The biggest expectation I had for Costa Rica was trying their world famous coffee. Shocking enough for me was that getting a good cup of coffee was hit and miss. I did learn that most of the good coffee is exported to Europe and the United States, leaving the less than par coffee here for the locals because they can charge lower prices for bad coffee.
With Bananas and coffee being the two biggest crops in Costa Rica, it’s amazing to me how completely different they are. In terms of production coffee needs to grown high in the mountains at lower temperatures, while bananas need direct sunlight and 80 degree temperatures. It’s also amazing to see who produces each product. On our tour through Costa Rica I noticed that coffee is grown by some big producers but for the most part it is grown by small farms and then sold to larger producers. Bananas on the other hand are mainly produced by big companies like Chiquita and Dole. I tend to think that coffee is more a part of the fair trade market because there are more producers of coffee than bananas. I would say the biggest difference between coffee and bananas is their sustainability. Even though coffee and bananas are not sustainable I feel that coffee is "less bad". When I am in the grocery store I never see organic bananas but I do occasionally find organic coffee, and as we all know organic is much more sustainable in the long run than products grown with pesticides.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
More Bananas
I was looking at some of my earlier posts on bananas and I realized that I don’t have any research on the banana industry as a whole, so I guess this one will be dedicated to that. Bananas are originally native to southeast Asia and Australia. Bananas are grown in 107 countries. They have the best results growing between the latitudes of 30 N 30 S where it maintains a constant temperature of 80 F. Bananas are considered a major staple to many developing countries. Most of the production around the world is by small farmers who sell their bananas at the local market. The leading banana producers include India, Brazil, and China with Costa Rica coming in 7th.
When I was at Chiquita I did notice the serious amount of drainage systems around the banana plant. They ranged from 5 to 10 feet deep. I think this is because the banana plant needs a lot of water but when there is too much water the plant can die.
One thing that I have noticed since I have been down here is the banana leaf and how it’s used for cooking. There have been many entrees and side dishes that have been served on banana leafs. I think this is a fairly smart idea to utilize all parts of the banana tree.
When I was preparing to come to Costa Rica I was thinking I was going to see many more banana plants. It really wasn’t until the trip to the Caribbean until I saw my first banana tree. I was also expecting to have bananas apart of my diet in Costa Rica. I don’t think that I have eaten a single banana since I have been down here.
Overall my perception of the banana industry is that it is very unsustainable. But I do think companies like Chiquita are recognizing some of these problems and they are moving in the right direct. When I return to Costa Rica in the future I hope this problem is solved for the sake of the environment, because I could not imagine the world without the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
When I was at Chiquita I did notice the serious amount of drainage systems around the banana plant. They ranged from 5 to 10 feet deep. I think this is because the banana plant needs a lot of water but when there is too much water the plant can die.
One thing that I have noticed since I have been down here is the banana leaf and how it’s used for cooking. There have been many entrees and side dishes that have been served on banana leafs. I think this is a fairly smart idea to utilize all parts of the banana tree.
When I was preparing to come to Costa Rica I was thinking I was going to see many more banana plants. It really wasn’t until the trip to the Caribbean until I saw my first banana tree. I was also expecting to have bananas apart of my diet in Costa Rica. I don’t think that I have eaten a single banana since I have been down here.
Overall my perception of the banana industry is that it is very unsustainable. But I do think companies like Chiquita are recognizing some of these problems and they are moving in the right direct. When I return to Costa Rica in the future I hope this problem is solved for the sake of the environment, because I could not imagine the world without the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Puerto Veijo
On Thursday June 5th our group left for the La Selva Biological Reserach Station. When we arrived I could tell that I was in a totally different climate. I beleive we were in the lowlands of Costa Rica where it was extremely humid. After we arrived the enitre group went on a nature hike. There wasn't too much to see besides monkeys. For dinner that evening we had porkchops and rice and beans. That night a group of nine of us went on a nature walk with no tour guide. We didnt see too much but it was one of the most fun tours we have taken.
The next morning we took another tour with one of the most boring tour guides of the trip. We couldnt make it ten feet before he had to introduce another plant species. After breakfast we took off to Chiquita where they gave us their speal on how they are becoming more sustainable, and we also got to see where the bananas are sorted and shipped. For more info on Chiquita see my other blog. After the banana visit we left for Puerto Veijo. We did a little shopping on the strip of the beach and then we had dinner. That night we went to karaokee at the bar next to our hotel. And then we went to another bar that had music that we could dance to. And around midnight the bar sponsered a lingerie show which was pretty amazing to the say the least.
The next morning (7th) we took off for a hotel that was right on the beach and it by far the best place we have stayed at. This was also the first time for me being in the Caribean. During the day we played some beach volleyball and did some swimming.
The next morning we took another tour with one of the most boring tour guides of the trip. We couldnt make it ten feet before he had to introduce another plant species. After breakfast we took off to Chiquita where they gave us their speal on how they are becoming more sustainable, and we also got to see where the bananas are sorted and shipped. For more info on Chiquita see my other blog. After the banana visit we left for Puerto Veijo. We did a little shopping on the strip of the beach and then we had dinner. That night we went to karaokee at the bar next to our hotel. And then we went to another bar that had music that we could dance to. And around midnight the bar sponsered a lingerie show which was pretty amazing to the say the least.
The next morning (7th) we took off for a hotel that was right on the beach and it by far the best place we have stayed at. This was also the first time for me being in the Caribean. During the day we played some beach volleyball and did some swimming.
The next morning 8th I took a nature hike to a beautiful spot on the ocean with about twelve other students. The best part was when Marty and I swam out to this huge rock out in the ocean, and this was after our professors said it probably wasnt a good idea. I lost my sandals along the way so I came back with a lot of cuts and sea earchant spines in my feet and hands. That night was a night of drinking and we made a bon fire on the beach.
The next morning we settled up our tabs and left and went back to Puerto Viejo for some souvenier shopping. Nothing much has happened since besides school work. I am starting to get excited for the trip home. But I have loved every minute of it.
Visit to Chiquita
On Friday 25th our group traveled to Chiquita from La Selva. I found this to be one of the most interesting company visits that we have taken this summer. Some things that really stood out were Chiquita emphasizing that the banana industry is moving towards sustainability. In my mind that situation is nearly impossible due to the high amounts of chemicals that are being used for the health of the banana plant. Another thing Chiquita wanted to emphasize was that they were a part of the Rain Forest Alliance since 1991. This means that Chiquita must meet strict environmental standards, including minimal pesticide use, protection of wildlife, conservation of water and soil, environmental education, fair pay, adequate housing and safe working conditions for employees, and zero tolerance for deforestation. From what the company said, Chiquita is one of very few companies that have moved towards more environmental friendly practices.
One interesting fact is that bananas are not native to Costa Rica, they are actually from Asia. So for this reason many diseases can wipe out the entire crop of bananas. Because of the extreme amounts of overhead and supplies that are used it is almost impossible to grow bananas at a local level.
Workers
The Banana industry employs 10 percent of the workforce in Costa Rica. These workers generally receive higher living standards than other agricultural workers. Depending on the country anywhere from 5 to 30 percent employ women. I noticed that when we went to the factory that most of the employees that separated the bananas were all women. Chiquita treats their workers very kindly by allowing them to unionize, giving them medical benefits, selling houses at reduced prices, and donating schools to the community.
Banana Production
The banana plant actually grows several shoots from the same plant, but only the strongest is kept and the others are transported to start a new plant. It takes around 6 to 8 months for a plant to develop a banana stem. When the bananas grow they are protected with a blue bag that helps block out radiation and harmful insects. Many of the banana plants are unstable, so they are tied together with twine to ensure a healthy plant. When ready the banana stem is cut off from the plant and are hung in cableways and sent to the processing factory. While at the packing station the bananas are inspected and Chiquita makes sure that the bananas meet all weight and quality standards. All bananas are run through large water tanks for cleaning and then they are placed on conveyors for packaging. After the bananas are packaged they are shipped by truck and then by ship, and it usually takes anywhere from 3 to 11 days for the actual banana to hit the market.
In my opinion Chiquita is still far from sustainability but they are moving in the right direction. It was nice to see that the main thing that they wanted to emphasize is that they were meeting all standers set by the Rain Forest Alliance.
I really haven’t experienced the banana crop since I´ve been down here. I don’t know if the locals don’t like it or if it’s one of the more expensive fruits?¿
One interesting fact is that bananas are not native to Costa Rica, they are actually from Asia. So for this reason many diseases can wipe out the entire crop of bananas. Because of the extreme amounts of overhead and supplies that are used it is almost impossible to grow bananas at a local level.
Workers
The Banana industry employs 10 percent of the workforce in Costa Rica. These workers generally receive higher living standards than other agricultural workers. Depending on the country anywhere from 5 to 30 percent employ women. I noticed that when we went to the factory that most of the employees that separated the bananas were all women. Chiquita treats their workers very kindly by allowing them to unionize, giving them medical benefits, selling houses at reduced prices, and donating schools to the community.
Banana Production
The banana plant actually grows several shoots from the same plant, but only the strongest is kept and the others are transported to start a new plant. It takes around 6 to 8 months for a plant to develop a banana stem. When the bananas grow they are protected with a blue bag that helps block out radiation and harmful insects. Many of the banana plants are unstable, so they are tied together with twine to ensure a healthy plant. When ready the banana stem is cut off from the plant and are hung in cableways and sent to the processing factory. While at the packing station the bananas are inspected and Chiquita makes sure that the bananas meet all weight and quality standards. All bananas are run through large water tanks for cleaning and then they are placed on conveyors for packaging. After the bananas are packaged they are shipped by truck and then by ship, and it usually takes anywhere from 3 to 11 days for the actual banana to hit the market.
In my opinion Chiquita is still far from sustainability but they are moving in the right direction. It was nice to see that the main thing that they wanted to emphasize is that they were meeting all standers set by the Rain Forest Alliance.
I really haven’t experienced the banana crop since I´ve been down here. I don’t know if the locals don’t like it or if it’s one of the more expensive fruits?¿
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tourism #3
The tourism part of Costa Rica has been in full swing since I've been down here. It feels that almost everything to do is catered towards tourists. Every souvenir shop or even markets are all priced with dollars instead of colones. The entire country fulfills everyone’s lifestyle from thrill seekers to beach vacationers to family attractions. One thing that I´ve noticed is the huge amount of jobs that rely on me, the consumer, to spend money. For example, the trip to the OSA required a series of boat drivers and jeep drivers, and the employees at the resort that we stayed at. Once we were there we snorkeled which involved boat drivers and snorkeling experts. We also did a tour through the National Park which required a tour guide. A few things that I initially didn´t realize that was connected to tourism was the restaurants that we eat at and all of the different souvenir shops that we spend our money.
I would say that Costa Rica’s incredible amount of diversity and warm climate make the country a hot spot for any vacationer. Where else in the world can you find the eye lash pit vipers, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tarantulas all on one nature hike. What makes Costa Rica so nice is that the entire country isn´t over industrialized. Even though the standard of living is much lower than the US, I feel that if the country was a lot richer it would become too industrialized and would lose a lot of tourism. I feel the only reason that I would come back is for the experience with nature and the feeling that not a whole lot of people are around me. And when Costa Rica starts to lose that feeling I believe tourism will be hurt the most.
I would say that Costa Rica’s incredible amount of diversity and warm climate make the country a hot spot for any vacationer. Where else in the world can you find the eye lash pit vipers, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and tarantulas all on one nature hike. What makes Costa Rica so nice is that the entire country isn´t over industrialized. Even though the standard of living is much lower than the US, I feel that if the country was a lot richer it would become too industrialized and would lose a lot of tourism. I feel the only reason that I would come back is for the experience with nature and the feeling that not a whole lot of people are around me. And when Costa Rica starts to lose that feeling I believe tourism will be hurt the most.
OSA Peninsula
On Sunday we travled to the Osa Peninsula which took about 10 hours to go a few hundred miles. We left arounf 6 am and the roads were terrible. Unfortanelty a road was blocked due to the tropical storm and we were forced to turn around. The bus ended up getting stuck as it was backing up and we had to push it. The roads that we took as a back up were on some kind of plantation and didn't look like it was big enough for a huge touist bus. After a really long bus ride we reached a boat dock on the Sierpe River. On the way there I noticed the tree cover was amazing and it looked like a scene from Jurasic Park. We reached the eco-camp around 4 o'clock and we played cards for the rest of the evening. Our group was actullay the first to stay at this resort.
On Monday we went to the Corcovada National Park by boat. We took a nature hike where we saw monkeys, Costa Rica's national bird the McCaw, and a lot of insects and lizards. We also took a second nature walk to a waterfall where we able to jump off from the top.
Tuesday was dedicated to snorkle off the coast of an island called Isla Del Cano which was a few miles from the Osa. We were able to a few schools of fish anlong with the coral reef. It was defineltly like nothing I have never done before.
The hospitality of the resort was excellent. We had a different dish of food for every meal so we were never burnt out on one thing. We had either steak, fish, or chicken in the evenings with a bowl of soup. And we always had some kind of tropical drink.
On Monday we went to the Corcovada National Park by boat. We took a nature hike where we saw monkeys, Costa Rica's national bird the McCaw, and a lot of insects and lizards. We also took a second nature walk to a waterfall where we able to jump off from the top.
Tuesday was dedicated to snorkle off the coast of an island called Isla Del Cano which was a few miles from the Osa. We were able to a few schools of fish anlong with the coral reef. It was defineltly like nothing I have never done before.
The hospitality of the resort was excellent. We had a different dish of food for every meal so we were never burnt out on one thing. We had either steak, fish, or chicken in the evenings with a bowl of soup. And we always had some kind of tropical drink.
Wedensday we headed back to San Jose. Also, on Wednesday I figured out that I was accepted to the business school, so I was pretty pumped.
White Water Rafting
Due to the tropical storm plans were changed and we went white water rafting on Saturday (31st) on the Pacaure River. It was an excellent day to go rafting because of the water level and it was sunny all day. We left San Jose a little after 6:30 and returned are 6:00 that night. The Pacaure River is the most famous river in Costa Rica and the part of the river we rafted on had class 3 and 4 rapids. Our group rafted for 18 miles which took most of the day because we had to stop for lunch. Lunch was brought on the rafts and we had fresh watermelon and pineapple and wraps. I had 6 people on my raft Marty, Rob, Diane, Chase, Glenn, and our raft instructor Roberto. Our instructor let us swim through rapids towards the end which was really fun. Nobody in our group fell out, but it was fun to watch the other boats when people fell out. The best part was when we watched two rafts flip over because they were sucked up the bank and the people on board were forced to evacuate. We finished our trip back at the station where we purchased t-shirts and got dressed.
Overall I would say that rafting has been one of the most enjoyable trips this summer. I highly recommend anyone trying it at least once and I would definitely pay money to do it again. Our group went with a company called Exploradores Outdoors, but there were many other companies that we saw that would do the same job.
Overall I would say that rafting has been one of the most enjoyable trips this summer. I highly recommend anyone trying it at least once and I would definitely pay money to do it again. Our group went with a company called Exploradores Outdoors, but there were many other companies that we saw that would do the same job.
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