2 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 3

Message from the President of Costa Rica

would like to convey to the American Col- ony in Costa Rica my best wishes on the IFourth of July. You are part of our nation: You became members of Costa Rica the mo- ment you set foot in our country. Those of you who have been living in Costa Rica for a long time can attest to the warmth and friendship of Costa Rica towards the United States. Allow me to wish you well, since I will not be able to be with you on this very important occasion when you commemorate the independence of the 13 colonies. All the best, and ¡Pura vida!

Luis Guillermo Solís President of the Republic of Costa Rica

Message from the U.S. Embassy

n behalf of the government of the United Services section is ready to help! We encour- States, the staff of the U.S. Embassy wish- age everyone to celebrate democracy this 4th of Oes all Americans residing in or visiting July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the Costa Rica a wonderful Fourth of July holiday! 2016 U.S. elections. We recommend overseas This is an important day to come together, remem- U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing Feder- ber our history, and celebrate our great nation. al Post Card Applications to ensure receipt of your One of the U.S. Embassy’s top priorities is ballot. We invite you to go online to http://co- to provide excellent customer service to the near- starica.usembassy.gov for more information. ly one million American citizens who travel to or We are very proud to celebrate the day reside in Costa Rica. From assisting those in peril with you and share our continuing commitment to renewing passports to answering any question to uphold the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit you may have, the Embassy’s American Citizen of happiness for all Americans. 4 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 5

Message from the American Colony

with a little more knowledge of U.S. history. At the picnic you will see, displayed on the podium, origi- nal Liberty Bell artwork by our member, friend and world-famous artist, Mr. Jim Theologos. This art- work can on seen the front side of all of our 2015 T-Shirts, worn by our 300 volunteers at this year’s picnic. Why, when and where did the Liberty Bell be- come part of our history? The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of Amer- ican Independence, located in Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania. The bell was commissioned by a London foundry in 1752 and was cast with the lettering “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” The bell cracked when rung after its arrival in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen whose names appear on the bell. It was used to summon lawmakers to legis- lative sessions and to alert citizens to public meet- ings and proclamations. The bell was not rung on nce again we are here celebrating our tra- July 4, 1776, after the vote for independence by the ditional Fourth of July Independence Day Second Continental Congress, but was rung after OPicnic. This is the 55th year the American the official reading of the Declaration of Indepen- Colony Committee has united us for this gather- dence four days later. In the 1830s the bell was ing of Americans living in and visiting this lovely adopted as a symbol by abolitionist societies, who country of Costa Rica. Many of us are accompanied named it the “Liberty Bell.” by our Costa Rican friends and family members as So let the bells ring for us today, and truly en- well. joy this day of celebration. This year we celebrate by recognizing our Liberty Bell: “Let Freedom Ring.” Charles Turner Every year when I attend this event I go home President, American Colony Committee

Editor: th Katherine Stanley Obando JULY 4 Contributors: Zach Dyer, Jonathan Harris, Robert Isenberg EVENT Design and Layout: PROGRAM Mariana Urbina, haimeluna

News Real Estate Travel www.ticotimes.net realestate.ticotimes.net travel.ticotimes.net [email protected] / (506) 2258-1558 6 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 7 8 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 9 10 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 11

A Look Back at a Different World: Remembering the Fourth of July Picnic, 1965 JONATHAN HARRIS | THE TICO TIMES

Archives / The Tico Times

ifty years ago today was simply unforgettable. where but where I lived then – which, of course, is Sure, I was all of 6 years old, and had only where I live now. A location obviously selected to be Fjust begun to have my surroundings indelibly within walking distance of the picnic in San Rafael imprinted into my future memory, but if you were de Escazú. around back then you must remember, too. The The Embassy Residence was special to us for skies were bluer than they’ve ever been since. The several reasons. One reason that stands out even grass was huge and very green in the empty pas- more than the picnics themselves was that John F. tures that surrounded the old U.S. Embassy Res- Kennedy shook my brother’s hand at an event there idence. There were cows roaming the streets, and two years before. JFK had Costa Rica thoroughly we all had cattle guards to keep them (mostly suc- smitten, and my brother was no exception: I don’t cessfully) out of our homes. think he washed his hands for years afterwards. Of It was a very special day. My family woke ear- course, my mother later inadvertently threw out my ly and walked to the Embassy Residence for the pic- brother’s diary where Mr. Kennedy wrote a note to nic, which, as it is today, was held in the morning to his friend Michael. avoid afternoon showers. It may have been the last Seen from the enlightened perspective of time my Dad had to hoist me on his shoulders most 2015, Costa Rica was a different world in 1965. It of the way because I couldn’t keep up. If I had been seems unreal to describe that world now. The coun- asked then where I would be living in 50 years, I try was embarking on its new path forward that would have wondered why I would be living any- had started in 1948. We Continues on Page 12 12 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 13

adopted this country as well. The holiday was a time to hold hands and celebrate both our coun- tries’ heritage, and vow to move together towards a better future. Thanks to Jack Fendell, who started the American Colony’s July 4 picnic tradition, we continued to live our shared lives and our shared heritage. The picnic epitomized our two cultures learning to live, and grow, together. There were relatively few American families in Costa Rica then, and we knew them all. In fact, it seemed to me that my parents knew everyone on the planet, but certainly everyone at the picnic, U.S. and Tico. There was no visible security entering the Fun and games at the former Ambassador’s Residence. picnic except for the very impressively outfitted Archives / The Tico Times Marines who couldn’t help playing with the kids. Everyone was welcome, regardless of nationality.

were very isolated. No IDs were checked. It was a party for all. The former U.S. Ambassador’s Residence as it appears today. Alberto Font/The Tico TimesTimes We didn’t have U.S. fast-food chains. We couldn’t even buy ketchup. My favorite birthday present was of greeting us personally. The adults mingle, which lined up for them, all screaming as the scratchy reel a small bottle of Welch’s grape juice, which to me means the kids are let loose to run around. Parents of endless black-and-white Woody cartoons started was a fine wine. We didn’t have American TV, and go get a drink (beer?), and walk around in their to show. It was hot. We were all hungry and thirsty. movies arrived years after their original release. Sunday best laughing loudly, making us very glad It was loud. It was very, very fun. I can picture ev- Transportation by horse out here in the boonies to go and do all the kid stuff there is to do. There ery corner of that garage. The rat-a-tat theme song was still commonplace. Poisoned meat was still are the games – three-legged races, sack races, egg rings in my ears as I remember it. thrown in the streets by the authorities to control tosses – the same theme there always was and al- I also remember being told that the Secret rabies. All Americans spoke Spanish, very well, and ways will be. Service had brought down the latest Woody car- most of our friends were Costa Rican; they wel- But I had two favorite events. I think we all toons just for us on a special plane. comed us in their homes, as they were welcome in agreed. You simply had to get on the oxcart that did Food was plentiful, and wonderfully un- ours. We were assimilating. The 4th of July picnic healthy. As I recall, it was free, and all we had to Costa Rican President Daniel Oduber addresses picnic-goers at continuous loops around the oval driveway, and was our one opportunity to parade Uncle Sam and the Bicentennial Celebration. Archives / The Tico Times you had to watch Woody Woodpecker. do was run up to a stand and place our order, even the American flag, and invite all our Tico friends to As you can imagine, it was a beautifully paint- when we couldn’t quite reach the counter. Mrs. Ja- July 4, 1965 was a Sunday, so nobody had an share our special day. ed, Sarchi-style oxcart led by two huge oxen. The gush was in charge of hot dogs. But it was very Cos- excuse to not come – if, that is, they could make it concession to human cargo was rubber tires. The ta Rican too, because that’s what we were all used out to the hinterland of Escazú in the morning. I man in charge was our gardener’s cousin, and he to and loved. There were sugar-encrusted churros, remember arriving vividly: swooped me up seamlessly into the insanity of too little plates of gallo pinto, gallos de chorizo, and The huge gates are wide open. The crisp Ma- many other small children in the cart. Nothing tons of ice cream. It was like a Costa Rican feria, rines stand on either side and welcome you. You much happened, and oxcarts were a common sight American style. are immediately impressed with the fact that you’re back then, but the fun of it was beyond description. As the years went by, I never once missed a walking towards the grandest house you’ve ever It was the Costa Rican version of a hayride, I sup- picnic. The residence was moved to where it is to- seen. It is immaculately white with huge columns pose. You could stay on as long as you wanted, and day a half mile down the road, where the picnic around its entrance holding up a balcony. There is boastfully wave to anyone you knew, which was ev- continued to be held for years until it began to be an oval drive with a beautiful garden in the mid- eryone. held at the Cervecería grounds. As the American dle. It is mind-blowing. Surely even the real White Then there was Woody Woodpecker. We population grew, the flavor of the party changed. House wishes it looked like this. didn’t have TVs at home. No cartoons, no Elmer In high school, years later, we arrived as usual and President José “Pepe” Figueres embraces U.S. Ambassador What a great day to be an American… in Costa Viron Vlaky at the 1973 Picnic. Archives / The Tico Times Fudd, Mr. Ed or Bewitched. That was yet to come. had fun as usual, lost every event as usual, and left Rica. But the Embassy was special. They had a garage before the rains came. President José “Pepe” Figueres was a hero, The Ambassador and his family, whom, of with a projector, an unstable screen, and more kids And we all, whether we admitted it or not, not only to Costa Rica, but to those of us who had course, we and everybody else know, make a point than could be accommodated in the folding chairs missed Woody Woodpecker. 14 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 15 16 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 17 18 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 19

“Bombas” who stars in the children’s stories of Carmen Five Things Even Long-Time Residents If you haven’t enjoyed one of Costa Rica’s most Lyra. There’s even a reconstructed “pueblo an- Might Have Missed in Costa Rica entertaining pastimes, you are missing out: tiguo” in the middle of the park, to show what The bomba is a silly (and often bawdy) rhyme Costa Rican life was like in ages past. Travel- ROBERT ISENBERG | THE TICO TIMES told loudly at parties. Years ago, Ticos would ers rarely hear about Parque Diversiones, but gather at village festivals, and in the middle for fans of fast rides, it’s definitely worth a arisians never notice the Eiffel face off in the gridiron. Each year, the games of a song or dance, someone would scream, visit. The wetter equivalent is Ojo de Agua, a Tower.” This anonymous quip is draw growing crowds of fans, and now and “¡Bomba!” and everyone would freeze. The waterpark near San Antonio de Belén. Unlike true almost anywhere you go: again the league will organize a game against “P screamer would then recite a poem, which other places, Ojo de Agua caters to locals, and If you live in a special place, you sometimes a U.S. or Panamanian team. If you’re tired of is roughly Costa Rica’s version of a limerick, whether you splash in the waterfalls or try for forget that certain things exist, even major overhyped NFL shenanigans, or you just miss and the crowd would laugh hysterically. Then a high-dive, there’s rarely a tourist in sight. monuments or touchstones of national pride. the bone-crunching beauty of a live game, re- the music would start up again, and dancing People in Costa Rica love their volcanoes and member that football is alive and well in Cen- would resume. If you speak decent Spanish, gallo pinto, but even native-born Ticos and tral Valley stadiums. ask some of the older folks whether they know longtime residents overlook certain items – any bombas. What you hear might shock you. cultural, geographic, and even verbal. The list of Costa Rican nooks and nuanc- es is endless, but here are some of our favorite examples. Most of these have attracted a mas- sive following over the years, but it’s amazing how many people say, “I think I’ve heard of that, but…”

Oceanfront Trail of Puntarenas When most people bring up Puntarenas, they “The Little Devils’ Game” usually think of super-sweet “Churchills” and Parque de Diversiones hardboiled eggs. But around 2009, Puntare- Folks often hear about “El Juego de los Dia- and Ojo de Agua nas introduced something unusual for an old blitos,” the centuries-old ceremony that takes When Parque de Diversiones was established port city: a “ciclovía.” Costa Rica has a smat- place in the indigenous villages of Boruca and in 1981, its purpose was actually quite pure: tering of bike trails, but Puntarenas has one of Rey Curré, but they have no idea what it is. In- The ’s entry fee helped pay the best – a broad, smoothly paved route that deed, the Brunca communities seem so hidden for the new Children’s Hospital in San José. circumscribes the bay and offers spectacular in the Talamanca Mountains that they might Parque Diversiones has the usual, well, diver- views of incoming ships. For the first time in American Football League of as well be Shangri La. But if you have a decent sions: There are rollercoasters, pendulums, its history, Puntarenas has become a destina- Costa Rica 4x4, you can visit a place like Boruca anytime tilt-a-whirls, and other carnival favorites. tion for joggers and cyclists looking for a scenic In Costa Rica, everybody loves soccer. Men, you like, and visitors are free to watch the four- But parts of the park are also distinctly Costa jaunt. And during festivals and weekends, this women, babies and great-grandmothers love day “games,” which usually take place around Rican in character. You’ll find statues of Tío path draws hundreds of grillers and picnick- soccer. But “American” football is also gaining New Year. Chosen villagers dress in fearsome Conejo (“Uncle Rabbit”), the trickster hare ers. BBQ and a Pacific sunset? Lindísimo. steam: The Costa Rican Federation of Amer- balsawood masks and face off with a man in a ican Football hosts its season in the first half “bull” costume, charging each other for hours of the year, and teams like the Cartago Rap- at a stretch. You’ll also be welcome to chi- tors, Santa Ana Bulldogs, and Escazú Toros cha, a sacred drink made of fermented corn. 20 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 21 22 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 23

How Will You Celebrate the Fourth? ROBERT ISENBERG | THE TICO TIMES

It’s a time-honored Picnic Program Tradition Our logic is pretty simple. We can always do – we asked a few U.S. residents of Costa Rica whatever the U.S. thing is when we get back, what they’ll do this year to enjoy the holiday. but we might never have another opportunity to experience the Costa Rican thing in our life- time. ¡Pura Vida!

Name: Jamie Wallace (pictured with his wife, Heather Brent) Age: 43 Occupation: Business attorney and former restaurateur. Blogs at findyourcostarica. Name: Tanya Woodson com. Age: 31 Came From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Occupation: Mental Health Therapist, Lives In: Jacó founder of Walk In New Enlightenment How will you celebrate the Fourth of Came From: Washington, DC. July? This will be our second Fourth of July Lives in: Escazú and Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica. We arrived here in June of 2014 How will you celebrate the Fourth of and have been focused on embracing all things July? I will be celebrating the Fourth at Mun- Costa Rican from day one. As a result, we have doloco Bar & Restaurant, in San Pedro. It is been more concerned with celebrating Costa the place that has the ambiance that most Rican holidays than with celebrating the U.S. reminds me of a venue in the States, where I holidays we are accustomed to. Unlike last used to celebrate this national holiday. Great year, where the Fourth was just like any other selection of dishes, including hamburgers – day in beautiful Costa Rica for us, we might the main course for North Americans on this meet up with expats in Jacó this time around special day – music, wine and beer. This is and revel a bit. also a special place for me, as it is where I met my husband! What do you miss about the Fourth of July in the U.S.? One of the reasons we are What do you miss about the Fourth of in Costa Rica is to experience cultural differ- July in the U.S.? I miss celebrating this sig- ences. Thus far, we honestly have missed very nificant holiday with my family and friends, little about our lives in the U.S., including hol- who all come together to have a gigantic pic- idays. That might be because we are here on a nic followed by “BBQ hopping,” where we go family sabbatical for a finite period and know from house to house to have cook-outs with we will be returning to the U.S. when it ends. delicious hamburg- Continues on Page 32 24 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 25 26 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 27

New AMCHAM President Says Costa Rica is ‘Well-Rooted’ in ZACH DYER | THE TICO TIMES

s Costa Rica faced worries about its Guatemala, where he served as an AMCHAM privileged spot as a world-renowned president, before returning to Mexico and A tourist destination amid high oper- eventually moving to Costa Rica. ating costs and neighborhood competition, “Costa Rica is well-rooted in tourism the Costa Rican-American Chamber of Com- compared to other countries,” Whitelaw said, merce elected a seasoned veteran of interna- adding that the level of service offered here is tional hotel management as its president on above its regional competition in Nicaragua, Jan. 27. Guatemala and Cuba. Dennis Whitelaw, country manager for “Costa Rica has a [high] level of intelli- Marriott Costa Rica, took the reins of the busi- gence, literacy and hospitality, and people de- ness chamber on Feb. 1. liver good service. Those other countries have a ways to go in improving that. Maybe their infrastructure is going up, but they’ll need to invest in these other areas to make sure they match [Costa Rica],” he added. That’s not to say that there’s no room for improvement. The new AMCHAM president said that as long as Costa Rica continues to polish its diverse offerings for tourists with a focus on eco-tourism, the $2.6 billion sector of the economy should continue to grow. Speak- ing for Marriott, Whitelaw said the company looks to double its presence here in the next five years. Whitelaw said that as AMCHAM presi- dent he would continue the chamber’s efforts to support controlling the government’s fiscal deficit and work to attract more international companies after a disappointing contraction Dennis Whitelaw. Courtesy AMCHAM in foreign investment during 2014. The busi- “I’m honored and humbled to have the ness leader said that AMCHAM is “conserva- chance to work with such a great team,” he tively optimistic” about Costa Rica’s outlook told The Tico Times. in 2015. He listed inflation, taxes, the cost of Whitelaw, 58, has worked for Marriott energy and infrastructure among the areas of for 36 years, including more than 25 years concern. focusing almost exclusively on Mexico and Some Costa Rican business leaders have Central America. His most recent post before expressed concern about what they interpreted Costa Rica was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for as a “historic” jump in unemployment recent- 14 years. Whitelaw also worked for Marriott in ly. Whitelaw said that Continues on Page 28 28 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 29

unemployment is always disappointing, but he had not yet heard specific concerns about it from AM CHAM members. One of Whitelaw’s goals for 2015 is to establish a “labor bank” to facilitate the hiring process for skilled work- ers. The labor bank would collect résumés and posts them on AMCHAM’s website for mem- bers seeking applicants with a specific skill set. Whitelaw said that he has enjoyed work- ing in Mexico and Central America in large part because of the people. “Friendships are for life in Latin America,” he observed. The New York native has lived in San José with his wife and three children for more than two years, and has another daughter from a previous marriage living in Brooklyn. “My family visited me once in Puerto Vallarta in those last 14 years, and they’ve been with me three times here in the last two years,” Whitelaw said. Another good sign for Costa Rican tourism. 30 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 31

Chamber Seeks Greater Dynamism ZACH DYER | THE TICO TIMES

Arguedas said that AMCHAM expects the Costa Rican economy to improve slightly this year, despite the effects of a downward trend globally in foreign investment and other challenges. Before Costa Rica can take full advantage of the opportunities out there, Arguedas said there are several hurdles the country needs to overcome. Infrastructure deficiencies, red tape, curbing public spending to slow growth of the deficit, and improving efficiency and competition in the energy sector were some of the Chamber’s top concerns. Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica was down 21 percent in 2014 amid a glob- al slowdown, and overall exports from Costa Rica dropped 17 percent during the first three months of 2015. Turning around the drop in FDI is critical, according to the director. “Attracting FDI is essential to generate Alberto Arguedas. Courtesy AMCHAM new jobs and help reduce the current unem- ployment rate,” Arguedas said. he American Chamber of Commerce Costa Rica’s successful application to join in Costa Rica (AMCHAM) has been the Organization for Economic Cooperation Toffering services to U.S. and national and Development (OECD) will create greater businesses for over 40 years. With promo- opportunities for FDI, “without a doubt,” he tional opportunities, networking between said. U.S. and Costa Rican businesses, and forums Intel’s partial exit from Costa Rica in on politics, social responsibility, anti-contra- 2014 shook up the export sector, but Arguedas band, tourism and more, AMCHAM has been said that Costa Rica must overcome the hurdle working to strengthen Costa Rica’s business of a currency that has strengthed against the climate. dollar while many have fallen this year. Costa Alberto Arguedas has been the execu- Rican goods must compete with devaluation tive director of the organization since 2014. in other countries that give their products a Before joining AMCHAM, he led the Ger- comparative edge on Tico-made goods. man Chamber of Commerce in Costa Rica for “The Central Bank’s efforts to control five years and has worked in several different fluctuations in the exchange rate, pay atten- sectors across his 15-year career. tion to the deficit, inflation, and other macro- He shared AMCHAM’s outlook for Cos- economic variables are of the upmost impor- ta Rica in 2015 with The Tico Times and tance to promote a positive environment for the chamber’s efforts to fight black-market the export sector, which is key for our econ- goods in the country. omy,” Arguedas said. Continues on Page 32 32 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 33

Continued from Page 30 Along with sharing information and ment and citizen security, since it’s linked advocating reforms to improve Costa Rica’s with networks of organized crime.” business fundamentals, AMCHAM has been The Chamber’s latest initiative in this working with authorities to combat illegal field was the launching of a web app called trade, a practice that puts consumer heath at Mercado Illegal, which allows individuals to risk and robs the country of tax revenue. anonymously report illegal products to au- thorities. The application won the IP Champi- Since 2006, one of AMCHAM’s main on prize from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce projects has been combating contraband in on April 20, 2015. Costa Rica. Black market pharmaceuticals, Arguedas said that AMCHAM looks for- alcohol, cigarettes and other goods have been ward to the efforts of Costa Rica’s business passing into Costa Rica at a growing rate in re- chambers, non governmental organizations cent years. and proposals from President Luis Guillermo “Illegal trade in Costa Rica not only af- Solís to encourage growth in the economy. fects financial revenue,” Arguedas said. “It “We’re hoping for greater dynamism this represents a serious threat to stable employ- year,” Arguedas said.

Continued from Page 22 ers and hot dogs that are cooked on the grill. What do you miss about the Fourth of Just before dusk, I join in celebration with July in the U.S.? Well, I miss the excuse to hundreds of others at the National Harbor in get together with family and friends, but each Baltimore, Maryland, to watch as the skyline country seems to have a lot of those excuses, explodes with a breath taking display of fire- so it all balances out. works – a climactic ending to a day of grand festivities! Name: Tom Humes Age: 58 Occupation: Bookmaker Came From: New York City Lives In: Escazú How will you celebrate the Fourth of July? I will watch Cagney’s “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” What do you miss about the Fourth of July in the U.S.? The Macy’s fireworks in New York City. Also the parade in my home- town, Baltimore. Name: Matthew Seth Bertucci Age: 39 Occupation: Software Engineer Came From: New Orleans Lives In: San Pedro How will you celebrate the Fourth of July? If I am in Costa Rica, I usually just en- joy the day off, since I work for a U.S. compa- ny, and relax. If I am in the U.S., I usually do a barbecue with the family. realestate.ticotimes.net 34 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 35

A Few Fun Facts about the Fabulous Fourth: How to Celebrate in the Know TICO TIMES STAFF

Alberto Font / The Tico Times

The Declaration of Independence, hot dogs 3. Eat food. Way too much. and sparklers. That’s about it, right? Not Mostly hot dogs. so fast. Here are 10 interesting facts for the According to Bizmedia.com, approximately Fourth of July fanatic in all of us – some old 155 million hot dogs are consumed on July favorites, and others more obscure. 4 alone – that’s one for every two people in the United States, and more than enough to 1. Start celebrating on July 2nd. stretch from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. The Declaration of Independence was first five times over. Have you had one yet today? adopted by Congress on the 2nd, prompting Get cracking! John Adams to write his wife Abigail that “the 2nd of July will go down in history.” Not quite 4. Don’t ring the Liberty Bell. – the Congress then adopted a revised version The first major celebration of the Fourth took on the 4th, and that’s the date that stuck. place in Philadephia in 1777, and the famed Liberty Bell has always played a central role 2. Pause to remember two in the celebrations – but the bell has not been Founding Fathers in particular. rung since 1846, to avoid further cracking it. In an odd and infamous coincidence, the It is symbolically tapped 13 times every year aforementioned Adams and fellow former on the Fourth. President Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration, died within hours of each oth- 5. Watch the skies. er on July 4, 1826. Another President, James The American Pyrotechnics Association esti- Monroe, died on July 4, 1831. mates that more than Continues on Page 36 36 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 37

Continued from Page 34 14,000 professional firework displays light 8. And speaking of extra beer… up the skies in the United States each 4th of The tune for “The Star-Spangled Banner” was July. Sounds like an average December night taken from a London society drinking song. in Costa Rica – albeit of the homespun variety. 9. Tip your hat to Rwanda and the 6. Hug a Brit. Philippines. Eight of the 56 signers of the Declaration were July 4 is the date of their independence cele- born in Britain, and the Liberty Bell was cast brations as well. there as well. 10. Enjoy the convenient color combinations of a U.S.-Costa 7. If you’re 26, 45 or 70, you deserve Rican lifestyle. an extra beer. Isn’t it handy that the same three shades can Those are the ages of the youngest Signer color you patriotic for both countries’ Inde- (Edward Rutledge), the average age of all pendence Days? According to our old friends Signers, and the age of the oldest Signer (Ben- at Wikipedia, the United States and Costa Rica jamin Franklin), respectively, according to Pi- are two of 30 countries worldwide with flags of oneerwoman.com. red, white and blue.

News Real Estate Travel

www.ticotimes.net realestate.ticotimes.net travel.ticotimes.net 38 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 39 40 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 41

Costa Rica, the Quiz: How Much Has Your 10 points)? What is this “double yellow line” of fense of national linguistic idiosyncrasy we won’t which you speak (20 bonus points)? reward you any additional points). Adopted Country Changed You? • Can you describe the life story of the busker on • Five points each if, on visits home, you have KATHERINE STANLEY | THE TICO TIMES the last bus you took (10 points)? unwittingly spoken in Spanish to a non-Span- ish-speaking and very confused taxi driver or • One point if you give your home address in ref- he Fourth of July is a day helped make them (5 points). waiter. Double if you did this to a family mem- erence to another point. Five if that other point for U.S. citizens in Cos- You have organized, directed and ber. is a bar. Ten if it is a plant or tree of some kind. ta Rica to celebrate our executed the tamal-making (500 T Twenty if it is something that no longer exists. home country – but also to cel- points and honorary citizenship). Section 4. Miscellany ebrate the large and unique U.S. • One point for every minute in your last cab ride • You drink your coffee: A) With • One point for every member of the 2014 Men’s population in Costa Rica and our before the taxista asked you where you were food, always. Otherwise it’s café National Team you can name. Five points for love for our adopted land. Many from. con lengua and completely sin every member of the 1990 Men’s National Team of us take pride in our knowledge gracia (5 points). B) You don’t you can name. If you need clarification as to of the country, language and cul- Section 3. Gestures and Language drink coffee (subtract 25 points). which sport, subtract 100 points. ture; swap stories with fellow • Quick! Without thinking, pronounce the fol- C) In a to-go cup while walk- • Five points if you kiss your female Gringa expats about moments when we lowing: Imperial, rice and beans, Popeyes, ice. ing down the street (subtract 50 friends on the cheek. realized just how at home we had Five points for each word points). become in a new place; and enjoy you automatically pro- • Complete the follow- the continual learning curve • You make your coffee using nounced como Dios man- ing phrase without any that comes with living abroad, a chorreador (5 points). da: imperiAL, RICE-an- help: Verás a tu pueblo vali- whether we’ve been year one • You keep your eggs on the beans, Pop-EY-ess (three ente y viril, la… (10 points). syllables, middle one rhymes year or several decades. counter instead of the fridge (5 • Five points each if you have with hey). Ten points if you In honor of that process, points). Double if you bought been to any of the following: pronounced ice, EEE-say here is a special quiz to mea- them from the egg man. Triple a rezo, a ride on the , (yes, I wrote it in lowercase if you and the egg man are on a a bullfight. Triple if you have sure just how Costa Rican-ized letters, but we’re setting the first-name basis. been inside the bullring (and you have become. This is inev- bar high). itably imperfect, incomplete, please see the comment for • One point for every way you riding your skateboard behind a and full of generalizations, but to paraphrase the Section 2. Transportation can spell Michael Jordan. bus). Bard, if what follows should offend, think but this, mae: It was written with love and admira- • Have you done any of the following within the • When you want to signal some- • Twenty points if you have a tion. past week? Emitted a preventive automatic honk one to come here, do you wave toothbrush and toothpaste in as you approached an intersection at full your hand in a downward fash- your purse/backpack/office desk Section 1. In the kitchen (5 points). Used your hand extended through ion (10 points), make a “ssst! drawer right now. sst!” sound (also 10 points), or the window, as driver or passenger, to signal • Five points if you automatical- • Five points if you put ice in your beer. Double if beckon (subtract 5 points)? another driver (5 points). Ridden three to a bike ly clear your agenda for the day you if you also do it on visits to your home coun- (10 points). Ridden home on a skateboard while • Two points each if you regu- whenever you have a trámite of try, occasioning horrified looks. Triple if you are holding onto the back of a bus (50 points, but larly use any of the following any kind. also British or German. also, what would your mother say if she could sounds: O-pa, Upe!, Uuuuuuy!, • You know you’re not going to • Five points if you have personally prepared any see you doing that? Stop that immediately!). jueeeee…. add up the points at the end because that’s just of the following during the past month: gallo • Is a stop sign an indication that you should • When texting/chatting online, do you type too obsessive-compulsive for you. Mae, qué pe- pinto, olla de carne, your own chilera. slow down (1 point)? A meaningless roadside “Hahaha” or “Jajaja” (1o points for the latter)? reza (25 points). • Leche Pinito is: A) Powdered milk (0 points). decoration (5 points)? Or an indication to come • If you correctly use vos, 15 points. Exclusive- Your score: 0-50 points – Don’t give B) A national treasure (5 points). C) Something to a full stop while looking both ways (subtract ly usted, 10 points. Tú, subtract 10 points (yes, up your first passport just yet. 50- you have carried across international borders to 20 points)? there is a pro-tuteo movement in Costa Rica, and 100 points – Intermediate pura vida. give as gifts (15 points). • Is passing on a double yellow line acceptable if you can convincingly describe said movement, Over 100 points – Mae, más Tico que • You have eaten a tamal (1 point). You have in certain situations (1 point)? Illegal (subtract you can have your points back, although in de- el Güipipía. 42 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 43

…can have two toes (really fingers in their hands) or three? Costa Rican has both variet- ies; two-toed sloths are slightly bigger. …sleep about as much as humans in the wild?

…can climb only 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) Help him get back to the jungle and find some food. per minute? …are terrific swimmers? …blend in with green leaves to avoid predators, thanks to the algae that grows on their fur? Sources: InBio, livescience.com and nationalgeographic.com 44 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 45

The Star-Spangled Banner National Anthem of the United States of America

O say can you see by the dawn’s early light, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last And where is that band who so vauntingly swore gleaming, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the A home and a country should leave us no more? perilous fight, Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly pollution. streaming? No refuge could save the hireling and slave And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: air, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth Gave proof through the night that our flag was still wave, there; O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the desolation. deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n reposes, rescued land What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us steep, a nation! As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” beam, And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: wave ‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Noble Patria, tu hermosa bandera National Anthem of Costa Rica

Noble patria tu hermosa bandera ¡Salve oh tierra gentil! Expresión de tu vida nos da: ¡Salve oh madre de amor! Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo Cuando alguno pretenda tu gloria manchar, Blanca y pura descansa la paz. Verás a tu pueblo, valiente y viril La tosca herramienta en arma trocar. En la lucha tenaz de fecunda labor Que enrojece del hombre la faz, ¡Salve patria! tu pródigo suelo Conquistaron tus hijos, labriegos sencillos, Dulce abrigo y sustento nos da; Eterno prestigio, estima y honor, Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo eterno prestigio, estima y honor. ¡Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz! 46 U.S. Independence Day 2015 U.S. Independence Day 2015 47 48 U.S. Independence Day 2015