It would be hard to fin a more
representative souvenir of our culture. Painted in bright, primary colors,
ox-carts are definitely tropical their exuberant design a reflection of Costa
Rica's agricultural bounty and the spirit with which our farmers work the land.
Flowers motifs symbolize a peaceful way of life and the sensitive nature of a
people who would honor an ordinary work tool with such artistry. The ox-card is
sill used, occasionally, but low -tech farming has largely been replaced by
modern methods and machinery. Indeed, Costa Rica is world center for research
and practical application sustainable agriculture methods and machinery. Indeed,
Costa Rica is world center for research and practical application of sustainable
agriculture methods in the tropics. The school for Agriculture in the Tropical
Humid Region (EARTH), the Center for Research and Education in Tropical Agronomy
(CATIE) and the Central American School of Animal Husbandry (ECAG) are among the
institutions working towards greater long-term productivity on less land, with
less environmental impact. All are open to tourism and definitely worth the
visit.
In modern Costa Rica agriculture, computers do everything from determining soil
viability, to making crop projections and keeping track of the payroll. Many of
our farmers are scientist who drive late-model, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and run
their businesses with a cellular phone. Their children learn computer skill in
elementary school-tomorrow's high tech farmers.
If modern technology has influenced
the agricultural sector, it is all pervasive in the rest of the country. And not
just in the Central Valley. Visitors are surprised to find computers and a fax
machine at their jungle lodge and, even in the remotest areas, a solar
telephone. In fact, there is almost nowhere in Costa Rica where you are cut off
from instant international telephone communication. Seemingly miles from
nowhere, there's usually a least a "public phone". From any phone,
three-digit number will put you in touch with an operator back home. At many of
the bigger hotels and business centers you can send a message by E-mail.
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Costa Rica Travel Guide
Travel and Tours Vacation Packages
North Hollywood, Cal 91606
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Toll Free 888-319-8233
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