Photo by Pinar Istek

Imagine Samara without running water, without electricity, with gravel roads and no bus service, with no community hall and no clinic and a doctor visiting town only once a month. That is what town was like when Emilce Steller Ramirez arrived in 1973, but in part through her efforts that’s not how it is now. 

Alcira Mendezo Ruiz, of Nicoya, has been driving back and forth between Nicoya and Samara for five years to run her business, Ceviches Machos, out of her car at the Samara gas station every day between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

On Friday, May 10 the Tourist Police in Guiones received two new motorcycles to patrol the area better, as well as the introduction of four English-speaking officers.

Samara Sport Festival 2012. Photo by Giordano Ciampini.

Samara has made its mark as an athletic destination and is gearing up to receive hundreds of competitors for the second edition of the Samara Sport Festival on May 18th and June 1st and 2nd, which includes an extreme triathlon with mountain biking, open water swimming and a trail run. 

Students sit on a bench at Bocas de Nosara high school. Photo by Pinar Istek.

"I hate school," recalls Carla with pain (not her real name), who was willing to tell us her story but requested that we protect her identity. "I was 13 years old, in seventh grade in high school and all of my classmates made fun of me because of my nationality," she related.

Photo by CREAR

Seeking new inspiration, Andrea Keith and Johannah Waite, who lead the Samara non-profit organization CREAR, have hit the road last Monday April 15 to visit the organization Abriendo Mentes (Opening Minds) searching for new ideas on how to continue helping schools.

When Venus moves into Gemini on the 9th we can expect lingering discomfort to move towards finding resolution.

A continuation of last years' potent Venus transit, this period can awaken us to new spiritual sight and open-hearted communication with others. Talk things through. Laugh. Engage. Play with words of passion.

In an effort to fix up the humble school of Santa Teresita of Nosara, the parent school board is organizing a horse ride and a traditional ribbon race on Saturday, May 11, promising an abundance of food, drinks, music and fun.

The Voice of Nosara brings you a brief recap of April stories you might have missed

• Local Institutions Also Awarded

During the month of May 2012, over 70 community members turned out to help plant 310 trees along the southern part of Playa Guiones. This initiative was part of a reforestation plan that helped Guiones Beach to win the Blue Flag among other efforts. Photo by Adam Dietrich.

In April, a total of eight beaches in the area, as well as the community of Nosara, the National University of Nicoya (UNA) and other organizations obtained the Ecological Blue Flag distinction for their development work in 2012.

Because it is Eclipse Season

As May begins we are adrift in an uncertain sea. Caught between two eclipses, the tides are pulling us in numerous directions. Our movements are fated, and our plates are full.

Legislators Approve Coastal Territories Law

Demonstration from coastal communities during the La Anexion celebration in Nicoya in July of 2011. Representatives of coastal
communities, including the town of Ostional, have demonstrated for two years to request approval of the Tecocos Law.

By a majority of 45 against one vote, the Legislative Assembly approved the Coastal Territories Law Project 18.148, known as Tecocos, during the first debate on Tuesday, April 30. The law is designed to regulate land tenure, including in the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.

Free Physical Therapy Service Relaxes Nosarans

Betty Noguera Matarrita, 62, got sleepy after receiving a massage from the physical therapists of PTOT Mission service group.  Referring to her arm and back pains, she said, “For 15 years I have been feeling really bad.” After one session, she was able to move her arm now and was hoping to do the exercises at home to maintain the relaxation she got.