Next Sunday is Costa Rica’s presidential election. Costa Ricans are really passionate about their elections. They approach the presidential elections with such enthusiasm that they celebrate Election Day as if it were a big party or national holiday. People wearing party colors, honking cars and bands playing Latin music all contribute to the festive atmosphere.

Last Sunday while conducting one of my monthly relocation/retirement tours we were passing through the town of Grecia and came across one of the presidential candidates and his entourage. Our bus had to slow down as presidential candidate Otto Guevara’s motorcade passed by. There must have been 50 vehicles with each one flying the flag of Otto’s party. All of the cars and trucks were packed with people dressed in the colors of the party. Everyone was screaming and chanting Otto’s name. The people on my retirement tour were thrilled to actually witness the campaign process in Costa Rica. They were really amazed at the enthusiasm and energy of the Costa Rican people. I was so happy my guests could experience this along with the rest of the activities of my tour.

I was also excited about the new addition to my tour. The new feature is a visit to a weekend farmer’s market. My guests really like this activity since they got to mix with the locals and see the huge variety of fruits and vegetables available year-round in Costa Rica. On the tour we also visit several supermarkets and stores to get a good idea of what products are available in Costa Rica. My tours are all about experiencing the country in all of its splendor.