Group XIII – International Seminar

International Seminar, February 23 – March 8, 2010 – Costa Rica & Nicaragua

by Mary Rehwald, Fellow Group XIII, Sustainability Consultant, Northland College, Ashland County

The Many Faces of Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Journal from 2010 Trip – Mary Rehwald

These two countries border each other north of the Equator.  The per capita income of Nicaragua is only one-fourth that of Costa Rica’s ($3,100 to $12,000), making Nicaragua the second poorest country in Latin America, after Haiti.  The “rim of fire” is the volcanic chain that runs its spine through both countries on the Pacific side. Central America was made by these volcanoes.   Costa Rica is popular with Americans and European because of its eco-tourism.  Nicaragua is known for its coffee and revolutionary history, yet Nicaragua is also beginning to build up its eco-tourism industry.  We stayed 9 nights in Nicaragua; 4 nights in Costa Rica.  Our hotels were air-conditioned, but the outdoors was not!

We actually were a big group (40) of big Americans in a big bus.  We unloaded into the bright colors of small towns.  Everyone was friendly. Or silent.  Or curious.   Begging was not widespread compared to my experience in Guatemala.  In this report I have highlighted just a few of my impressions.   We had a wonderful journey, and we just scratched the surface….Read more

Seminar Chairs

Arlen Albrecht, UW Professor, Cooperative Extension Taylor County

Robert Burke, Community Resource Development Agent, UW Cooperative Extension