On May 19, 2006 Christopher Howard meet with Costa Rica’s new President Dr. Oscar Arias Sanchez for the second time in three months. The president was interviewed by CNBC World News and Christopher for a program that will air internationally.

Dr. Arias expounded in perfect English on a variety of subjects such as foreign investment, improving the country’s infrastructure, free trade and expediting paperwork for foreign residents.

As I sat in the restaurant at the Look Out Hotel in Ojochal, Costa Rica viewing the tail end of a magnificent sunset I came to the realization I might have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I was dining with eight of my clients who were on my tour, two very happy former clients and a couple of business associates.

Who could ask for more? I was surrounded by some of the best scenery in Costa Rica and incredible people, primary rain forest, spectacular mountains and breathtaking views of the beach in every direction.

At the same time I was helping my clients fulfill their dreams and goals. Some of them were exploring Costa Rica for the first time with the hope of finding their piece of paradise. Others were interested in living here only part time. Whatever their dreams and goals were one thing they all agree on was that the the beauty of the area was beyond description.

I find it really rewarding and above all enjoyable to help the people who take my monthly tours. I am truly playing a part in changing people’s lives.

In addition, I get the chance to visit some of the most incredible areas of the country and dine in very good restaurants of the beaten path. On my tours we eat at Exotica and Manglar Sur in the Southern Pacific. While in San José we eat at the best Peruvian restaurant in the country, at one of the best seafood restaurants in the world and savor typical mouth-watering Costa Rican fare. I joke with my guests telling them that my tours are really for sampling the local cuisine and not for retiring and investing as advertised. They laugh and appreciate a dose of good humor and above all the great eateries I turn them on to.

Perhaps the best part of my work is the wonderful people I meet. We become good friends in a very short time. I really feel sad when they have to depart. However, I stay in contact with my new friends by e-mail long after the tour ends. They know I will be there to help them if they have questions about living here or need the names of local contacts. My services continue long after my tours end. I always say to my clients “If I help you find success and happiness here, them that makes me a success also.”

During my 25 years in Costa Rica one of the most enjoyable things I do is watching the country’s abundance of beautiful women.

I often wonder how one small country can have so many attractive women. I asked my friends if my perception was distorted. They all agreed that Costa Rica Rica abounds with some of the most gorgeous women on the planet.

So where can you see Costa Rica’s natural beauties or should I say natural wonders? The answer is, almost anywhere. However, some spots are better that others. The cafe on the ground floor of the Hotel Costa Rica is a prime area for viewing a bevy of women. The bar at the Hotel Presidente is also good, especially between 5 and 7 pm on weekdays since there are hundreds of women who pass by on their way home from work. During the day scores of beautiful university students also stroll by.

Heredia’s Central Park is another gem. Besides being one of the most beautiful city parks in the country, it is the perfect place for girl watching. I often sit on a shady park bench and watch all of the local beauties. Now I know why Heredia is called “The City of the Flowers.”

The area around the campus of the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro is also good. Fantastic indoor sports for observing Costa Rican women are the many malls in San Jose or the adjacent suburbs. The San Pedro Mall is excellent on Saturday afternoons. MultiPlaza in Escazu and Paseo de las Flores in Heredia are places to check out.

Some beach areas are good but San José and environs are still the best due to of the sheer number of women.