128Canopy Blog

Besides the splendor and beauty of this tropical paradise you can enjoy a lower cost of living while experiencing a higher standard of tranquility.   What do I mean by lower cost of living?  Let’s put it this way, you can live comfortably for $1,000.00 a month.  One bedroom Condo rentals along the Pacific Coast run as low as $350.00 a month.  Electric and water runs about $80.00 a month.  The fruit and vegetable markets are very reasonable.  You can stock your refrigerator for three weeks for under $15.00. That leaves you $550.00 for entertainment and taxi.  I have met some Americans living down here for $600.00 a month.  Trust me, that is a very tight budget, but according to them, DO-ABLE!   The dollar is currently strong in comparison to the Costa Rica Colony.  Colonies are exchanging between 555 and 560 to the U.S. Dollar.

So for those looking to vacation or live in Costa Rica, now is the time. The outlook is very positive down here.  No recession.  You won’t find the locals “wringing their hands” worrying about the economy.  This is a great haven to ride out the economic storm hovering over the United States and Europe.  Life is short.  Why not start living the dream today?  Hope to see you down here.
Bradley Owen Smith… For more Information go to: http://www.LiveLikeAKingCR.com

● State Income Mortgage Loans Now Available and Costa Rica’s Credit Rating was just upgraded by Standard & Poor.
● Property values stable. Increasing and property registrars are accurate.
● Labor Cost $8.00 a day… Quarters on the dollar for construction, auto mechanics, maids, servants, and any labor intensive business.
● U.S. Friendly - American communities, dual residency encouraged.
● American Investors welcomed - Special programs available.
● Live comfortably for under $1000.00 a month.
● Costa Rica’s currency has depreciated consistently by 12% to 14% per year against the U.S. dollar. CD’s here pay 4.05% the total is a nice return of 16% to 18% per year.
● Beach Condos for as low as $45K, inland homes in the $100K, and low rentals.
● Total respect for Americans, locals are friendly and ready to serve Americans.
● Lifestyle-Perfect tropical whether, beaches, volcano’s, cliffs, mountains, valley’s, jungles, surfing, boating, fishing, and wildlife galore. Breathtaking views around every corner of this tropical paradise called Costa Rica!

I look forward to seeing you here in beautiful Costa Rica.  I would also like to meet you, just ask around for the “Loco Gringo with the Hat” and they will point you in my direction.
Bradley Owen Smith-Author

The Central American region has distinguished the Costa Rican Fundecor Association for its conscientious work in the protection of the Central Volcanic Range in the country.

The Fundecor Association is a non-governmental organization that protects the country’s forest as well as supervises the well intended use of water reservoirs.   Fundecor relies on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to oversee the protected areas.

According to the Isthmus’ report regarding the 2008 Sustainable Human Development, the protected areas are an example of these good natural practices for the entire region.  The Fundecor program has come to fill in the gap left by the absence of proper institutional presence as well as management plans along with the overriding of personnel responsibilities.

The report also mentioned that it is very common that the funds generated from the marketing and entrance fees for protected areas and national parks as well as concessions of services and such are rarely re-invested in the protected areas itself.

However, researches applauded the people responsible of the Central Volcanic Range Conservation Area’s action of investing the attained funds back into the conservation and protection of the area.

According to the Fundecor Association, in 2008, so far a total of 83 million Costa Rican Colones (approximately $150,000) have been invested in the training of 12 park rangers through the Universidad Estatal a la Distancia (UNED).  These park rangers are responsible for the Irazu Volcano National Park,  Turrialba Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park and the Braulio Carillo National Park.

The funds collected by the organization is also used to elaborate new management plans as well as maintain and improve trails, public toilets, telecommunications and online websites.

The runner up of the recently concluded Latin American Idol Reality Show, Maria Jose Castillo, is currently promoting her first single among the Costa Rican radio stations.  The song is names Abre tu Corazón and would translate to “Open Your Heart”.

Just last month, the entire country of Costa Rica was glued to their television sets as Maria Jose fiercely battled Panamanian finalist Margarita Hernandez for the coveted Latin American Idol title.  Visibly affected by a throat infection, Maria Jose won second place along with the hearts of millions.

Upon her return to Costa Rica, Maria Jose Castillo has been receiving professional vocal treatment at the Clinic of the Universidad de Santa Paula that specializes in Speech Therapy as well as Physical and Respiratory Therapy.  Her recovery has been very satisfying and she has been recording her first CD to be released November 25th, 2008.

Abre tu Corazón has been playing in local pop-romantic radio stations and has had a very warm reception.  Maria Jose declared to be extremely happy with the results but most of all with the positive response and support from her fans and the entire nation.

Her first CD will include Abre tu Corazón, Vuela and a number of other Spanish-Pop songs Maria Jose performed at the Latin American Idol contest.

Maria Jose’s first single may be heard online at

http://www.nacion.com/viva/2008/noviembre/11/viva1770012.html