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
- Last blog post on Costa Rica and Cuba
- First-ever group motorcycle tours of Cuba successful
- Cuba’s Mariel port readying for Panama Canal expansion
- Musings on wildlife encounters on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
- Cuba’s Steam Trains puffing their last gasp
- My top five thrilling activities in Costa Rica
- Cuba’s fun February festivals include Harleys, Books, Cigars
- Five top volcano viewing experiences in Costa Rica
- New road along Costa Rica / Nicaraguan border mired
- Cuba’s Hotel Campoamor at Cojímar to be restored?
- Cuban revolutionary Celia Sánchez honored in new book
- Christmas challenge for Costa Rica’s sexually abused girls
- Costa Rica opens Chinatown in downtown San José
- David Soul films Hemingway’s car restoration in Cuba
- National Geographic Expeditions receives license for Cuba tours
The latest impressions from Cuba
I've been in Cuba now for four days to research my new edition of Moon Cuba. Since I researched Havana during my 3-week stay last May, this visit I'll be touring the provinces. The past two days I made my first forays in the surburbs and Havana province, including to the newly restored Museo de Hemingway, in 'Papa's former home at San Francisco de Paula. I'll blog about the museum in a later post.
But first some general impressions of changes since my last full visit in 2005. The stand-out change is how much more deteriorated the roads have become. No doubt, much can be attributed to the three hurricanes that punched the island last year, causing tremendous damage. Combine that with a dearth of road repair projects (the sight of crews laying tarmac is amongst the rarest of all Cuban scenes) and the result is a general state of road repair verging between dangerous and suicidal. Huge potholes and buckled concrete causeways are reason enough to keep to the posted speed limits. more >>
Transat Jacques Vabre yatch race heads for Costa Rica
Never heard of the Transat Jacques Vabre trans-Atlantic yatch race? Neither had I. But there it is, splashed all over the front page of the Costa Rica Tourist Board's snazzy website.
The race, initiated in 1993 and held every two years, attracts international sailors from around the globe and is the third most important yatching race in the world. So much so, in fact, that Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias Sánchez, has declared the race a "national interest" by means of an executive decree that "facilitates and authorizes institutions in the public and private sector, within the respective legal framework, to contribute any kinds of resources or collaboration to activities and iniciatives related to the arrival of the Transat Jacques Vabre Yacht Race to Costa Rica." more >>
British journalist missing in Costa Rica may have been killed by rip-tides
British journalist Michael Dixon, 33, went for a morning swim in Tamarindo on 19 October and never came back. His passport and other personal items were found undisturbed in his hotel room at Villa Macondo. Searches have turned up nothing.
A Facebook page–Help Find Michael Dixon –has been set up. View his photograph.
What happened?
My guess is that Mr. Dixon probably got caught in a rip-tide. Dozens of unsuspecting swimmers are killed every year by these fast-moving currents that drain out to sea. more >>
Arenal Waterfall Gardens wows as Costa Rica's newest venue
Since opening in 2001, La Paz Waterfall Gardens has become one of the most popular excursion destinations in Costa Rica. In 209, owners Lee and Cindy Banks opened their second, equally (or even more) impressive, yet wholly distinct facility near La Fortuna.
Arenal Waterfall Gardens, part of the deluxe The Springs Resort & Spa, is based on thermal springs that gush from a hillside about five miles from Volcán Arenal. The views of the volcano are spectatular. more >>
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.