Costa Rica - Central America Today Author:Charles J. Shields Costa Rica has mountains, white beaches, plunging waterfalls, tropical islands, and cool green jungles where monkeys will lope right up to within camera range. In this land of breathtaking natural beauty, a colorful culture that blends the old and new has taken root. This title helps to find out: why Europeans nicknamed this part of Central Amer... more »ica the 'rich coast'; how Costa Ricans repelled an invasion by an American adventurer in 1856; why 'eco-tourism' is becoming big business in Costa Rica; where to go for the best music, dance, and theater; and, what happens when Costa Rica's volcanoes get ready to blow. In addition, in this book you'll find project and report ideas - including enough recipes for an authentic Costa Rican buffet - a glossary, a list of festivals, organizations to contact for more information, and suggestions for further reading. There's a lot to discover about Costa Rica today.« less