Check out the Tico Times (an English speaking newspaper published in Costa Rica). There is an article entitled "Beach Towns Tackling Safety Issues" many of you might find interesting.

It tells the story of how the locals have taken fixing the roads into their own hands because of the urgency and the extremely poor condition at this time.

But it also discusses increasing crime in Tamarindo, drug issues, etc.

It paints a worrisome picture--Tamarindo is one of my favorite little towns. I have long been aware of the drug culture there, but have known that it exists at all the beach towns in Costa Rica--as well as (regrettably) across the globe I don't like to think about the problem existing at the level the article discusses.

Sorry, everyone--that's www.ticotimes.net. They are not publishing during the holidays, but if you click on "Weekend" you'll see the article.

Thanx for the info . Do u think the Manuel Antonio area has the same problem to this extent ? Something we did find a bit odd at Costa Verde , our first 5 nights there we had a security guard standing by the sign going down to the D-Unit , then for the rest of our stay , he was gone ? We never asked , but found it odd . Too bad for Tamarindo ....

Interesting article shillmac;

Having just been at Tamarindo a few weeks ago, I know all about the multitude of potholes.

While Ricardo ( of Vargas Tours) was attempting to dodge one pothole, he would hit another one.

I said to Ricardo:

"If every tourist that comes to Costa Rica in 2005 would each bring a bucket of asphalt, we would have the roads repaired by years end."

Ricardo also mentioned that more and more tourists are coming and the roads are getting worse.

At night it is difficult to see the potholes , sometimes until you hit one.

If it is not a pothole, then it is a child riding their bike in total darkness beside the road, or a mother and child walking along side the road.

"That is why you do not drive at night here",Ricardo said.

Percy

ttt

Everything I've heard in the past 6 months tells me that Costa Rica has taken a quantum leap in tourism recently. That concerns me in that I'm not sure they are going to be able to accomodate the numbers and maintain the integrity of their ecological efforts. Seems that it would take some very careful and well-thought-out management to successfully take the step up.

Son and his wife just returned from first trip to CR. They loved the country, loved the people, had a great trip, and want to return with their kids (and me, if I'm on good behavior) next time But yes,
they were a bit unprepared for some safety-related issues. They'd not expected to many--or most?- "middle-class" and "upper-class" housing, surrounded by protective/defensive fences topped with barbed wire, broken glass, even cactus. Their hotels had armed security guards (no different than in much of USA) but also had some armed staff members, which was less expected. As Percy quoted his driver, they soon realized that night driving wasn't a good idea, as roads were not merely dark but "pitch black"-- making it difficult to see pedestrians, animals, potholes.
Hopefully the problems will be controlled. It is difficult to see a place you love become a victim of its well-deserved popularity. Bravo to the people of Guanacaste for taking matters of safety and community into their own hands!!!!

Just wanted to clarify something , I hope my last post was not mis-understood . At no time did we feel un-safe during our trip , we loved it and would go back in a heartbeat !! We had just been curious about the guard , indeed if that is what he was . Thats all ! I do think there is a trend that with rising tourism there is rising crime , more oppurtunity I guess ! Faith