| Your Retirement in Mexico Offers Unlimited Possibilities Reprinted from International Living Costa Rica is known as one of Latin America's most peaceful nations (and one of the most politically stable--it has enjoyed 59 years of uninterrupted democratic rule). José Figueres Ferrer, who led an armed uprising that ended a 44-day civil war, was glorified for abolishing the army and drafting a constitution that guaranteed free elections with universal suffrage. Unlike many of its neighbors, Costa Rica never had another civil war. It was a different story in the mid-1850s, though, when Walker and his legionnaires (known as filibusteros) forced their way into power in Nicaragua and set their sights on neighboring Costa Rica. The second president of Costa Rica, Juan Rafael Mora, was forewarned and set about raising an army…in a country that had never known anything but peace. The president was effective in marshalling his citizens and firing them up--not with patriotic sentiment, but with tales of slave traders who would kidnap children and ravish local women. In under a week, Mora had himself an army of 9,000…though it consisted of untrained men and boys wielding makeshift weapons and a few old rifles. As President Mora led the army to Guanacaste, his numbers dwindled to 2,500 volunteers. Among these few determined fighters was Juan Santamaría, a drummer boy from Alajuela, nicknamed el erizo ("hedgehog") because of his spiky hair. On March 19, 1856, Mora's men encountered some 300 of Walker's filibusteros and overpowered them, pushing them back across the border to Nicaragua. The Costa Rican soldiers followed Walker's men and confronted them again on April 11, but Walker's forces had an advantageous position and the Ticos were unable to attack. A dangerous plan was hatched--a few soldiers would stealthily attempt to set fire to Walker's camp. Legend has it that Juan Santamaría volunteered for the mission, on the condition that his mother be cared for if he perished. Though the mission was a success and Walker's troops were forced to retreat even further, Santamaría died. In 1865, his mother became the first Costa Rican to receive a government pension. Subsequently, Costa Rica honored Santamaría by instating a national holiday--April 11--and by naming the nation's main international airport (located in his hometown of Alajuela) after him. Juan Santamaría Day is one of Costa Rica's biggest national holidays. Though the official holiday is April 11, festivities are sometimes moved so as not to coincide with Holy Week. (This year's big celebrations take place April 16.) The day consists of presentations, readings, plays, parades, concerts, dancing and, of course, eating and drinking. Favorite local foods--comida tipica, or national dishes--include gallo pinto (a starchy mixture of black beans and rice), arroz con pollo (savory rice and chicken), chorreadas (large, thick tortillas made of tender sweet corn), and empanadas (hearty pastries filled with beans, cheese or meat). Although one could say that coffee is Costa Rica's national drink (the nation is well known for its excellent brews), on Juan Santamaría Day cool drinks reign supreme, including horchata (a cinnamon and cornmeal drink) and linaza (a drink made from linseed and thought to be good for indigestion). Costa Rica's national liquor, made from sugar cane, is called guaro. Similar to rum or vodka, it goes well with juice or soda (though many drink it neat). Popular local beers include Imperial (a lager) and Bavaria (light, amber and dark varieties). In San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, Don Enrique Córdoba ("Don," is a respectful title, much like "sir") is affectionately referred to as Enrique Santamaría. The Don steals the show with his stories of days gone by--he is believed to be related to Juan Santamaría, who (according to Córdoba's late grandmother) was "neither short nor tall." After a day spent in the sun, eating, drinking and watching the marching bands go by, the citizens of this peaceful country make their way home, thoughts of that brave drummer boy and his sacrifice fresh in their minds. Jessica Ramesch For International Living P.S. If you want to retire or invest in Costa Rica…improve your quality of life by coming to this beautiful country…or simply want to learn more about this land of opportunity |
Spend the rest of your life living your dreams. By T. Michael What are your plans for retirement living? Do you have a plan? If not, close your eyes and imagine where you spend the rest of your life? If you are like most of us, you are either unsure, or you see yourself living much the same lifestyle as you have always known, but on far less income. You will see the normal fingers of inflation picking away at your fixed income. A long life is usually rewarded with a slow deterioration of your buying power, and even your hard-earned nest-egg.! Yes, save money. INTERNATIONAL LIVING will tell you: * how you can pay for your travel expenses (and then some) to many places simply by shopping for bargains---electronics in Taiwan, clothing in Hong Kong, leather goods in Morocco, gemstones in Brazil and Colombia, antique furniture and paintings in Great Britain, horses in Ireland, blankets in Mexico, leather goods in Uruguay, watches in Switzerland, the list goes on and on. Some people not only pay their expenses this way...they make a living at it! * about almost unbelievable ways to cut your travel expenses. Save hundreds of dollars by purchasing tickets from consolidators and bucket shops...Get discounts---and even commissions---by being your own travel agent. * about retirement havens where you can stretch your money beyond all recognition. Live like a king on a tradesman's pension. If you look beyond your own shores, you'll find that many countries around the world offer far greater benefits and advantages for retirees than does your own. * about which overseas stock markets have been the best-performing over the last few years. And because past performance are not always an indication of future performance, INTERNATIONAL LIVING makes sure its readers know which markets are the best investments right now. * about one of the best---and still largely undiscovered---retirement havens in the world, where the cost of living is low and the standard of living is high. In this undiscovered, peaceful, charming country, buy groceries for less than $300 a month. Complete national health care coverage, including everything from major surgery to house calls, costs $40 a year. And this is one of the few places in the world where property is still a good investment---and still cheap; you can buy a large house near the beach, with incredible views, for $100,000. |
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