Lynn and I have attended several times, and we always have a good time. Frankly, it's a way to do a bit of traveling while enjoying a bit of modeling. There aren't many flying events geared toward having fun playing tourist with your wife (or significant other - to be more in touch with today). First, let me tell you about the flying part, then we'll get to the stuff you'll tell your significant other about - to try as you might to persuade him/her that this is for real!
To begin with, the field itself is pretty special now . . . in fact, it's horse racing track with plenty of space both for flying and for spectators in the bleachers! Why would you want to go fly there? Well, the short answer is, "For the fun of it." In fact, many folks bring very expensive models and make this "the" traveling highlight of their year - a real no-miss event. That said, I personally would pack something like a Sig Wonder, or a helicopter - if I really wanted to get my hands on the sticks.
I can hear you now, "A Wonder . . . why bother?" Well, the fact is flying is only a small part of the reason for coming. The real reasons are twofold. First, the camaraderie you'll experience - it's a neat opportunity to meet some of the personalities in the hobby. People like RCM's Dick and Mary Kidd, Diego Lopez, Tom Easterday, past AMA president Don and Clara Lowe, Gene Barton, Mark Smith, Quique Somenzini, Eloy Marez, Joe Beshar, and innumerable others - even me! But, while visiting with folks alone makes it worthwhile in my opinion . . . I also hasten to assure you, your significant other may disagree - for them, it's the touring!
Hence, the touring with your significant other is the real fun here . . . and believe me, from experience I can assure you you'll be able to much more easily persuade them you really need that new computer radio, helicopter, or whatever - after you've taken them on this trip! What's there to do in COsta Rica, and what can you expect to spend? Well, many day trips are only $30-75. Some are a bit more, but bear in mind, this includes transportation and food! If you've been to Europe, you'll recognize these rates as genuine bargains. Here are a few of the things we've done.
Rain and cloud forest tours are popular, and very inexpensive . . .
. . . the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural environment is fun, from monkeys . . .
. . . to iguanas . . .
. . . to amazing red tree frogs!
Of course if flying things are more your style, there are gorgeous birds . . .
. . . and hundreds of varieties of butterflies!
Make sure you bring your camera . . . and don't forget binoculars!
Going to the beach is great fun too. They're beautiful white sand, and the climate is certain to please.
Surfing? Sure! 
Of course, if still water attracts, perhaps canoeing is what floats your boat.
However, if white-water is more to your liking . . . then that too is easily available . . .
. . . but then again, mangrove tours are a neat way to get really close to wildlife - don't feed the alligators though!
Perhaps a few rounds of golf are what the doctor ordered . . . this too is easily arranged!
Though it can be a bit scary, maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a volcano doing its thing!
Of course there is the nightlife too - from orchestras, to magnificent dinners, you'll find your dollars go way far . . . and these beautiful and exotic people are eager to please!
In fact, Costa Rica is a democracy - where teachers outnumber policemen, and where there is no standing military force whatsoever!
All this and flying too? If this sounds like fun, here's what you do.
Contact my good friend, Julio Pastora (he speaks beautiful English and sounds like Ricardo Montalban) at . . .
P.O. Box 44-1017
San Jose
Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 232 - 3148, or my favorite way . . . his cell phone (506) 383 - 7999
Facimile: (506) 220 - 0862
E-Mail: julio_pastora@hotmail.com or just click here to send him a message
Finally, remember when dialing direct you first have to dial 011, then the country code and number above . . . oh, and before I forget, they're on Central time. Also, while there are nicer hotels, we stayed at the Best Western (yes, they have one there). Rooms were a very reasonable $69 a night for a double-occupancy. They also have deluxe accomodations for another 10 bucks or so a night (and singles are less of course) . . . and there is a downstairs casino too!
We hope to see you there, John and Lynn Beech.
