William "Skip" Licht
Bio
Costa Rica is a magical place. Since November, 2002, when I first visited this country, I have been in love with the people, the culture, its biodiversity, the food. . everything about it makes me happy! Now I share my excitement with you!
Stories (148/0)
How Does Moving to Costa Rica Completely Change Your Life For the Better?
One cannot argue that when in Costa Rica, embedded deep in a jungle setting. . perhaps laying on the beach. . staring up at the sky. . we are in a rather good situation. Anyone want to challenge me on this simple scenario?
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
The Mysterious Stone Spheres of Costa Rica. .
The stone spheres of Costa Rica are an assortment of over 275 petrospheres, on the Diquís Delta and on Isla del Caño. They are also known as "bolas de piedra" (stone balls). The spheres are commonly attributed to the extinct Diquís culture, and they are, at times, referred to as the "Diquís Spheres". We'll try to sort out some questions for you in the next few minutes. Even researching this story, I did not find very much solid information on this subject. Everything seems to be "theory" or "conjecture". .
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
The Capuchin Monkeys of Costa Rica. .
"Capuchin" comes from a group of friars named, "The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin", an offshoot from the Franciscans, who wear brown robes with large hoods. When Portuguese explorers reached the Americas around the 15th century, they found small monkeys whose coloring resembled these friars, especially when in their robes with hoods down. . and they were named accordingly. When first studied, scientists described this species as such. . "their muzzles of a tanned color, with the lighter color around their eyes that melts into the white at the front. Their cheeks give them the look that involuntarily reminds us of the appearance that historically in our country represents ignorance, laziness and sensuality." They seemed to have had no respect for this noble beast!
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Petlife
The Beautiful Poison Dart Frogs of Costa Rica. .
Costa Rica is home to 8 known species of poison dart frogs, also called "poison arrow frogs". The toxin from this frog was and is being used on arrow tips to make sure that anything that the tribesmen in the Amazon Rainforests shot, died almost instantly!
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Petlife
Would You Rather Have This Frog Staring at You or Your Boss Watching Your Every Move?
As you know by now, Costa Rica is a gorgeous country, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Pacific Ocean cradles Costa Rica at the western edge and the Caribbean Sea butts up againsh our eastern shores. It is home to hundreds of thousands of different plant species & Costa Rica wildlife. But perhaps none are as popular as the country's red-eyed tree frog. Locals and visitors alike are always excited to get a quick glimpse of this gorgeous creature, making this little fella one of the country's most popular animals. You'll see an image like this on many of the advertisements touting Costa Rica as "one of the happiest countries on the planet", along with our colorful toucan and our always-smiling, two-toed and three-toed sloths.
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
Costa Rica's Indigenous Tribes
Costa Rica has never had a thriving indigenous culture such as the strong and vast empires of the Mayan, Aztec or Inka peoples. The original Costa Rican people were culturally influenced by Mesoamerican tribes from Central America and also from northern South America, especially Colombia. Most indigenous groups lived on a simple subsistence economy and were ruled by a chief, called "Cacique". When the Spaniards arrived, many tribes moved their locations back into the mountains in order to avoid slavery and unfair taxation.
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
The Costa Rica Gold Rush
In 1502, when Christopher Columbus set foot on a little island just off the coast of what is now the Limón area, he was first impressed with the ornate gold jewelry that the local indigenous people wore. Along with the fact that the dense green jungles, the abundance of wildlife and a beautiful coastline was the first things that he saw, he named this new land, "Costa Rica" or "Rich Coast". .
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
The Many Beautiful Churches of Costa Rica. .
If you have a few minutes, be sure to Google, "Churches in Costa Rica". Even if you aren't religious, you'll be amazed at what you see. The churches are beautiful here and they're worth a few minutes of your time to learn more about what they mean to everyone here. .
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
The "Pura Vida" Trifecta. . A Beautiful Sunset, a Wonderful Day in Paradise Just Winding Down & a Few Sips of Wine. .
There are countless ways to spend your day here in Costa Rica. If you are fortunate enough to be living in this amazing country, or perhaps you're visiting for a week or two, you are familiar with the 'day trips' that we all take. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself to make certain that this isn't a dream. .
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
How Such a Tiny Country Brings So Much Joy to All Who Visit. .
When one sees Costa Rica in the photo above as a comparison in size with the United States of America, it is surprising. It's tiny, but it does pack a powerful punch! Hundreds of thousands of animal species, plants and ferns and over 5 million people. Remember that New York City, at full capacity, has close to 10 million people living there.
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander
A Jungle Stroll. . Beach Time. . Coffee Plantation Tours. . Hiking Up a Volcano. .So Many Things to Do. .
Costa Rica. . about the size of West Virginia. . a little more than half the population of New York City. . Well over 25% of the land mass here cannot be touched. . National Parks, Reserves, Nature Preserves & Wildlife Refuges. .
By William "Skip" Licht3 years ago in Wander