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The Pineapple: The Traditional |
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September 15: Costa Rica's Independence Day
Guatemala proclaimed independence from Spain for all
of Central America on September 15, 1821. Costa Rica learned the news a
month later. The first constitution, the Pacto de Concordia, was soon
adopted. This led to the celebration of the first elections in December of
1821. Few Costa Ricans had actively sought independence and the
notification of Guatemala 's proclamation took them by surprise. As you can see in the picture I took in the town of Coronado , flags
begin to wave above the treetops around the early part of the month.In the
distance you can hear marching bands practicing for parades and on the
15th people get together with families to enjoy a day
off. |
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If you know of a tour or a sight you would like to
take, we can usually get you there and sign you up one way or
another.ut as with our private tours to the volcanoes or others that I
have personally gone on.I take you to ones that are definitely
worth it. Recently, some guests wanted to go horseback riding
and experience the canopy tours. Now you may not know what a “canopy” tour is.A “canopy”
tour or “the ziplines” is when experienced guides harness you up and you
zip with a pulley and a cable from one gigantic tree to the next.You are in
the canopy of either the rainforest or cloud forest.There are a
series of usually 5 or 6 cables strung from tree to tree, and sometimes at
the end you get to lower yourself down like you would on the edge of a
cliff.t’s loads of fun. Casa Holanda , Costa Rica now will take you to an ex-president’s large estate on the top of a mountain where you can experience both tours in the clouds.This microclimate is very similar to the one in the Monteverde region, but it is closer and the roads are better.
From The Farmer’s Market
and Recipes Not much is in season right now except two fruits which are called Mamón Chinos (or Rambutan) and Pejibaye (or Peach Palm Fruit).The pics below I took at the farmer’s market in nearby San Rafael .It is every Sunday morning.
I never really thought Mamónes were all that special.Although they look exotic with their fuzzy sea urchin type “tentacles.”When you easily peel the skin, the inside tastes somewhat like a plum and a little sour.Monkeys love these in Indonesia and I suspect that is where they have been recently imported from.The skin can also be used to make a dye used in batik.It is also used in folk medicines.
Pejibayes have an
entirely different taste.Something like the cross between corn
and a chestnut.ejibayes have been around Central America for a long time and have been cultivated
by Amerindians.he fruit provides vitamin A, protein and starch.You have to
boil them first, then peel the skin.Even the seed inside is edible once the
hard outside is removed.Once cooked, they can be a little dry
so you usually eat them with mayonnaise or olive oil. Casa Holanda’s Peyibaye Soup 6 or 7 peyibayes 1 small can of sweet corn or one cob, cooked 2
chives (Optional) 1 roasted chicken breast meat Boil the peyibayes
for at least 15 minutes.Run cold water over them to cool, and place on a
cutting board.Slice the tops off, place upside down and peel off the
skin.Slice the sides to the seed and take seeds out.In a blender, add
pejibayes, spread, herbs, onion, corn, and chicken, if using
it, with the cup of milk to puree.Pour out in a medium pot.et to
medium low heat.Salt and pepper to taste.Let cook for about 20 min more,
stirring every once in a while, making sure that the soup does not bubble
too much or burn.When ready serve in bowls and sprinkle almonds or pine
nuts on top.Serve hot or try cold with toasted cheese
sandwiches. Our New Employee, José
Not saying we have problems with bugs at all, but when this little guy asked for a job, I just couldn’t say ‘no.’ Meet José, our new manager in charge of bug control.In fact he’ll eat anything that will fit in his mouth, including his own kind. If you see him hopping about, please say hi.The Spanish
word for Toad is Sapo.
So that’s it.I hope to see you soon at Casa Holanda .New things are
happening all the time.Check often at the website to keep
up-to-date, and please tell your friends who might be considering a
vacation here. Costa
Rica really
is a very beautiful and versatile country to spend an excellent vacation.
Chao! James
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*All photos in this newsletter are original and property of Casa Holanda. Copyright 2008 James N Holland, Composer, Pianist, Singer