Costa Rica

Charlie Sheen’s proposal was a complete shock, says Brooke Mueller » Fametastic: "Charlie Sheen’s fiancee Brooke Mueller has said she was stunned when the actor proposed last month.

Charlie presented her with a $500,000 engagement ring during their holiday in Costa Rica and she told People magazine recently: “I was totally caught off guard when he popped the question!”

“We were having a romantic dinner in the hotel room with room service when he asked me to marry him. I was thrilled. I smiled all night and kept looking at the ring because it was so beautiful.”

Brooke added that she wants “a big wedding” but not just yet: “We just got engaged and both of us want to enjoy the journey right now. We really want to live this part of our lives.”"

Labels: Charlie Sheen costa rica, costa rica, travel

San Jose Mercury News - Travel Q&A: Can I buy travel insurance to cover a 6-month-long trip?: "Q: Can you tell me which airlines fly from Oakland to San Jose, Costa Rica?

Jim Silva, San Leandro

A. You won't find any non-stops from Oakland International to Costa Rica, and most one-stop flights we found include layovers of several hours.

But these airlines will get you there:
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American (through Dallas-Forth Worth), United (through Los Angeles), Delta (through Atlanta) and Continental (through Houston). Your best bet is probably flying through Los Angeles, which has non-stops departing at 2:25 a.m. and arriving at 9:05 a.m.

Not even San Francisco International offers non-stops. But in addition to the carriers mentioned above, US Airways, Mexicana and Northwest also fly to Costa Rica from San Francisco, although with long layovers."

Labels: costa rica, san jose, travel

Jacksonville.com: Metro: Story: Want to retire here? You'd better do your homework: "Florida remains a retirement haven, but for some globetrotters the restless search for sun-splashed tropical getaways is sending them farther south.

They are scouting Latin America for retirement homes or second homes, hoping to cash in on bargain-priced real estate.

If it works out well, they'll catch the market on an upswing and save money on daily living expenses. In the worst-case scenario, they'll pay for property and discover too late all they've bought is land with disputed ownership.

About 60 people gathered recently at a Jacksonville hotel for a seminar on buying property in Nicaragua. The speakers from Century 21 were informal - one wore beach sandals - and their message was direct: Come join us before everyone else discovers Nicaragua is a deal like Costa Rica was 10 or 20 years ago.

Atlantic Beach resident Joe Hencke liked what he heard, at least enough to say it would be worth visiting Nicaragua to see for himself.

He said affordable real estate is the big key for him.

'Sometimes I think I could do it in rural America, but then I wouldn't be getting the surf and the lush tropics and the fresh fruit,' he said. 'It's a paradise kind of thing.'

But paradise can have its pi"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica real estate, travel

Today's News - Online Daily Update to The Tico Times Weekly Edition Newspaper - Costa Rica's Best Journalistic New Source: "Mexican singer and Grammy award winner Julieta Venegas will perform at the Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, north of San José, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m., offering fans a taste of musical “lemon and salt.”

Venegas, considered one of the most important women in Latin American rock, will perform songs from her albums “ Sí, ” “ Bueninvento ” and “ Limón y Sal ” (“Lemon and Salt”), her latest. Released in 2006, the album has sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide.

“Lemon and salt are ingredients used for everything in Mexico. I believe that's the flavor of my music and of love,” Venegas said in a statement.

Venegas began studying music at the age of 8 in her hometown of Tijuana, Mexico. Her influences include David Bowie, Suzanne Vega, Prince and Charly García.

Tickets can be bought online at www.mundoticket.com or by calling 207-2025. Prices range from ¢13,000 to ¢20,000 ($25-38)."

Labels: central america, costa rica, julieta venegas, julieta venegas costa rica, travel

Helium Report | Fractional Ownership in Costa Rica: "I want to let you know about an exciting opportunity – Ocotalito Resort & Spa.

This five-star gated resort on the most beautiful coastline in all of Costa Rica is what I’ve been focused on for the last two years. Some of you know about my development and have even made a point of traveling to Costa Rica to see it first hand for yourself. It only seems fair that I share this limited opportunity with the rest of you—36 luxury villas available for full or fractional ownership.

Already under construction, we’re sparing nothing developing Ocotalito Resort & Spa—from our top-of-the-line finishes to our luxury services and amenities.

The 1st Phase of our development features villas that will occupy 4.9 of the resort’s total 6.5 acres. Completely furnished kitchens (indoor and out), a private Jacuzzi, flat screen TVs, digital surround sound, and iPod docking stations in each bedroom pair all the conveniences of home with room service.

Our Lifestyle Concierge is available to prepare for your arrival, stocking your favorite groceries and arranging for sightseeing tours. Or take your Land Rover Defender (yes, it’s yours with purchase of a unit) and discover the beauty of Costa Rica at your leisure.

Each villa enjoys an ocean vi"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica real estate, costarica, travel

VietNamNet - Vietnam - one of world’s safest destinations for travellers: "VietNamNet Bridge – Belgium's prestigious DeMorgen newspaper has run an article saying Vietnam is one of the three safest destinations for tourists, together with Costa Rica and Ireland.

The paper recommended that foreign visitors, particularly women, should come to the Southeast Asian nation. This is of particular interest to Belgium where lone women travellers account for close to 10 percent of travellers every year.

Susan Cortell from the Gusty Women Travel Tour recalled 'In Vietnam, I not only felt safe but also received a cordial welcome, especially in Hanoi and old town Hoi An. I want to return to the country, at least for shopping as things aren't too expensive there.'

In 2005, Vietnam was also ranked by the US-based renowned Aon Corporation as one of the safest tourism destinations."

Labels: costa rica, travel

Brooks Alberta Sports News, Scores And Standings - The Brooks Bulletin: "Calvin Ayre responds quickly when asked what's best about being a billionaire.

'The girls,' he says. 'Without any doubt. 'Anybody that says anything other than that has got to be lying.' It's an answer Ayre's target audience at Bodog.com would appreciate.

'We're in gambling, fighting and music,' Ayre told The Canadian Press in an interview at a downtown hotel Tuesday. 'Those are very primeval areas of interest that I think you will find are attractive in any culture on the planet.'

The combination has made the native of Lloydminster, Sask., a wealthy man with online gambling leading the way. His goal is to spread Bodog around the globe by using the Internet and television to sell his brand.

Forbes magazine put him on the cover of its billionaires issue in March 2006. It's a nice place to be, standing next to the words: 'The richest people in the world.'

Ayre was suddenly the poster boy for big bucks.

He didn't make this year's list, but says that was only because given the current anti-online gambling stance of U.S. authorities, he was not willing to share the kind of information the magazine wanted.

'They thought I was worthy of the list when my revenues were $200 million (US),' he said of Forbes. 'The next year my revenues were $300 millio"

Labels: costa rica, travel

World Hum | Travel | New Addition to the Travel Lexicon: ‘Geotourism’: "In our ongoing quest to chronicle the comings and goings in the travel lexicon we bring you “geotourism,” a term describing travel that, in the AP’s words, “focuses on a destination’s unique culture and history and aims to have visitors help enrich those qualities.” Coined several years ago by the National Geographic Society’s Jonathan B. Tourtellot, the term hasn’t yet caught on among most travelers. But according to the AP, “it’s on the lips of travel professionals who describe it as a step beyond the better-known environmentally friendly ecotourism. While geotourism encourages treading lightly on nature, it’s also about authenticity and making a place better by visiting and spending money.”

Despite the best intentions of many travelers, few places significantly benefit from their visits, according to Leo Hickman, whose book, “The Final Call,” explores the impact of travel on the globe.

“Tourism is a very lop-sided deal in its current form whereby the buyers—us tourists—get by far a better deal than the sellers—the people living in the destinations,” he said in a recent World Hum interview. “I saw very few examples whereby the people in the destinations said t"

Labels: costa rica, travel

Today's News - Online Daily Update to The Tico Times Weekly Edition Newspaper - Costa Rica's Best Journalistic New Source: "The National Oil Refinery (RECOPE) this week started dragging sediment away from the dock at the Caribbean port of Moín to allow larger fuel-carrying ships to enter.

Making room for these larger boats is an effort to reduce boat traffic entering the port and make space for “other economic activities,” said a statement from RECOPE.

The refinery estimates that allowing ships carrying up to 60,000 metric tons of oil to enter the port will save $4.5 million per year. Sediment deposits now prohibit ships carrying more than 30,000 metric tons of petroleum from docking.

The project, which is expected to be completed by January 2008, was planned to avoid paralyzing the port's normal activities; the dragging is being done in areas that are out of use, the statement said."

Labels: costa rica, travel

DRD offers Costa Rica Give-away: "Dubach Racing Development (DRD), Doug Dubach and staff look forward to attending the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship, July 30 - August 4th, 2007. DRD will be assisting sponsored riders, defending a National Championship, provide an interactive display area and, with Loretta Lynn's, offer a drawing to give-away two trips to ride Yamaha WRs in Costa Rica with Costa Rica Unbound.

Stop by the DRD display area on vendor row; racers and their families can view the DRD product line, meet Doug Dubach, hone starting gate reaction times and enter to win one of two off-road trips to Costa Rica with Costa Rica Unbound.

Loretta Lynn's is a week-long battle in the heat and humidity of Tennessee and DRD, along with Loretta Lynn's is rewarding two racers, and a guest, to trade the track for trails and the pits for the jungles and beaches. See you at the races and good luck!"

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

InterGame Online: "The small Central American country of Costa Rica has become a major niche market for US pool table producer Valley-Dynamo.

There are reported to be as many as 500 of the company’s pool tables operating there.

The reason is that Costa Rica has become a popular destination for second homes and therefore has a large ex-pat American population that has tuned into the local bar and pub culture where pool tables thrive."

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

Holidays | Long haul travel specialist celebrates 60 years: "Bales Worldwide celebrates 60 years of travel this year. To mark this milestone in true style, the long haul travel specialist’s chairman and founder, Molly Bales will join her clients for a series of specially designed birthday trips to Costa Rica, India, Jordan and Egypt.

Each holiday will offer a spectacular way to celebrate this birthday from a dinner dance in Rajasthan’s sand dunes, to a candle lit cocktail party at Little Petra in Jordon. Birthday trips are priced from £1160 per person for an eight day visit to Jordon.

Bales Worldwide was originally set up by a former RAF navigator, George Bales (Molly’s late husband), as an air broking company in 1947, which flew much-needed fruit from Spain, Italy, France and Holland to Covent Garden dealers. George soon switched apple and oranges for British holidaymakers when he started taking group tours to Egypt and beyond. The company is still owned and run by the Bales family and is the oldest and most established family owned independent tour operator in the UK today.

India of the Maharajahs is a 16 day holiday to Rajasthan, India, including a magical celebratory evening at Jaisalmer where guests will trek by camel into the heart of the dunes for a spectacular evening of dinner and dancing under the stars. The trip includes highlights su"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costarica, travel

Outskirts Press Announces White Tiger, the Latest Highly-Anticipated Action & Adventure Book from Melbourne Beach, FL Author DH Sutton - PR.com: "Brice Lewis, a US Army Special Operations Operative is about to retire when he gets special orders to travel to Costa Rica to neutralize a former team member turned drug lord. The enemy Diablo is a ruthless killer that not only killed fellow soldiers but also shot Brice and left him to die. This last mission is personal and dangerous but has to be completed. Brice gathers his team which includes some of the top specialist in the military. Together they hunt down Diablo and his sons to rid Costa Rica of the most violent drug lord in that country. By accident he meets Jenna Shanks, an American woman who happens to be traveling to the same area in the mountains of El Zona Sur. Brice unwillingly forces the headstrong and stubborn Jenna to travel with him to keep her in his sight and out of danger. Jenna is in Costa Rica to find out the truth about her fiancé Jake's death. Jake has left her with a map that will reveal all the answers to her. As the travel through the rainforest, Brice discovers the connection to Jenna, the map and his mission are more then a coincidence. They discover a bond between them that surprises them both. Brice finally realizes that his proud, fearless disguise of the The Lone Wolf is only a mental shield that only Jenna has"

Labels: costa rica, travel

The Ledger Independent - Maysville, Kentucky: "When Mason County High School student Keegan McGee first learned of an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with Spanish teacher Sam Caudill and a group of students, the idea captured his interest.

Not only would the trip provide McGee with something to do during the summer, it would offer a cultural experience as well.

With the five other students who also attended, McGee travelled first to San Jose, then visited Arenal, Monte Verde and Quepos. He went horseback riding through the forests of Costa Rica, participated in a canopy tour, visited a school in the Central American country and was exposed to the various forms of wildlife. Students also visited a beach at Manuel Antonio National Park, the country's smallest national park, but one most often frequented by tourists.

'It was fun,' said McGee. 'The places we went were beautiful.'

Though the trip was filled with activities, one activity in particular McGee counted as his favorite. At one location, McGee said students had the opportunity to swim under and around a waterfall.

'(It's) one of those things you never really get to do,' he said about the experience.

The visit to a Costa Rican school also stood out in McGee's memory. At the school, students witnessed a few traditional dances. They were also exposed to the great"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costarica, travel

BCNG Portals Page (R): "It was an experience unlike any other.

Over Spring Break, a group of young people and chaperones from Telkwa’s Faith Reformed Church travelled to Costa Rica’s capital city San Jose to assist in building a Christian high school and seminary.

The youth were the second group from the church to travel to the area in the last two years, said chaperone Warren Vandenberg.

“There’s a great big world out there and there are Christians all over the place trying to do some good,” he said. “Both groups were just excellent. I’d go anywhere with them again.”

A lot was accomplished during the two-week trip and the group even had some unique experiences such as feeling a tremor and witnessing Easter celebrations, South-America style.

“There were a lot of marches in the streets,” Vandenberg said. “Every day there was another part of the procession. There were effigies of Christ, they were carrying the cross — it was something you don’t see here. The whole city turned out, every neighbourhood.”

Most of the construction on the school is done manually and the buildings are built to withstand earthquakes. When the new school year begins in February, students will be attending classes in the building moulded by the hands of the Telkwa youth."

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

Print Story - canada.com network: "Three years ago, Budget Travel magazine started a new feature, publishing 20 travel tips from readers in each issue. 'It quickly became a favourite of both the readers and the editors,' says Erik Torkells, editor of the magazine and BudgetTravelOnline.com. Now Budget Travel has put the 399 best tips into a fat little book with a cover that looks like a passport. Fully 13 of the tips involve Ziploc bags. One employs dental floss as a tape measure. Another even offers a use for those bags your newspaper comes in on rainy mornings.

'Some will strike you as brilliant,' says Torkells, 'others may come across as absurd.

'But one day, a seemingly silly tip will emerge from deep within consciousness, saving the day, and you'll be grateful to have read it.'

Here are 43 of the best of the best. Just four of them involve Ziploc bags. You'll have to pick up The Smart Traveler's Passport (Chronicle Books, about $15) to find out about the other nine uses.

DON'T MISS THE BOAT

Here's an important tip for cruising in winter: Fly into the airport a day or two before your ship is scheduled to depart. We booked a Costa Rica cruise but were stuck in New York, where all flights out of JFK airport were cancelled. Itineraries that include stops in places with airports can allow people to catch up."

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

The News-Enterprise - News: "Three WKU students spend 12 days visiting, working in Costa Rica

ELIZABETHTOWN — Three Western Kentucky University students from Elizabethtown spent 12 days learning about Costa Rican ecology this summer. And there’s no better way to learn than to haul bags of sand.

The students went on a study-abroad trip to Costa Rica in May. The goal was for the students to look at the world from a global perspective and to take part in service learning and ecotourism, said Ron Ramsing, an assistant professor of physical education and recreation. Ramsing organized the trip, along with Luke Bartlett, coordinator of Western’s Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center.

The students visited several sites, such as the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, the Manuel Antonio National Park and the Santa Elena cloud forest. In the middle of their 12-day trip, they worked four days at Tenorio National Park reconstructing trails.

The students moved sandbags and bricks, which were used to stop erosion on trails in the park.

“Truly manual labor,” Ramsing said.

Ryan Nethery, 19-year-old sophomore, went on the trip because he likes going to new places.

“I aspire to travel a lot,” he said.

Nethery said he enjoyed the service aspect of the trip. He liked making the trails ac"

Labels: costa rica, travel

Paradise Surf Shop Announces New Partnership with Split Peaks Surf Adventures | Surfline | Industry News: "Paradise Surf Shop is pleased to announce its new partnership with Split Peaks Surf Adventures the all new surf adventure resort located in Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Split Peaks Surf Adventure is not just a surf camp, but a true adventure in the tropical beach life style of Nosara, Costa Rica.

Paradise Surf Shop owner, Sally Smith, has hooked up with Split Peaks Surf Adventures owners and Santa Cruz natives, Anna Garaway and Annie Allegretti. 'We've been talking about this for a long time and now the dream is coming to fruition - to have more than just a surf camp but a true surf adventure in Costa Rica,' said Smith.

'Anna and Annie approached me a while back and asked if I'd be interested in sponsoring their program in Costa Rica. I was totally for it from the minute they told me their idea,' said Smith. 'This is something I've always wanted to do - but with my commitment to operating my retail store and local lessons I just haven't been able to get away to work out the details. Anna and Annie have spent a lot of time in Costa Rica and took that task on themselves. Now they've created this wonderful adventure tour that I'm stoked to be sponsoring!' added Smith.

The adventure begins with an eight day/seven night stay in a luxur"

Labels: costa rica, travel

People's Daily Online - Economist named Costa Rica's ambassador to China: "Costa Rica's former Economy Minister Antonio Burgues has been named the country's first ambassador to China, local daily La Nacion said on Sunday, quoting President Oscar Arias.

China and Costa Rica established diplomatic relations on June 1.

Burgues, 54, was the Economy, Industry and Trade Minister in Arias' prior government (1986-1990) and has been president of Costa Rica's Chamber of Exporters for the last 12 years.

Burgues' designation is now awaiting the due diplomatic paperwork, official sources said.

Burgues will use his experience to work in the 'giant' market of China for Costa Rica's products, including coffee, the paper said.

Burgues will also help funnel Chinese investments into Costa Rica, promote tourism and strengthen contacts to guarantee China'ssupport for its foreign policy.

China has become an important destination for Costa Rica's products. Arias said earlier that Costa Rica's embassy in Beijing will be the second most important after its embassy in Washington."

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica china, politics, san jose, travel

Dirt Bike Magazine: "Dubach Racing Development (DRD), Doug Dubach and staff look forward to attending the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship, July 30 – August 4th, 2007. DRD will be assisting sponsored riders, defending a National Championship, provide an interactive display area and, with Loretta Lynn’s, offer a drawing to give-away two trips to ride Yamaha WRs in Costa Rica with Costa Rica Unbound.

Stop by the DRD display area on vendor row; racers and their families can view the DRD product line, meet Doug Dubach, hone starting gate reaction times and enter to win one of two off-road trips to Costa Rica with Costa Rica Unbound (http://costaricaunbound.com/).

Loretta Lynn’s is a week-long battle in the heat and humidity of Tennessee and DRD, http://www.dubachracing.com/ , along with Loretta Lynn’s is rewarding two racers, and a guest, to trade the track for trails and the pits for the jungles and beaches. See you at the races and good luck!"

Labels: costa rica, travel

News - yourMovies.com.au: "'Two and a Half Men' star Charlie Sheen is engaged to an estate agent barely a year after he divorced actress Denise Richards.

The 41-year-old actor reportedly proposed to Brooke Mueller on a holiday in Costa Rica, according to BBC News.

After a bitter separation from Richards - in which she took out a restraining order against him - Sheen met 29-year-old Mueller at a party hosted by 'Rush Hour' director Brett Ratner.

Mueller is a former actress who had a small role alongside John Travolta in 2004's 'A Love Song for Bobby Long'."

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica real estate, travel

Everything's coming up roses 'n' butterflies in Cleveland - The Boston Globe: "The bigger the city, the more usual it is that attractions are scattered about. But not here, where University Circle is a square-mile hub of cultural, educational, and health resources.

Over a weekend in Ohio's second biggest city (behind Columbus), the tough decision was where to spend a leisurely Saturday afternoon in this compact area miles east of downtown. With spring in the air, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, with indoor and outdoor habitats, won hands down.

Like its specimens, the garden has evolved since it was founded in 1930 as the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland, the first of its kind for a US city. Housed in a boathouse on University Circle's Wade Park Lagoon, it offered a horticultural library, gardening classes, and community beautification programs. In 1966, it moved to its current location, the former site of the local zoo. In 1994, the board changed the name and authorized a renovation and expansion designed by Graham Gund Architects of Cambridge. Completed four years ago, the complex includes a cafe, gallery, retail store, the Eleanor Squire Library with 17,000 volumes, and the Eleanor Amstrong Smith Glasshouse. The stunning conservatory -- 18,000 square feet and 60 feet high -- showcases the threatened habitats of Madagascar's sp"

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

Today's News - Online Daily Update to The Tico Times Weekly Edition Newspaper - Costa Rica's Best Journalistic New Source: "Beachgoers will soon be able to rely on more than just instinct to stay safe when they take a dip in the ocean. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is putting up signs on 31 of the nation's beaches to warn swimmers about dangerous currents.

The 136 signs will be made of galvanized iron with a high-reflectivity surface and reinforced base. They will feature warnings in English and Spanish, according to a statement from ICT.

The institute plans to invest ¢24 million ($50,239) in the signs, which will be installed by the private company M&P Obras Civiles, J& L Señalización y Arquitectura S.A.

Among the shores where the signs will be placed are the central Pacific beaches of Jacó and Esterillos; Tamarindo, in the northwestern Guanacaste province; Cahuita and Manzanillo, in the Caribbean; and the Southern Zone beach of Dominical, to name a few."

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

The Ledger Independent - Maysville, Kentucky: "When Mason County High School student Keegan McGee first learned of an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with Spanish teacher Sam Caudill and a group of students, the idea captured his interest.

Not only would the trip provide McGee with something to do during the summer, it would offer a cultural experience as well.

With the five other students who also attended, McGee travelled first to San Jose, then visited Arenal, Monte Verde and Quepos. He went horseback riding through the forests of Costa Rica, participated in a canopy tour, visited a school in the Central American country and was exposed to the various forms of wildlife. Students also visited a beach at Manuel Antonio National Park, the country's smallest national park, but one most often frequented by tourists.

'It was fun,' said McGee. 'The places we went were beautiful.'

Though the trip was filled with activities, one activity in particular McGee counted as his favorite. At one location, McGee said students had the opportunity to swim under and around a waterfall.

'(It's) one of those things you never really get to do,' he said about the experience.

The visit to a Costa Rican school also stood out in McGee's memory. At the school, students witnessed a few traditional dances. They were also exposed to the great"

Labels: central america, costa rica, san jose, travel

Costa Rica Luxury Holidays Top 10 Hotels for 2007: "This week Costa Rica Holiday, a unique Travel Agency based in San Jose, Costa Rica released its list of top 10 Costa Rican Hotels. The hotels were graded on customer responses and feedback over the year 2006/2007, but also their efficiency when dealing with Costa Rica Holiday. Every 6 months Costa Rica Holiday will grade its top 10 hotels and publish the results with an award ceremony at the end of the year to thank its partners for their high level of service and continued support.

It is always hard to rank fantastic hotels however Costa Rica Luxury Holiday believes that these top 10 hotels, if chosen as part of a holiday package would fulfill all the requirements of a fantastic experience in Costa Rica. Below you will find the list of hotels and the reason for their being in the top 10 hotels:

La Mansion Arenal
This hotel has been around for over 20 years and is a boutique style cottage hotel situated on the shores of Lake Arenal. Our clients always give great feedback about the style of the hotel, the level of friendly service and the great food. Currently they have a special from August 1st - December 15th that if you spend 3 nights at the hotel the 4th night is free.

Punta Islita
(Part of the Small; Luxury Hotels of the world (of which there are 2 in Costa Rica), Punta Islita rises above a"

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel

The Age: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Melbourne's leading newspaper.: "US actor Charlie Sheen is engaged.

His bride-to-be is Brooke Mueller, a real estate investor, Sheen's spokesman, Stan Rosenfield, said today.

Rosenfield said Sheen, 41, proposed to Mueller, 29, during a recent trip to Costa Rica.

He said the couple met in April 2006.

Sheen has two daughters, Sam, 3, and Lola, 2, from his marriage to Denise Richards.

They divorced last year.

Sheen stars in the television series Two and a Half Men, which screens on the Nine Network in Australia, and his film credits include Platoon and the Hot Shots! movies."

Labels: costa rica, costa rica real estate, travel

: "IN A COSTA RICAN rainforest teeming with wildlife and overrun with vegetation, you'd think I'd be able to call upon my inner monkey to swing into action.

But nature is so unpredictable — as are my inner animals, who seemed to be singing the praises of Chicken Little as I perched on a metal platform 100 feet above the forest floor.

Maybe if my wife and teenage niece weren't right behind me with a 'just jump' look in their eyes, I wouldn't have conjured my best Tarzan yell and flown over the tree tops on a zip-line ride that would have made Indiana Jones smile.

I'd been assured by our zip-line guides that the vultures circling just above our heads had little chance of dining on the tourist special, as the lines we were zipping on were strong enough to hold a gorilla.

And that was a relief, as we were a well-fed group of 45 sailing the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica and Nicaragua on a week-long cruise on Lindblad Expeditions' Sea Voyager.

Whizzing through the canopy of a private reserve may have been our favorite adrenaline rush of the week, but not our only thrill while cruising the waters of two Central American countries of remarkably diverse landscapes, wildlife and culture.

Our Costa Rican cruise aboard the 174-foot-long Sea Voyager was a wilderness-focused week of rainforest hikes"

Labels: central america, costa rica, san jose, travel

Projecto Niños Offers Trips to Costa Rica, Aid to Local Schools | Surfline | Press Release: "If you are thinking about traveling to Costa Rica check out http://stores.ebay.com/Projecto-Ninos. A non-profit called Projecto Niños is auctioning off deals on rental homes/hotel rooms, transportation, horse back rides, massages, sport fishing, and surf schools. All of the profits go towards improving schools in Nosara, Costa Rica and your purchase will be tax-deductible. If you are interested in learning more about Projecto Niños, please visit www.projectoninos.org."

Labels: central america, costa rica, san jose, travel

NJ.com's Printer-Friendly Page: "Former township resident Michael Stout has found a fulfilling and peaceful life in Costa Rica, where he moved seven years ago.

He works as a tattoo artist in the quiet coastal town of Samara, avoiding the crowds from the United States who have increasingly made Costa Rica a destina tion for tourists and retirees. He found love and married Samara resident Sonia Castillo Jirón.

There is one frustrating part to life in Costa Rica: While Americans are frequent visitors to her country, Jirón has been unable to visit the United States with her husband.

Stout and Jirón's situation shows that it can be much harder for people in some countries, even those who are married to Americans, to visit the United States than it is for people from the United States to visit their coun tries.

Jirón, 42, has tried to come to the United States five times, including once since she and Stout married in December 2003.

That last experience was disheartening, said Stout, who is stay ing at his parents' house on Edinburg Road for two months, earning money doing odd jobs. He misses his wife deeply and wishes she could join him for the rest of the month.

For Stout, 39, the contradiction is hard to understand.

While a State Department spokesman said he is unable to discuss the details of the"

Labels: costa rica, politics, san jose, travel

Bromfield student reaches out in Costa Rica - Harvard, MA - The Harvard Post: "While other kids took in some spring skiing or Disney World, Bromfield student Jamie Flaherty spent her April vacation this year on a mission trip to Costa Rica, along with two classmates — Kyle Wahlberg and Andrew Jorgensen — and their church mission group.

This is the sixth year that Trinity Church in Bolton sponsored the trip to the Roblealto Bible Home and Farm in San Jose dé la Montaña, Costa Rica. The program provides day care services to poor families, as well as a safe haven for children at risk in the region. On past trips, the group began work on a large building, to be used as a maintenance and vocational woodworking shop, and the goal of this year’s trip was to complete as much work as possible on the structure.

Flaherty said she heard about the trip through her boyfriend, Andrew “AJ” Jorsensen, who attends Trinity Church.

“I’ve never been on a trip like this before,” she said. “This was the first traveling I’ve done outside of the country. I’m not a big ‘flying person’ at all. I’m actually terrified of it — or I was. I heard about the trip and really wanted to get over that fear, because I’d like to travel in the future.”
Encountering the culture
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Labels: central america, costa rica, san jose, travel

People's Daily Online - Costa Rica sets up embassy in Beijing: "Costa Rica's Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno announced Wednesday that the government has set up an embassy in China's capital Beijing, following up on Costa Rica and China establishing diplomatic relations on June 1.

The embassy will contain a consular office and Foreign Trade Ministry office to boost exports to China, the minister said.

He said that Costa Rica's decision to break its diplomatic relationship with China's Taiwan province and establish one with Beijing represents 'a milestone in Costa Rican diplomacy.'

He reiterated that the move represents 'an act of political realism,' adding that 'this decision sits alongside the efforts we are making to open embassies in India and Singapore, and to incorporate Costa Rica in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.'

He said that a diplomatic relationship with Beijing will boost cooperation and draw Chinese investment to Costa Rica, describing China as 'the biggest market in the world and an economy with vigorous growth.'

China currently buys 1.08 billion U.S. dollars worth of Costa Rican goods each year, and is the second most important export market for the nation after the United States.

'We have begun an important but gradual process, from which we expect greater efficiency and quality from our diplomatic efforts, ' he said, adding that the"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica china, politics, san jose, travel

Sport Fishing: "Marlin are here in the Offseason
Well, just got back from fishing our charter boat in Golfito. Only got out once offshore on a second boat we have added to our co.. A beautiful 28 bertram with Yanmars.

We were just putting out the lines and had a 400lbs. Black marlin climbs all over the teaser. We dropped back and rod. It was then off to the races. We fought the fish for a while and he did some nice head shakes by the boat. We eventually pulled the hook with the leader in sight. We then raised a sail that missed a hook bait. Later, in the day trolling around some tuna schools we hooked up another Marlin this time a Blue which then pulled the hook. Later, we had another sail. With all the rubber hooks we decided to run in and do some pargo fishing with only 3/4 day offshore. Not bad for the off season, if we could keep the hooks in them. The marlin fishing has steadily gotten better and better. With another boat missing a slam too!

Inshore, was pretty good too. Except for the 30lbs. snook under the dock that wouldn't eat. We caught grouper, pargo, blue runners, jacks etc. all in the harbor. Pura Vida!"

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Jamaica Gleaner News - Anti-Jamaica sentiments rising? - Friday | July 13, 2007: "I am worried that Jamaica's influence in the world is on the decline. I am even more concerned that no one in power is doing anything about it.

A generation ago Jamaica was at the forefront of the anti-apartheid movement, this tiny country - its politicians and artists - stirred the conscience of the rest of the world against South Africa's ignoble regime. Our strident voice was heard during ACP negotiations, we impressed the world with our views on the Non-Aligned Movement and the New World Economic Order etc. Back then Jamaica had a positive influence in the world. Attitudes toward Jamaica and Jamaicans were also positive. Its nationals could travel to many places without restrictions.

I accept that the world has changed since the terrorist attacks of September 11 and that countries are now forced to take steps to protect their borders and keep out undesirables. However, I must confess that I was taken aback, when I read that Costa Rica has become the latest country to impose visas restrictions on Jamaicans. We have witnessed over the last few years Great Britain, (the Mother Country) and former dependencies, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos imposing visa restrictions on Jamaican nationals.

Anti-Jamaican sentiments

I can't agree with these decisions, but I understand that in som"

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Salt Lake Start Up to Take on International Management Contract in Costa Rica and Guatemala - PR.com: "One business can make a difference. Relocating from Costa Rica to Salt Lake City was a big change, but the opportunity to manage international spas has made it worth the effort. 'This is what I love to do,' says founder and President Liz Galloway

Salt Lake City, UT, July 13, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Toiling over your new business can be rewarding, when you finally land that great contact. After relocating her Spa Development company from Costa Rica to Salt Lake City, Liz Galloway, President of Lotus Effects Consulting, was prepared to work 70 hour weeks to launch her new business. “It's been an exciting and sometimes unknown road, the past year.” says Galloway as she recounts the time and effort put into making great alliances and providing key services for her market. She works with not only local, and national clients, but international as well. She can now add management of international spas to her list of “things to do.”

Lotus Effects Consulting has aligned with Costa Rica based Med Spa, Laboratorios Masc, or Masc Skincare Laboratories owned by Luis Sandoval, www.mascskincare.com, to handle the remote and on site management services, training and standards needed to build a great spa and great service. Excited to continue working in Costa Rica and Latin America, Ms"

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vacation in the wonderful country of Costa Rica

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica real estate, san jose, travel

Nurses Association Rejects Insurance-Based Healthcare Reform - Associated Content: "The California Nurses Association issued a press release on Wednesday calling for the California legislature to reject healthcare reform which is based on continued involvement of health insurance. It also issued a related press release earlier in the month regarding universal healthcare in Canada and other countries.

The association's president stated that a 'comprehensive overhaul' of the current healthcare system is necessary, and voiced support for a bill which would establish universal healthcare in California. She called the present bill lawmakers are considering to pass 'deceptive' and a 'windfall' for health insurance businesses. The press release also indicated that she referred to insurance companies as being the source of the problem, rather than providing a solution, citing Michael Moore's recent movie 'Sicko' regarding the U.S. healthcare system.

Earlier in the month, the California Nurses Association issued another press release which criticized the U.S. media and others for spreading claims regarding 'long waiting times' for healthcare in countries with universal healthcare systems. It referred to a Commonwealth Fund study which indicated that the U.S. had longer waiting periods than Britain, Australia, Germany, or New Zealand. The press release also indicated that data regarding Canada reported by the American media is often outdated or misleading.

It has long been disputed whether countries with universal healthcare, like Canada, Costa Rica, Sweden, Cuba, and others have a preferable system to that of the United States. Based upon CIA World Factbook statistics, Canada has an infant mortality rate of 4.63, while it is slightly worse (6.37) in the U.S. Cuba's rate is 6.04, and Sweden's 2.76. As for life expectancy, the CIA World Factbook indicates that Canada's is 80.34, the U.S. 78, Costa Rica 77.21,"

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National Real Estate Investment Club Expands Into Las Vegas, NV With a New Chapter Focused on Educating the Public on Real Estate Education and Investments: "National Real Estate Investment Club (NREI Club) is proud to announce the opening of its newest chapter in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first meeting in Las Vegas will take place on July 18 at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, marking the opening of NREI Club's first chapter outside California.

'We plan on having a strong presence in Las Vegas,' said Mike Sarwari, CEO of NREI Club. 'I feel that the Nevada community needs an organization like this.'

The seminar will teach investors about the safety and profitability behind various methods of proper real estate structuring. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the full spectrum of asset protection and tax minimization and to find out about strategies to establish corporate credit without having to make a personal guarantee. The world's top Fortune 500 companies use these same cutting-edge strategies to succeed in today's competitive environment.

NREI Club will also be presenting investment opportunities in Indianapolis and in Costa Rica. Come discover why Indianapolis has the right conditions for solid long-term appreciation and why the Central Indiana market area continues to show positive signs of economic growth. Also, learn why people are flocking to Costa Rica and about"

Labels: central america, costa rica, costa rica real estate, travel

: "Actor Charlie Sheen is reportedly set to marry his girlfriend Brooke Mueller, after dating the real estate investor for a year.

According to Extra, a Sheen family friend confirmed that the pair are now engaged.

Sheen reportedly proposed to Mueller on a beach in Costa Rica, presenting her with an engagement ring worth $500,000.
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The actor's divorce from Denise Richards was finalised last November. Sheen and Richards have two children together."

Labels: central america, costa rica, travel