist attractions and in proximity to hospitals
Another tourism draw to Costa Rica is spa and well-being vacations. Costa Rica has been recognised by TripAdvisor users as one of the best places in Central and South America to enjoy spa getaways. Some areas that well-being tourists are targeting are the hot springs near the Arenal Volcano, the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula (home of yoga retreats) and the back to nature setting of the Central Valley region. The planned regeneration of the province of Limon, on the less frequently visited Caribbean coast, has the potential to put upward pressure on inbound tourism numbers. Puerto Limon was once the town of the United Fruit Company and the province has two national parks. The parks have the potential to be a large tourism driver, with a tour by one company, Wildland Adventures, having recently been named one of the '25 Best New Trips for 2010' by National Geographic Adventure magazine. In our view, developing the tourism infrastructure in the region will likely unlock great potential. 
In early 2010, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved grants of US$1.1mn and US$1.5mn to support two parts of the Mesoamerica Pacific Corridor Project. The corridor runs through seven countries from Mexico to Panama. The Optimization of Border Crossings Pacific Corridor grant will be used to improve passage over borders and the Adjustment, Maintenance and Operation of the Pacific Corridor grant will improve road infrastructure over 2015-2030. The project aims to develop a quicker route between Mexico and Panama. BMI believes that as well as fostering trade in the region, the development of infrastructure has the potential to increase tourism as travel will be much more feasible

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years Of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. 

Costa Rica Is Among Latin Americas 3 Safest Countries

According to the FTI International Consulting Company, Costa Rica, Chile and Uruguay are three safest countries in Latin America. On the other hand, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Venezuela and Haiti are considered the most dangerous countries in the region. Venezuela is riddled with crime as things it spin out of control and progressively deteriorate. In 2009 alone over 15,000 Venezuelans died violently.

México, once considered a retirement haven for Americans, isn’t far behind because of the violence generated by the war on drugs.

Although the homicide rate has risen slightly, this should not keep you from moving to Costa Rica. Compared with the rest of the countries in the region Costa Rica is still paradise and Latin America’s #1 retirement haven.

                                                                                                              

Over 50 Years Of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic

Costa Rica - Safe Haven for Gulf Fishermen

As the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history continues to impact residents who live along the gulf coast, some residents are fleeing the polluted waters of the Gulf of Mexico and heading to Central America, where the waters are pristine.
Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) June 28, 2010 -- As the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history continues to impact residents who live along the gulf coast, some residents are fleeing the polluted waters of the Gulf of Mexico and heading to Central America, where the waters are pristine.
“The only oil you’ll find on the beaches of Costa Rica is suntan oil, “And that’s the type of oil you don’t mind seeing.”

“When the oil spill in the gulf began making news, we saw an increased interest in Costa Rica, As people have begun to realize that this environmental disaster will have more of a long term effect on the region, we’ve seen those inquiries become more pressing. Fishermen and boaters who make their living in the Gulf States are now looking at options to sustain their way of life.”

t’s no secret the gulf oil spill has affected the fishing and boating industries of the region and prompted one Louisiana native to look toward Costa Rica as a place where he could continue his trade.
“I simply can’t make a living here anymore,” wrote fisherman Thomas Michaels from Grand Isle, La. in an email to Matluck as part of his inquiry on Costa Rica. “They used to call this area ‘The Sportsman's Paradise’ – now it’s simply a nightmare for people like me. That’s why I’m looking at alternatives.”
In Costa Rica, Captain Bobby McGuiness, chosen as the world’s top captain by the authoritative IGFA in 2006 and among the top ten IGFA record setters in 2008, confirmed he too has seen a rise in the number of people who formerly fished the gulf looking at alternatives. “I have 15 to 20 anglers who are considering Costa Rica as an option,” he said, agreeing that the oil spill has had an impact on the number of fishermen heading to the area.
Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming all too commonplace. What’s even more disturbing, however, is that some captains are not even considering their alternatives and are taking extreme measures. On June 23 the gulf oil spill might have been directly responsible for one boat captain committing suicide.
According to Stan Vinson, coroner for Baldwin County Alabama, the 55-year-old captain from Foley, Ala. had been quite despondent about the oil crisis. “All the waters are closed. There’s no charter business anymore. You go out on some of the beaches now, with the oil, you can’t even get in the water,” Vinson was quoted by the Los Angeles Times. “It’s really crippled the tourism and fishing industries here.”
Matluck, a longtime boater and fisherman, is quite concerned by what he’s seeing happening in the area and is committed to doing what he can to help gulf fisherman establish a base of operations in Costa Rica if that’s what they desire.

“No captain should ever have to choose between his life and his livelihood,” Matluck said. “We understand the stress these people are under and we’ll do everything we can to work with any individual who wants to consider the viable alternatives we offer.”

Moran Real Estate Over 50 years of tropical real estate excellence

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. 

International Living - Moving To Costa Rica, If I can Do It Anyone Can

I just had my first taste of living abroad in Costa Rica and have been given an opportunity to experience life in a hundred new ways. You can try exotic foods, discover new cultures, customs, and holidays. You can learn a different language, teach others some English, and find new and lasting friendships.

It started when my son Jeff told me he was moving to Costa Rica for a while. After the initial surprise, I started thinking "When can I go to Costa Rica, too?"

That began my investigation into, for me, a relatively unknown country. Plus, after four debilitating snowstorms and nor'easters, there were multitudes of grumpy people here in the Northeast, lamenting, "There's gotta be a better place to live."

I am newly retired and trying to decide where to spend a few cold months a year. Could I do this? Can't hurt to try, so I packed my bags and jumped on a plane to Costa Rica. Discoveries and surprises were in store as I traveled to Playa Grande, on the Pacific Northwest coast.

First, the language. You don't have to know a lot of Spanish. Un pequeno (a little) is enough to get by—with hand signals and a Guide to Costa Rican Spanish in your pocket. Jeff, who refreshed his high school Spanish with private lessons, was able to understand a lot and converse a little. Ticos are very patient in helping you learn their language and seemed to appreciate the effort. They are so friendly, helpful, and gracious. Jeff however became fluent in "mechanic Spanish" because he was forced to talk to lots of people about what went wrong with his truck—it broke down on a regular basis because of the crazy road conditions.

The Costa Rican roads in some parts of the country take some getting used to. Some are old two-lane winding, narrow, asphalt ribbons that meandered through small towns, past farms and ranches with skinny cattle and horses. Others were graveled dirt roads, "smoothed" over by a bulldozer leaving those bump-bump-bump teeth rattling ruts that make you pray to get out of the car soon. Tough on a car. Even tougher on this old body, but I only hit my head on the ceiling a few times.

But the slowed-down lifestyle and the "kick back, put your feet up, and smell the fuchsia flowers" way of living just seeped into my bones within a few hours. My trip brought me unexpected riches that changed my life. A Jersey Shore girl from birth, the Costa Rican beach break on the northern Pacific coastline made my heart pound in excitement. Panoramic views of lofty mountains, thick jungle vegetation, and peaceful sandy crescents extended as far as the eye could see.

There were mornings that I was the ONLY person on the beach for miles. Warm seawater still refreshed since the air temperature hovered in the mid 90's (much cooler, Jeff said, since some rain had started). Excellent surfing waves rushed in, one right after another. Deep blue-green water, azure sky, toasty sand....mmm—just plant me here and leave me to blossom.

"Hola" is on everyone's lips as they pass you strolling to catch some waves. Friendly "coconut men" slice open the ice-cold pods, stick a straw in, and offer this tasty, nutritious coconut "milk" to drink and its firm flesh to eat—for a dollar! Tiny "cafés" line the street, for a quick snack or hearty meal. This is my "try-out," my practice life abroad, and I am sucked wholeheartedly into its spell.

The time was way too short. I just started my Costa Rica life. I am finagling to get back soon, for a much longer stay among the nicest people I ever met.

International Living - The Greatest Name In Retirement Living

Moran Real Estate - Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it

Costa Rica Ranks Third As Cleanest Countries in The World

According to researchers at Yale and Columbia University, among 163 countries that were included in their 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), Costa Rica ranks third in cleanliness, preceded only by Iceland in the first place and Switzerland in second. 

The countries were ranked based on 25 indicators, including water and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and the impact of the environment on its people’s health.

The index is influenced by metrics that track how the governments are doing in relation to environmental policy goals like access to good sanitation and water, habitat protection, and industrial emissions.

A country may achieve a top EPI position in two ways:

1. It could be gifted with a rich legacy of clean water and diverse biology that hasn’t been violated by uncontrolled industrialism.

2. It could have industrialized and polluted its environment but got rich enough to begin the clean up.

Costa Rica got to the third place the first way, while the countries that made the top of the list achieved it the second way. 

The perfect score is 100. Costa Rica scored 86.4, with a GDP per capita of $9,600 and a population of 4.5 million. 

According to the index,“That such a relatively poor and developing country ranks third in the EPI is testament to the natural endowments of Costa Rica, with dense forests, plentiful water and abundant wildlife. With smart development, Costa Rica can avoid the standard path that growing nations take of polluting their environment, only to clean it up again once they become wealthy. Costa Rica touts its EPI ranking in ads for its tourism sector.” 

In the past, Costa Rica was recognized as the best country regarding rainforest conservation efforts, and is one of the originators of REDD, Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation project. In this sense, it is not a surprise that this small country was able to achieve such a meaningful position worldwide.

Moran Real Estate Over 50 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine, it gets better with age, The next day she locked me in the cellar

I told my wife that a husband is like a fine wine; he gets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cellarI told my wife that a husband is like a fine          ets better with age. The next day, she locked me in the cell