ON OUR READING LIST - RECOMMENDED BY GUY DORE

SURFING BOOKS

"The Surfer's Guide to Costa Rica & SW Nicaragua" - by Mike Parise and Bob Towner

Until Chavarria's book came out (see below), this was the bible for surfing Costa Rica. It's still well worth searching out, and this most recent edition includes Nicaragua. It is amazingly specific on the conditions of each break, including best tides to surf, and dangers and obstacles. He has also rated an extensive list of surfer-friendly hotels, hostels, and cabinas and provides details on nearby restaurants and sodas. Surfers like me may plan on cutting costs early on in the trip and then splurging a little on good food and lodging at the end for a stay at a place like Hotel Pura Vida.

BEST OF THE BEST BUG BOOKS

"Costa Rica: H2O Surf Travel Guide" - by Jonathan Yonkers Chavarria

This one I haven't read, but it comes with kudos from some big names: "I am very impressed with the useful information, great pictures and detailed research that has obviously been done for this book. The maps and graphics are excellent! I will definitely refer to, and suggest to my friends traveling in Costa Rica." --Robert August, Costa Rica Surfing Legend

"The advantage of this guide is that it is the most recent. It's also written by a local surfer, so count on the info being legit." --Surfing Magazine

ON OUR READING LIST - RECOMMENDED BY PAUL

CHOCOLATE MONKEY BOOK

"Monkeys Are Made Of Chocolate" by Jack Ewing.

About Hacienda Baru near Quepos; formerly a cattle ranch and rice plantation and how it was returned to nature; a fascinating read.

A RESIDENT AT HOME BOOK

"At Home In Costa Rica" by Martin Rice.

It's a wonderful documentation of their time in CR - though they are now former residents.

A DIFFERENT GUIDE

"Culture Shock: Costa Rica"

Part of a travel book series with a decidedly different take on CR. Useful in many ways other travel books are not sez Paul. Er how many ways?

A FOODIE BOOK:

"!Sabor!" Tells about the use of fruit and other foodstuff in CR and recipes for same. Hmmm I thought this was a local food magazine?

NOT ON OUR READING LIST - RECOMMENDED BY LIZ

THE WAY IT WAS ON VIDEO

"Carnival in Costa Rica (video or DVD) 1947"

A typical Hollywood musical with wonderful(!!) shots of Costa Rica as it was in the '40's and '50s. One friend claimed it had "a couple of very funny jokes about Tico ways."

I can't recommend it myself as the story line is non existent and it is an old fashioned somewhat contrived musical - ah well each to their own taste. OK truth is I fell asleep (it was awful)!