Can I keep my land?

 

 

 

It has always caught my attention living, working and studying in Costa Rica how you can start your day off with something in mind and next thing you know you're doing something completely different. That's what happened to me yesterday. I went to San Jose to pick up a package in Jet box, that's the company that ships over anything I buy online. My plan was simple, pick up the package and go back home. However, since I enjoy walking, I decided to walk the 4 miles back to my bus stop. When I was walking, I found myself by the legislative building in the middle of a big group of people. All of a sudden, in two shakes of a lambs tail I found myself in the middle of a protest!

 

 

 

 

 

Now, do as I say and not as I do. I DO NOT recommend or advocate getting involved in any type of manifestation or protests, especially abroad. This is a common occurrence here in sunny Costa Rica. Although, you won't find that fact in many guidebooks it is part of the harsh reality. At times, protests have even gotten violent. I was very lucky that this protest was not. We sang, we clapped, we whistled (well, I can't whistle if my life depended on it). We sang the national anthem and held banners. Now, this was the first protest that I have been in. I decided I was going to stick around because when talking to people in both Spanish and English I really felt for their cause. I had heard about it in the news however, I didn't really think about it that much...until I met the people involved.

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica's human rights track record isn't as squeaky clean the government wants people to think. It seems that the people were fighting for rights and deed to the land in which they constructed their home. The Costa Rican government is stating that these citizens are in fact squatters and they do not have any rights to the land in which they have lived on for years. Congress states the land belongs to the government and is trying hard to give these poor people the old heave ho. I spoke to one man who stated he had been living in a small piece of land for 53 years! In those 53 years he made a home and a small diner. Others stated that their grandparents, parents, themselves and now their children were living on small parcels of land, in which the state now wants to evict them. I understand both sides of the coin both the governments and the people. Initially, these people were squatters. However, Costa Rican law states that if a person has possession of a property for 10 years that property becomes theirs! They become the rightful owner and have the right to a deed. It's funny how the law does not apply to these people because it's the government who wants this land, but if it wasn't these farmers would already have a deed in their name.

 

The problem is that this beautiful and pristine land is located in some of the most stunning yet rural parts of the country. The government has made it clear that these folks are on government land, however, this land now legally belongs to these campesinos or farmers. Some of the land disputed is located in the Southern part of the Caribbean coast, the indigenous area of Talamanca and land bordering Nicaragua. Generation after generation of Costa Ricans have lived there and now they are fighting to avoid becoming homeless.

 

 

 

In the picture above I am the second person on the right hand side. The Costa Rican Congress and the President Laura Chincilla underestimated the plight of the rural community. I got there at around 10:30am and left at 3pm. At about 12pm, we got on two buses and road down to the presidents home in Zapote. We sang again, we clapped, we held banners all in the hopes of receiving some response from the president. All we got was a cold shoulder and a message stating that the president was not in San Jose but in Guanacaste.

 

 

 

 

Although, we were a good sized group of people, the demonstration was not covered on local tv news. It seems as though it may want to be swept under the rug by an already unpopular president. However, we're not going down without a fight. I do not have any properties at stake in this, but I do support my fellow humans whenever an injustice is being committed. I saw many very young kids and very old adults involved in yesterdays demonstration, that really pulled at my heart strings. I feel happy I bumped into this peaceful protest yesterday and from what I understand it was going to take place again today. So, really in Costa Rica you can start your day one way and end it on a different note. Que vive la paz! (Long live peace)



Barrio Chino anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

Barrio Chino also known as Chinatown is one of the newest editions to San Jose. Erected and inaugurated in 2012 by the Municipality of San Jose it has been a fan favorite to many. Originally, prior to forming a relationship with China, Costa Rica had a 60 year relationship with Taiwan. That relationship ended in 2007 when then president Oscar Arias cut off all ties with Taiwan to begin a friendship (or economic relationship) with China. In 2003, Taiwan donated what was called "Friendship Bridge" in Guanacaste. The bridge is still standing, however, the friendship is long gone.

 



 

With a  $1 million donation from China, the then Mayor of San Jose Johnny Araya pushed for the construction of Chinatown. Chinatown is a pedestrian boulevard that spans over 600 meters in length. This architectural structure was in Chinatown long before it was known as Chinatown. You see, prior to this area converting to a Chinese mecca it was already an known in its own right. It was called, "Paseo de los Estudiantes" or loosely translated as walkway of the students, since nearby there are several high schools.

 

 

 

Chinatown is like the town with some China in it. Chinatown has some stores that are owned and operated by Chinese immigrants, however, the majority are Costa Rican run. Here, between the optical, ice cream parlors and Western Union there are some Chinese stores like the one pictured above. Here, you can find ceramic goods like lamps and traditional Chinese tea cups, traditional Chinese dolls among many other items. Some stores even sell jewelry like Jade, however always verify the authenticity of the Jade you purchase. I once bought what I thought was Jade and when I accidentally dropped it on the floor it shattered into pieces...real Jade is not so fragile. The prices of Jade in Chinatown vary from $2 to $200, so do your homework before buying.

 

 





 



 

 





 

 

 

Chinatown has some interesting features such as a pair of lions that appear at the entrance. It gives it a more Asian feel to the area. In addition, the lamps that are on the pedestrian boulevard are of an Asian design which gives Chinatown a different feeling. Notice the difference between the Asian lamps and the standard Costa Rican lamps in the background of the above picture.  These little details add up to make the visitor feel all the more in Chinatown.

 

 



 

 

Something that catches my eye and blends an Oriental feel with mother nature is how trees are planted from one end to the other end of Chinatown. It gives a natural, relaxed sensation as these trees although thin provide shade and are pleasant on the eyes. The boulevard as seen above is yellow and red which represent the colors of the Chinese flag.

 

 

 

At the very end of the Chinatown, you will come across this very large statue of Confucius. Confucius was a philosopher who promoted values of social and political harmony. His beliefs are noted in 4 books, 5 scriptures, 6 pieces of art and 8 important virtues. This information can be found on the plaque that is on the back of the Confucius statue.

 

 

 

 

 

So remember, when you come to San Jose there is a lot to see and do. You never know exactly what will happen or who you'll bump into. As was my case when I ran into this mime on my way to Chinatown! Although, our Chinatown is not nearly as big and bold as the ones in San Francisco or New York...it took a lot of time and money to make. Costa Rica proudly encompasses one of the more than 30 countries that boast having there very own slice of China!

Did you know...quick facts about Costa Rica

Costa Rica can often be overlooked due to its size, but don't be fooled it has a lot to offer in just a little sliver of land. Below are some quick facts about Costa Rica so you can have a better idea of what it entails:

Location: Costa Rica is nestled between Nicaragua to the North and Panama to the South bordering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Area: 19,730 sq. mi (51,100 km)

Division of Land: It is divided into 7 Provinces, 81 Cantons, 473 Districts

Highs and Lows of Elevation:  Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
                                                
                                                   Highest Point: Cerro Chirripo 3, 810 m

Population: 4,563,539 (2010)

Climate: Tropical and Subtropical. Costa Rica has two seasons the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. (At times, when it rains, it pours)

Terrain: Over 100 volcanic cones, some of which are major volcanoes (I know I work by one)

Capital: San Jose

Popular phrase: "Pura Vida" or pure life is used by many to express the laid back and relaxed attitude that prevails

Nickname: Costa Ricans are referred to as Ticos, it is an affectionate way of referring to Costa Ricans since they tend to make the ends of their words diminutive for example: pequeño would be pequeñito or Niño would be niñito.

Fun Features of Costa Rica:

* In 1949, Costa Rica abolished its army

* In 2009, Costa Rica appeared in the Happy Planet Index

* Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the region

Heredia...The City of Flowers

 

Heredia, also affectionately called The City of Flowers is located 7.5 miles Northwest of the capital San Jose. Heredia is the calmer, less hectic version of San Jose. Although its smaller it should not be overlooked. The center of Heredia has several different sites to check out. Above is a fort which in the past was used as a military structure. In Heredia, it's common to find old, colonial structures from the past. This fort has a sitting area and is located above street level offering a nice view to its visitors.




Colonial church in the Central Park

 

 This is one of the oldest churches in Costa Rica. Its architecture is impressive as it reflects a time period long ago. What's most impressive, is that despite Costa Rica being a seismic country it is still standing!

 

 

Here is another fine example of colonial structures...this is the post office! It sure beats the U.S. Postal Service building. This was built in 1915 and still functions as a post office and telegram delivery. Here, there are P.O. boxes which can receive mail and packages without any hassle.

 

 

 

 

What most catches my attention about the center of Heredia is that everything is very close together and in walking distance. The fort, the post office and now the Central Park are all on the same block! The fountain is a favorite of people to come and congregate since it's in the middle of the Central Park. It's a nice spot to take in some sun...or shade it's all up to you. In addition, people often feed the birds here. There are many plants and trees in this park, from pine trees to palm trees...just choose your pick!

 

 

 

Train to Heredia anyone? This is the newest edition to Heredia, being reconstructed in 2013, after decades of being gone. The train system came back to life last year, and has been a favorite for many as it can take you in and out of Heredia in 30 minutes. With the train you can bypass any traffic jams that may come your way. The only downside is the schedule. It works in the morning  from 6am to 9am and then starts up again at 4pm finishing at 7pm. So, basically it is just for rush hour.

 

 

Heredia, is a small province with both the hustle and bustle feeling of a small city yet it also offers a lot of beautiful rural and suburban areas. It has everything a bigger city would have such as cafes, universities and a football stadium! Don't miss out on what the City of Flowers has to offer! 

 

Costa Rica…In a nutshell!

Costa Rica also known as the Switzerland of the Americas, due to its extensive mountainous areas, is a small county sandwiched in between Nicaragua and Panama. Costa Rica is rich in biodiversity and makes it a tourist destination for all different appetites. Costa Rica boasts over 1,100 miles of coastline. In addition, rainforests and mountains are the norm. The capital San Jose, has a year round temperature of around 77 degrees. All this in a country the size of New Hampshire, New Jersey and Rhode Island combined!

 

 

About the Author...

 

Greetings! My name is Jennifer Castillo. I´m originally from The United States, however I have been living in Costa Rica for the past 9 years. This blog is going to give you a different and fresh prespective as to travel and life here in Costa Rica. I first started out as a traveler, coming down from the states to visit but officially made the move 9 years ago.