NGO Vecinos in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica there are many NGO's to help community development. Here is one I visited called "Vecinos." Their programs include help for single mothers, drug/alcohol addiction consuling, child care, housing programs, and other subsidies for the poor.

Shanty town house made of corrugated metal
Many houses to not have access to sanity amenities such as running water or sewers. The river is used instead for both which promotes horrible sanity and hygiene problems.

Homelessness is a problem in Costa Rica

Volunteers work with children to build empowerment. The are exposed to the arts and have formed a theater/ circus arts /puppetry group.

This is what the barrio looks like.

This is the NGO community center.

San Jose, Costa Rica

I am not the biggest fan of San Jose, Costa Rica. It is loud, dirty, smelly, and pickpocketers are abundant. It has some good nightlife, but I would not suggest going there during the day. The Jazz Cafe is one of my favorite haunts of the town with real live music almost every night. Usually there is a cover charge of about $4, but it is worth it. The drinks are expensive so I suggest going to the little mini-mart next store where they even sell imported beer!




Statues of Poor Farmers during the Depression in front of the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica

Watch out for that lady! oh wait, its a statue! These works of art line the path of the walking street mall in downtown San Jose. This is where all the shopping action is.

McDonalds and every other American fastfood chain can be found in downtown San Jose.


I love this guy. I always think he is real. He is in the central square park in downtown San Jose.

Grafitti. Everywhere. Josh and I pose in front of a piece we liked.