Two Words, One Answer.
costa rica
 Costa Rica: Waterproof Travel Map of Costa Rica $11.95 This is a very nice quality, easy to read, larger print, durable map. It is well made and lasted through 2 weeks in Costa Rica. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, activities and parks are listed as well as a mini Spanish lesson of common phrases. We'll be taking it again next month when we head back down.  Guide to Costa Rican Spanish $9.95 I moved to Costa Rica and use Christopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rica Spanish almost everyday. It is a work of linguistic art. The reader who gave it a one star must be DELUSIONAL and see the world differently from others who have reviewed this useful language guidebook. First, the one-star reviewer complains about the book's dictionary. Since it is a pocket PHRASE book it is impossible to include a lengthy dictionary with every word in a traditional Spanish dictionary. This guide is for those who need everyday phrases and the reviewer shouldn't confuse it with a standard dictionary. .Second, the blank pages the reviewer complains about are used by the author so that new chapters start on a right-hand page as all books do in the publishing industry. Third, the reviewer admits to having had ONLY a couple of Spanish courses and is NOT qualified to evaluate a book by an author of of Mr. Howard's stature. Fourth, it seems like the reviewer is vindictive and has an agenda because of the use of such disparaging vocabulary as "Worthless" and "Pathetically." None of the other reviews state similar complaints, therefore the only one star review is too subjective. Fifth, the author is Costa Rican and should knows about correct pronunciation and the correct use of VOS. Sixth, reviewers shouldn't get confused. This guide is NOT just for travelers but for ALL for foreigners who settle in in Costa Rica. That's why it has so many local expressions and slang. Finally, the reviewer didn't find the book useful but ALL of the other people who posted reviews did. In short, I recommend this great book HIGHLY. I can see why it has been a BEST SELLER on Amazon for a couple of years.  National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica, 3rd Edition $22.95 While this book has interesting descriptions of things to do in Costa Rica, it fails to suggest reputable vendors and ways to actually do many of the activities. I tried to use this book to plan a trip to Costa Rica and was disappointed in the format. We wanted to plan an active vacation (rafting, canyoning, surfing, etc.) and found it difficult to use this book to find reputable vendors and the best places for these activities. If you are looking for clear recommendations of places to stay at different price points and specific hikes, rafting outfits, and things to see in helping you plan your trip this is not the book for you. If you prefer to read about Costa Rica or have a companion on a guided trip, this would be a good fit. |
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