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
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- Taxpayers’ money wasted beaming anti-Castro propaganda at Cuba
- Costa Rica’s Casa Orquideas—a botanical delight
- 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
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- 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
John Lennon Sculpture Unveiled in San José, Costa Rica
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Ha! Just one month after I posted about how The Beatles are taking Cuba by storm (see my blog post: “Cuba discovers The Beatles… so move over Che!”), Costa Rica is following suit.
And not just following suit. San José’s city fathers have copied Havana by commissioning Cuban artist José Ramón Villa to create a sculpture of John Lennon, which was unveiled last Friday across from the Iglesia de la Soledad church, on Plaza Artigas (Calle 9 & Ave. 4).
San José Mayor Johnny Araya unveiled the $14,000 statute—a carbon-copy of Ramón Villa’s original, which occupies the southeast corner of Parque Lennon
, in Havana, Cuba. The life-size bronze figure shows Lennon cross-legged, left-arm casually draped over a bench, and the inscription “Imagine all the people living life in peace” at his feet.Lennon remains as controversial in death as in life.
Although hundreds of fans flashing peace signs gathered to celebrate the statue’s unveiling (a fitting tribute to a peace-loving nation), religious nuts decried the sculpture because of Lennon’s 1966 statement that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus.”
The event was given added prominence with concerts by Costa Rica’s all-girl The Beagirls and an ensemble from the San José Symphony Orchestra.
Plaza Artigas has several other sculptures of note.
For further information about travel in Costa Rica, buy Moon Costa Rica
If you're traveling only to San José and the Caribbean, buy Moon Spotlight Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast pocket guide.
If you're traveling only to the beaches of Nicoya, buy Moon Spotlight Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula pocket guide.
If you're traveling only to Arenal and/or Monteverde, buy Moon Spotlight Costa Rica's Arenal & Monteverde pocket guide.
Disclosure: I occasionally accept free or discounted travel when it coincides with my editorial goals. However, my opinion is never for sale. The opinions you see in Cuba & Costa Rica Journal are my unbiased reflection of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Copyright © Christopher P. Baker
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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.