Fishing Frenzy

Sure, there is a global economic downturn but it is not going to last and every challenge presents an opportunity. Here is a great one: take a Costa Rica vacation. Let me give you 10 reasons.

1. Airplane and cruise fares to Costa Rica are great right now and you will find great travel bargains to Costa Rica , not to mention off-season rates.

2. There are 780 miles of pristine coastline with hundreds of great Costa Rica beaches. Uncrowded beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

3. Like nature? Imagine a tiny little country with more species of butterflies than on the entire African continent and almost as many different species of birds as in the entire continent of Europe.

4. It boasts a park on its Osa Peninsula which National Geograpic calls the most biologically intense place on the planet. In fact, tiny Costa Rica has nearly one-fifth of all the species of plants and animals in the world. Imagine that!

5. Costa Rica has more than 100 volcanoes, including some that still erupt and others where you can literally walk into. There is even one where on a clear day you will be able see the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans at the same time.

6. Need some medical care but cannot afford American doctors or dentists? Try medical tourism in Costa Rica and get world-class care at about a one-third of the price in the United States. And, more and more insurance companies gladly pay for care in Costa Rica. Why? Great care PLUS great prices.

7. Some folks come to take Spanish lessons in schools that also teach them how to surf! Or yoga. Or sexy latin dancing. Or all of the above.

8. Like to cool off in the suf? With fantastic temperatures year-round, this is the place to be. And, of course, with mountains everywhere you can take a cool hike. You can even hover above the verdant forests in a hot-air balloon.

9. Like to fish? Imagine catching a 200 pound tarpon in a tiny river. Or a great marlin (I landed a 450 pound, 13 marlin recently). Catch and release is the rule around here. Costa Rica fishing is world famous. Rightly so.

10. Costa Rica is just a short flight away"or take a cruise. Hop on a plane or luxury liner, leave your worries behind and prepare to meet some of the nicest folks anywhere. You will make new friends. Lots of them.

And, for being a good sport, I have your first Spanish lesson as a bonus. Remember the words Pura Vida! It means the great life and you will hear and use it every day.