Cuba & Costa Rica Blog
About this blog
Written by Cuba and Costa Rica expert Christopher P. Baker, this blog will update readers on life in these two diverse and exciting countries.
Recent Posts
- Havana’s Columbus cemetery is a must-see Cuba highlight
- Costa Rica’s fearsome fer-de-lance—this snakes deserves respect!
- Silly season in U.S. politics threatens Cuba travel
- Costa Rica Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Cuba's healthcare system has its downside
- Río Chirripó Retreat a Perfect Costa Rica Escape
- Havana’s Casa del Habano - Cuba’s Best Cigar Shop
- Car robbery against me foiled in Costa Rica
- Havana’s Hotel Nacional Exemplifies Cuba’s Economic Dysfunction
- John Lennon Sculpture Unveiled in San José, Costa Rica
- New Paladares (Private Restaurants) Enliven Havana’s Restaurant Scene
- The Today Show to Air Cuba Special
- Win a $500 Continental Airlines Gift Card!
- Cuba’s premier tobacco farm continues the Robaina tradition
- Budget-Friendly Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica
Costa Ricans Assist Haiti Earthquake Rescue & Relief
Print
Email
Save to Favorites
Haiti's tragic earthquake reminded me that one year has passed since a 6.1 Richter quake shattered the lives of Costa Rica's living near the epicenter, at Cinchona de Sarapiqui. The village was competely destroyed and about 30 people were killed during the January 9, 2009 tremblor.
"In my opinion, no one can return to this place," commented Ignacio Chaves, geologist for the Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE) after reviewing the area, where high rainfall, steep slopes, and deforestation exacerbated the damage and future danger. Daniel Gallardo, head of the CNE, said the entire area should be declared uninhabitable.
Nonetheless, the area's main attraction, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, reopened in June 2009, and its Peace Lodge hotel was back in business the following month following extensive repairs.
Meanwhile, CNE sent a rescue and relief team of 55 experts and the Costa Rican Cruz Roja (Red Cross) also sent send rescue personnel and equipment to Haiti following the 7.0 Richter earthquake that ripped Port-au-Prince apart on January 12, 2010. Costa Rica's National Police also sent 20 officers trained in search and rescue missions. By January 20, Costa Rica's Cruz Roja had collected 244 million colons (about $436,000) plus 10 tons of donations for Haiti's earthquake victims.
For further information about travel in Costa Rica, buy Moon Costa Rica
Photo © Cruz Roja/Red Cross
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.