Retreats Costa Rica www.retreatscostarica.com

Blueprint for Success & Don't Forget the Coffee

It was great to celebrate the publishing of my new book "Blueprint for Success" with colleagues and friends in Costa Rica this past Tuesday Night.   When "Go Wild-Survival Skills for Business and Life " was published two years ago, I was thrilled to record the audio book right here in the rainforests of Costa Rica, where, gasp, still No Starbucks can be found!  Not too worry! I consider  Costa Rica Coffee to be among the finest Coffee  in the world.  If you don't believe me, just ask Grace Mena and the International Women's Coffee Alliance.   I am now working with Grace in planning the First Internationl Women in Coffee Conference to be hosted here in Costa Rica this October!   The International Women's Coffee Alliance is exactly the type of organization that our author team speaks about in "Blueprint for Success"---combining good business with giving back to the community .  The Java Divas that makeup the group also known as "Women in Coffee"  believe their business is not only making coffee, it's about making life better for women in Coffee Producing Countries, while improving their own leadership skills.  Visit the Women's Coffee Alliance and support their incredible work at http://www.womenincoffee.org/web/homepage.asp

  Working in collaboration with a team of authors on "Blueprint for Success" including Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard has indeed been a remarkable journey that entailed not only lots of coffee but creative input.  Thanks to my co-authors, clients and my own tribal support team who have taught me, not only what drawing a Blueprint is all about, but how you actually build your house, once you have a plan in hand.

Go Wild! Go GREAT! and Grab a Cup of Coffee! 

Order Blueprint for Success at www.gowildgogreat.com

Plan your next business meeting, executive retreat or convention in Costa Rica!

www.retreatscostarica.com

Nip, Tuck and Knees in Costa Rica? Why U.S. Citizens seek Medical Care and Surgery in Costa Rica

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4legged nurse, Bucky

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

She saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next to mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spend a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. i.e.  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget the hospital rooms in our medical spa hospital have flat screen T.V's and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hot Color and Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  But I must say Clinica Biblica compensates with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medial care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

Pain Management! Important!  Dr. Oeding puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  It was nice to see the celebration and I've never seen in the states.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com.  You can bring Rosemary's Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization.

 

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4legged nurse, Bucky

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

She saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next to mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spend a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. i.e.  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget the hospital rooms in our medical spa hospital have flat screen T.V's and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hot Color and Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  But I must say Clinica Biblica compensates with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medial care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

Pain Management! Important!  Dr. Oeding puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  It was nice to see the celebration and I've never seen in the states.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com.  You can bring Rosemary's Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization.

 

During Your Retreat in Costa Rica! Don't Miss The Saturday Market

Whether living or visiting in Costa Rica's Central Valley be certain not to miss Escazu's Saturday Market.  Since I have been living in Latin America,  I've become a Food Market Junkie and let me tell you  the market in Central Escazu, situated in the town square is a treat for the senses!  Protected and blessed by the sculptures of onlooking Religious Saints at the Catholic Church, who needs the FDA stamp of approval?  So, if you  are joinining our personal growth retreats in Costa Rica this summer and fall.  Note:  Our Women's Retreat in October is now accepting regiestrations, www.retreatscostarica.com ask us to  pick you at the airport if you get in early enough, and take you to market first!   

The Escazu Market features incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables direct from Central Valley farms.  Over the years including several years owning a restaurant in Escazu, we have developed loyalty to our favorite and colorful vendors. There's the Strawberry Woman, the Orchid Man and Mario, whose farm used to adjoin our property  when we lived further up in the Escazu mountains. Every Friday Afternoon, Mario would play festive music as he loaded his vegetable truck - our auditory signal that the weekend was indeed here.   Now I'll admit we  used to get excited about the misting vegetable machines at Super Fresh Markets when I lived in Pennsylvania and still  treat myself when I'm in The States to a visit to the local Specialty Foods markets like "Whole Foods" .I do this just to see the immense varieties of organic and healthy food options available in North America.  However, Barry and I gasp at the prices!  After many years of living in Latin America, I guess we have sticker shock.  For example, today's Saturday market  bill  was under $10.00 and that's with a huge inventory of items needed for a party we are hosting on Tuesday Night.   

But it's more than the freshness and the pricing that makes Latin American Food Markets and The Escazu Market in particular such a treat.   The Saturday Market is where everyone on the mountain celebrates the end of another work week.  Musicians play, Neighbors Exchange News and it seems we all look up to the towering Escazu Mountains.   Gracias "El Senor" for another day in tropical paradise.

Retreats Costa Rica offers 8 day /7 night all- inclusive learning adventures for indiividuals and groups.

tour www.retreatscostarica.com

Executive Medical Check-Ups for Your Team Members? Explore An Executive Spa in Costa Rica!

Executive Check-Ups at CIMA-Costa Rica's Newest State of the Art Hospital

Costa Rica's Retreat & Recovery Centers

This Month's Continental Airlines magazine featured an extensive article on the growing popularity of "The CEO Executive Check-UP".  According to the article,  many companies are including these VIP Annual Health Checks which may or may not becovered by insurance in their executive compensations packages. Reason:  It's Good Business with ROI!   A 2002 University of Michigan Management Research Center Report found that executives who underwent such exams submitted 20% fewer health claims and lost 45% fewer workdays than executives who didn't.

With Spa-inspired settings, streamlined tailored services, state of the art  and economical medical care , including healthy lifestyle coaching amidst the rain forest, geared just for busy executives,  Costa Rica has become an international center for These  Executive Spa Retreats.

Costa Rica, is a short 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 hours from Dallas  and 4.5 hours from New York  it also has the advantage of eligibility as a tax-deductible meeting destination by current IRS Regulations.

Retreats Costa Rica arranges in advance to have client medical records sent to our physician team in Costa Rica. They will map out your complete testing and arrange to have all final results forwarded to your personal medical Dr.  We also handle all travel, VIP Hospital Check-In , transportation and plan an Executive/Personal Coaching Session.  Oh and yes, let's not forget making time for Costa Rica Leisure Activities and Tours while you're getting healthy.

Some corporate groups combine the Executive Check-Up Spa with their Annual Business Planning Session.  The Good News is Health Care Costs and Accommodations for a Costa Rica Executive Retreat/Check-Up are much less expensive then you will find in any major U.S. City.    Yesterday, I was in Clinica Biblica , another "state of the art hopital , when a U.S. film crew came in  to the hospital .They were following Dr. Oedding who is considered a leading international orthopedic surgeon.  I kidded with the Dr. that he has become the surgeon for the stars!

Expect continued growth in Costa Rica's Medical Tourism Industry as more and more people discover that  yes  ,you can get that operation, those expensive tests at a fraction of U.S costs and even  "that cosmetic work done" all while  healing and  relaxing  amidst the beauty of Costa Rica.

Maybe it's time for You or your Executive Team to get a "Latitude Adjustment"

Write for additional information

info@retreatscostarica.com

www.retreatscostarica.com

    

Tico Tweeters----I see a Tweety Bird

      I am happy to say live in a country where there is a club of  " Tico Tweeters" That's actually the name of the Birding Club's monthly newsletter.  Costa Rica, situated between Panama and Nicaragua is a mecca for Birding Enthusiasts and in fact I'm happy to say that the Birds of Costa Rica greet me each morning and not CNN and most certainly not Fox News!

Psychology Tip:  If you're not so fortunate as to live in Costa Rica, I recommend you buy a CD with the sounds of the rainforest and begin your day with a bird song and not a body count in the morning!   In my Personal Growth Retreats and Business Seminars, I reinforce how the first 15 minutes of your day are absolutely critical to your daily psychology.  You see , much like booting up a computer, your brain needs a positive boot up  and I  recommend spending time with nature and/or  reading something inspirational as part of your daily ritual.  Watch how much better you feel , thanks to this first date of the day with nature and serenity.   

But back to the Birds of Costa Rica---Each morning I wake up in the mountains of  Escazu to the sound of a flock of singing parrots overhead;  As I sip my coffee in the morning (the best in the world by the way),  I watch hummingbirds attracted by special flowers andthe sugar water we have arranged to attract them busy at work in what we call our Hummingbird Hyatt.

Yes, when birdwatchers die, they want to go to heaven in Costa Rica,  where over 850 species reside or fly in for vacation. As Charles A. Lindbergh quoted on his deathbed:

"If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes"   

I couldn't agree more Charles, which is why we chose Costa Rica for Writing  Living and Flying High as a Bird amidst the Beauty of Pacha Mama. 

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" published by Park University.  She conducts One Week Personal Growth Learning Vacations and Team Building Retreats in Costa Rica where she has resided with her husband, Barry for 10 years.     www.retreatscostarica.com  www.dreamincostarica.com

Green Acres Alive and Well in Costa Rica

Soon after I moved to Costa Rica, I was introduced to a Couple here, Victoria and Gerald Kirk , that represented my definition of a "global couple". Gerry from England was a Corporate Executive in Latin America and Victoria, from the U.S.,   a Former Pharmacist,  with a strong interest in Botany.

The couple threw lavish parties in  all social circles (The Chinese Event is still remembered), were generous in giving back to the the Community (People, Animals &  Environment) and always could be counted on for adventure as well as interesting conversation about life, living and latest happenings in Pura Vida.

After Gerry retired, the couple set forth to carve out their next chapter---what I like to call a Reverse Green Acres.   Gerry, while No Zsa, Zsa, is much more of a city boy, and found his heart in the French Quarter of New Orleans, alive with wine, music, antiques and art.  Victoria on the other hand , although most  glamorous at the black tie events,  is most alive and passionate  in her rubber boots, mucking  around in the forest-- accompanied by her menagerie of adopted strays, horses and chickens.

So these two citizens of the world planned a combination life that gives them both worlds--The City and the Country and they represent an example of many international residents of Costa Rica who live here part of the year.     The Kirks live part of the year in New Orleans, buying after Hurricane Katrina and investing in that amazing city's recovery,  and set down their country roots at Finca El Tigre in Costa Rica.         

Finca El Tigre is a private forest reserve located within the El Rodeo Protective Zone, purportedly the last remnant of primary premontane forest in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.  Finca El Tigre is located approximately 2 km from the University for Peace and 22 km West of San Jose, latitude 9-54-40 – 9-55-00, longitude 84-17-20 – 84-17-40, altitude: ranges 890 – 560 meters above sea level, area 44.6 hectares.  Barry and I had the chance to view the latest progress at Finca El Tigre on Friday! Accompanied by  3 friends and a 2 year old lass who had to be pried away from the chicken coop,we saw that construction continues on the main house, while the forest continues to thrive under the Kirk's watchful protection. 

   There are  3 Guiding Missions for  Finca  El Tigre:

        1. Record an inventory of the flora and fauna, beginning with trees,then birds and mammals.

     2.  Document the natural forest regeneration of 7 distinct ‘charrales’, abandoned pastureland, over the next 20 years, as well as to enrich three charrales with hardwoods no longer extant in the forest (eg. Sideroxylon, Peltogyne pupurea, species of Platymiscium and others).

     3. Identify and reproduce the many indigenous fruits and vegetables growing in the forest, as well as medicinal remedies once used by the local Huetar population in this area.

I encourage you to view and subscribe to  the Finca El Tigre Blogspot if you want to see how one couple, is living their dream in paradise, while protecting "PACHA Mama"  Mother Earth.

Thank you Victoria and Gerald for showing us that....

You need not give up champagne to live the simple, country life.

You need not have just one heart and passion to beat as one.

You need not just Live the Good Life in Costa Rica, you can be a part of Improving Life here and Giving Back to the Planet.   

        http://fincaeltigre.blogspot.com/

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life".  An International Speaker and Author, she hosts Personal Growth and Leadership Retreats amidst the Tropical Beauty of Costa Rica. Visit Rosemary at www.retreatscostarica.com and www.gowildgogreat.com

For Realestate in Costa Rica, visit www.dreamincostarica.com

Hiking for Health, Happiness & A Hard Days Night!

I am blessed that I can literally walk out my door each morning and hike amidst the beauty of Costa Rica's majestic mountains shown in the picture at left.  Indeed every morning we hike for both health and happiness in these mountains and I have developed a new found appreciation for the "Native American Medicine Walk".

There's a group of us in the Ex-pat Community,  that indeed consider these "Mind Walks" our daily therapy where we  express our awe and good fortune at living in such a beautiful country while also  commiserating with each other about  some of the frustrations of living in paradise... i.e.  Yesterday my husband and I  spent 4 hours in Costa Rica's Immigration Office to renew our Permanent Residency--A task we need to do every year, despite the word permanent!  So we  both brought books, knowing that the bureaucratic manual system is at best cumbersome and represents the annual opportunity to catch up on your light reading.  However, we were aghast as a fellow North American, identified across the room by his vibrant tropical shirt, began using profanity with the staff at immigration about their lack of efficiency.  Yup, we had ourselves  a living, breathing specimen of what is referred to as   "An Ugly American" and it  wasn't pretty.

Bet he didn't take a "Mind Walk" this morning  I whispered to Barry.  He might have been influenced by the grace of a morpho butterfly or the patience of those amazing leaf-cutting ants,  who carry burdens bigger than themselves and go great distances without complaint.

So if "it's been a hard days night and you've been working like a dog"-----------take that dog of yours for a walk if you have one; Take a Friend, if you've got  one (I'm assuming yes unless you're a serial killer in which case I don't want to hear from you) Take yourself on a walk for your own health, happiness and well being.

At our Go Wild! Go GREAT! Personal Growth Retreats in Costa Rica, mind walks are a part of your tropical day.  Write us for 2008 Retreat Information.  Rosemary@retreatscostarica.com

www.retreatscostarica.com

Become a Friend to the Monkeys of Costa Rica: Volunteer Opportunities

Recently while having dinner with Barry and Friends  in San Jose I met a young woman preparing to return home for a family reunion back in North America .There was something about the spirit of this woman who beckoned a stranger's conversation . This  despite the fact that  she appeared  to be enjoying the alone time in the chic art cafe.  Little did I know that visions of "Monkeys" not "Sugarplums" were still dancing in her head.

Meet Katie Mann.....A young woman  making a difference in Costa Rica by, applying her master's degree in primate conservation at Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England .  This , by helping protect a Costa Rica monkey population at risk of extinction in Northern Punta Banco, Costa Rica.

http://www.amigosdelosmonos.org

Talk about making a difference!  In our Costa Rica Personal Growth Retreats, I am often asked about Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica!  Amigos de Los Monos, translation: Friends of the Monkeys , should be at the top of the volunteer list for anyone who has a love for animals, and a particular fancy for playful rainforest monkeys.     I am happy to report that some of our participants in our Go Wild! Go GREAT! Personal Growth Retreats look to  extend their stay with volunteer assignments . They do more on vacation than work on themselves and their tans....They give back to  Costa Rica.

To get a snapshot of the Peril of these incredible Panamanian Red Spider monkeys, take at look at these statistics.

Estimated Costa Rican population (Ateles geoffroyi):

• 1995: 26,000
• 2007: 7,225
• Decline: 72%

.  Imagine a volunteer  opportunity to truly make a difference through both an extended volunteer hiatus in Costa Rica and/or your Financial Support:.   

Volunteers are sought to assist Katie in all facets of the project. Current areas of investigation include

• mapping of Ngäbe properties and land management practices
• Guaymí socioeconomic interviews
• surveys of primate populations
• development and implementation of educational materials.

Other responsibilities include assistance in grant writing, newsletter writing, attendance at community meetings, and communication for networking.  So Here's your Volunteer Job Description:

Requirements:

• oral and written proficiency in English and Spanish
• minimum 6-month commitment with a 1-month trial period
• experience living in tropical countries
• excellent physical condition.

Volunteers must be able to finally support themselves—there is no financial support available.  (Note: very reasonable lodging )

All applicants should possess the following qualities:

• adventurous
• great people skills
• open minded
• flexible
• ability to work independently
• takes direction well
• willingness to be mobile
• the belief that YOU can make a difference!

It is expected that students will take advantage of the rare opportunity to spend nights with Ngäbe families. This not only contributes to the local economy, but it may add convenience depending on where studies are being carried out.

The Price is Right for Volunteer Accommodations in Punta Banco

Hey, Punta Banco is one of the most Blessed Places on the Planet. I know, I've been there.  It was in Punta Banco that I witnessed my one and only moon setting in addition to playful  monkeys.  Warning:  It's a haul!  About an 8 hour drive from San Jose, but WOW! is it worth it!

There are three locally owned cabinas where visitors and volunteers can stay in Punta Banco.  All of them have private and shared rooms in addition to shared bathrooms.  Each establishment also has a restaurant (soda) that serves typical Costa Rican food.

• Cabinas Raquel: $5 a night
• Cabinas Titijuana: $7 a night
• Cabina Las Lapas: $10 a night without meals, $15 a night with meals

So what are you waiting for Go Wild! Go GREAT! and Make a Difference.

Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard being released in March 08.  She is the founder of Go Wild! Go GREAT Adventures and Co-Owner of Retreats Costa Rica, providing one week learning vacations in life and leadership

www.retreatscostarica.com

www.gowildgogreat.com

 

Got Stress? Try Giving them the Bird!

While speaking in South East Asia, Rosemary takes part in the Thai Tradition of Setting a Bird Free"

On Stress Reducing Rituals:

One of my cherished memories in Thailand is taking part in the ancient custom of releasing a caged bird.  It is said if one takes part in this beloved Thai custom, your dreams will take flight with the symbolic release of your fears and worries.  Now,  that's what I call a real ritual for releasing stress.

Indeed, my husband Barry and I went in search for just the right bird from the Thai merchants who competed for our attentions.   I disregarded  Barry's comments (He's a New Yorker--not that, that means anything ) that the ritual  was surely some rip-off,  because the  merchants  had trained the birds to fly back into the cages.       No, our little bird would take flight,  even with the bag of stress we had given him and  indeed he did.  As we walked back up the temple staircase, Barry chuckled and said "I must admit giving the bird never felt like that before".

Stress and worries tend to occupy our thoughts as we constantly roll them around in our heads.  They create baggage that weigh us down and seemingly grow larger than life in our own thoughts.  Got Stress?  Think about developing your own ritual for recognizing and releasing your stressors and fears.  The only rule is that you clearly identify and recognize those fears and develop a physical release mechanism.   For example I have attended ceremonies where fears are written on small pieces of paper and thrown into the fire.  (Live Bird not required and this ritual  forces you to write your worries down!) Remember, "If you think it, ink it".

At our personal growth safaris held in Costa Rica , designed to heal mind, body and spirit, --- nature and ritual play a big role in a 7-day retreat from the rat race.   Visit www.retreatscostarica.com for information on our Learning Vacations in April and October.  There's something to be said for a week in paradise where you commune with Parrots and Monkeys in the Rainforest and Soak in Soothing in Hot Springs, heated by an Active Volcano.  I think they call it Paradise!

Valentine's Day Travel Gift: Think Tarzan and Jane in Costa Rica

Jungle Love.  There's nothing quite like it! 

-Face to face with an Active Volcano, the two of you soak in soothing hot springs heated by one of the world's most active Volcanoes-- surrounded by Costa Rica's lush tropical beauty;

-Rappelling together through breathtaking waterfalls you experience the thrill of adventure and the overwhelming beauty of nature and each other.

- You laugh together as you commune with the frolicking Howler Monkeys of the rainforest and realize from watching the grace of a gentle Sloth, the need to slow down from life's frenetic and often unnatural pace.

-The two of you experience the thrill and romance of an overnight White Water Rafting Trip --learning to read the river and better read each other.

- You realize your Tarzan and Jane Fantasy as you swing from tree-top to tree-top above the rainforest canopy and see the "Forest and your Life from above the Trees".

-Plus, you'll learn how to communicate, appreciate each other, manage stress and even fight fair in times of conflict in this Costa Rica Learning Vacation .Daily workshops, tours and personal coaching conducted by our First Class Retreat Education team (Costa Rica Naturalists, Adventure Guides and Inter-Personal Communications Author, Rosemary Rein, Ph.D) will give you a new lease on life together .

-Give the Gift of a "Rainforest Romance this Valentine's Day."  Gift Certificates for this Costa  Rica Learning Vacation will be  mailed to you on-line, announcing your Tarzan and Jane Adventure by February 14th.   

April 18 - 25th All Inclusive Romantic Retreat in Costa Rica

All Inclusive Tuition and Adventure Tours including taxes, unique Romancing the Stone Accommodations (including a boutique Moroccan hotel and deluxe tent camp arranged by RCR's VIP Travel Team) airport transfers, in-country transportation, all meals, workshops, coaching and naturalist/adventure guides.    Double occupancy (per person) $2775.    Reasonable round-trip airline fares available from most U.S. & Canadian Hubs

Just Jane or Just Tarzan?  No Worries!  Treat Yourself!

The April 18 - 25th Go Wild! Go GREAT Adventures in Costa Rica is open to both couples and individuals needing a lift of mind, body and spirit.  In addition, our Rainforest Butterflies Program for Women Only is scheduled for  October 18 - 25th 

So what are you waiting for?  Go Wild! Go GREAT! Bring your Life and your Relationship from Now to WOW!tm by adding a little adventure and a lot of Jungle Love!

www.retreatscostarica.com

For complete tour itineraries, Visit our web-site at www.retreatscostarica  and take  a virtual tour of Costa Rica.  Note:  Consult your Tax Advisor.  Costa Rica's is a as a tax-deductible location for business travel expenses and you will receive documentation of your coursework and certification in  Go Wild! Go GREAT! Communication and Leadership  Program.  Coursework is based on "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life", written by Dr. Rein and  published by Park University.