The Costa Rica army ceased to exist on December 1st, 1948.  On that momentous day, it was formally written into the constitution that Costa Rica would no longer have a military.  We are incredibly happy to live in a country that made the wise decision 67 years ago to abolish all it’s military forces and instead spend the windfall on public works and education.

The result is a well educated, peaceful country with a solid base to move forward in what has increasingly become a violence plagued world.

Why do you think the country has been voted over and over the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and the informal slogan for the entire nation is ‘Pura Vida!’

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that “for decades, Costa Rica has been a worldwide example in rejecting unnecessary military expenditures. Instead, the country bravely invested in health and universal education. The result has been less inequality and greater social peace. ”

The image of a military parade with thousands of soldiers displaying their weapons and equipment is unknown to Costa Rica.

Costa Ricans have never seen a war tank or a warplane on their territory. Costa Ricans will always aspire to carry schoolbooks rather than a rifle.

Costa Rica abolished the death penalty in 1877 and has continued over the years to follow it’s ideals reflected in the present day proposal for the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that Costa Rica, with a group of like-minded nations, has put forward. The Treaty has been ratified by 50 nations.

So lift your glass and help us celebrate 67 years since the Costa Rica army was abolished!

COME ON DOWN BABY!

Check out the Full Op Ed Column in the Tico Times written one year ago by Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel A. González Sanz.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 82

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 81

We are happy to announce that our good friend Kent Scantland has opened the Sandbar in the Hermosa Heights Retail Center right on the Main Street in Playa Hermosa.

Kent tells stories of his exploits with his best buddy Michael Simons starting back in 7^th Grade all the way to how he reconnected with Michael in 2011 and followed him to Paradise.

BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST….

The BIG Grand Opening Party at the Sandbar is December 5^th!  Come join us in welcoming them to the community.  From 2 PM to Midnight the big bash will feature live radio broadcasting from Radio 911, Live music by Will Matthews, The Latin Trio and DJ Wardo from San José and an art exhibit.

If you have not been yet, The Sandbar has elevated the level of taste and care they put into providing you all your comfort food favorites like Gourmet Burgers, Wings and Appetizers along with a creative list of Cocktails and locally sourced Beer.  The service is great, the atmosphere is fresh and clean and of course you can watch any imaginable sporting event on one of their many big screen TV’s.

Open 7 days a week from Noon to Midnight Sandbar features Live Music, Game Days, Sunday Brunch, Karaoke and Community Events.

The Sandbar has made it their philosophy to source their menu ingredients from local Farmers, Butchers, Bakers, and Brewers which means they use Organic products, local Meats and Seafood, homemade Chips and French Fries and Sauces made from scratch.

Do you self a favor and check out the Sandbar – You will be impressed and will definitely want to come back for more.  As their Slogan says – COME GET SOME!