"You know, one thing I find amazing, is just how many people encourage you to photograph them and how many people actually smile for you when you do take their picture. You don't see that in the US and I didn't see it when I spent 3 years and used up a lot of film in Germany and other parts of Europe. And though people do have a tendency to smile when they are nervous, the pictures you have shown, the people seem to be honestly enjoying having their picture taken ... or is it the $10 US bill that you are waving at them while nodding towards your camera?
Excellent series and very interesting. "
Mike Jordan
--
RELATED TO POST ABOUT YOUNG MAN BUILDING HIS HOME - AND DENTAL COSTS
"Perhaps we could learn something from folks like this. When I was stationed in Turkey, we went out to help one of the workers at the base on his house. \\
Learned that there are NO Mortgages in Turkey. You save until you have the cash to buy the land (no time payments either), then save till you can put down the foundation and so forth with it being money up front until the house is built. If you marry during the process - most folks live with his parents.
it would be a distinct cultural shock to Americans to do this but probably healthy in the long run.
maybe I should come vacation there. Wife is still recovering from the $1900 for a crown for me. "
Joe
--
"I've got to say I'm very jealous of your trip. Going to that part of the world is pretty high on my list of things I want to do at some point in my life. "
Ryan Nutt
--
"WOW, I love the images. I love people pictures too. Scenery can be seen on any calendar or postcard. I love the man with the bananas, what a fun story about him shaking your hand. Are you writing all this down in a travel journal??? My great grandfather traveled to Africa for his church and kept a journal full of stories about the people he met, the food he ate and various other things. Because of the time period he only has two photos, one of his boat and one of him with a group of people. I love reading his thoughts and can't imagine how lucky your grandchildren will be to have so many spectacular pictures to help tell the story."
Susie
--
"I really love the ones in the market. Have a great time!
(My uncle lives there. If you see a super tall Gringo, it's him!)"
Cindy
--
"I love #5!! The colors are so brilliant. I love how it's candid, rather than her just sitting behind the veggies looking at the camera. The angle of her arm carries the eye around the photo."
Wildmaven
--
"Your travel site is incredible! I got so involved in reading it, the pictures, the colors, the descriptions, the bird sounds ..... for a moment I felt like I was there. You guys have done a fantastic job. You are a true master. I cannot wait until the next installment. I hope you have a wonderful time."
Andrea
--
"Im loving these Rob!
Thanks."
Corey
--
RELATED TO A SHOT ANNE TOOK OF ROB SITTING ON THE CURB AT THE BUS STATION
" "Gringo, sitting on curb" Priceless
Excellent shots, Rob
Good catch of the Flour bags.
Any sensor dust after that one."
Mike Hodgson
--
"Sounds like you're enjoying your stay down there. Thanks for sharing your pictures. Costa Rica's a place I've always wanted to visit."
Petrjay
--
"Firstly congratulations on some great shots. I admire your lifestyle (at least what I imagine it to be) and your photographic prowess.
Secondly, I think it's fantastic that the Internet allows people to come together and share images and personal views like this ... it's like having friends all over the world. It's also fantastic that you take the time and effort to do this!
Keep up the good work."
davidg2020
--
"The people at work images are all nice.
looks like the people are friendly and you have good interaction. Lucky you.
Have fun. I lived in Costa Rica for a month and loved it."
Steady Hand
--
"Keep on the great work - I really enjoy looking through your well done images,
Glad your having fun"
steve
--
"These are fantastic! I'm traveling to costa rica next month, but unfortunately will only be there for a week.
I hope I can get photos half as nice as yours!"
RebeccaVT
--
"Great pictures. I came home (Toronto-area) a few days ago after spending 10days in this gorgeous country. I was a little too shy with my camera and as such don't really have many people images. Until I can return, your images of warm Tico faces provides a nice reminder of how friendly these people are.
Best of luck, and be nice to all the Canadians you meet down there "
Josh
--
"I am enjoying your blog in addition to this thread! "
cwescapexlt4x4
--
"Wow, great set of pictures here, it's going to take me a huge time to go through them and appreciate them in detail.
Looks like your having a wonderful time in Costa Rica. I look forward to seeing more, are you going to have an exhibition of your work when you return home?"
Chris
--
"Hi Robert, I have found your posts most interesting.
My cousin moved to Costa Rico several years ago.. He has since moved to Honduras (spelling). He told me last summer that Costa Rico was getting too many tourists for him.
Having been to Central and South America several times I found the people to be very friendly and anxious to help you in any way that they can ( except for a few areas in Bolivia and Brazil, not areas a tourist would normally go). Keep up the good work."
Ron
--
"Thanks for sharing your travel images. I got so enthralled with them I went to Delta's site and looked up the price of a ticket to SJO"
Steve
--
"This window into your travels and into the warm people of Costa Rica is a special treat. I stop at an image and say that is the quintessential shot I love of your work then I find several more. Keep it up and we'll never need anti-depressants.
It's so good to find a mirror to a world that just reflects the good."
"This is a magnificent and personal journey! Thanks so much!"
"Rob,
We appreciate learning so much by your travel photography!"
REFERRING TO IMAGE OF MAN WALKING DOWN THE ROAD WITH HIS OXEN
"Very different from the 405 freeway in California! :)
He's not thinking of what will happen in the office or the price of gas or whether or not the guy behind him is too close or if there's a Highway Patrol car sneaking up behind ready to pounce!
So what's he thinking about?"
"Thanks Rob for keeping this up. We're thrilled. you have a compassionate eye and obviously are able to break through cultural & language barriers. I hope they get the same joy of meeting you both."
Asher Kelman
OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
--
"Enjoyed this very much. Loved the photos AND the story. Can't wait to read more."
1047pm
--
"Good read and good series - feel like I know the place already"
yorkshireman
--
"Great photo essay!"
"Fascinating stuff - good read, well illustrated."
"Great stuff, Robert! I enjoyed this very much"
MOD ( admin for www.photoforum.com )
--
"My faves are the first shot, reading paper at the bus station and street vendors hamming for the camera.
The whole thing was wonderful. Thanks for sharing!"
Thread78
--
"Great series! Really enjoying it!"
Jen
--
"Great set, thanks so much for sharing your travel experiences, I love travel photography, it always just makes me wanna run to the airport! Costa Rica looks like such a vibrant place to travel in!"
Alex
--
"Thanks so much for the 'trip'. It is good to see so many smiling faces and friendly people. You did great with keeping the harsh sunlight out of most of the portraits too.
I just "Took a trip and never left the farm" so to speak. "
Ron
--
"Enjoy looking at the pictures and reading the posts. Are you primarily using bus to get around the country? I was looking into going to the Wilson Botanical Garden which is in the south central region near San Vito. In country air service is a problem since they seem to have a 25lb weight limit. And I'm not sure, at my age, that I want to go by bus. Any information you can pass along on the best way to get from San Jose to San Vito will be appreciated. Hope things continue to go well."
"Thanks for the travel info - especially about the roads in the south. Keep those words and pictures coming - it's fun to read your adventures."
JohnB
--
"wow! what a great series! thanks for sharing!
(now i guess i have to visit that place too...)"
hobbes
--
"I loved all of your photos but haven't the time at the moment to read about your travels. Can't wait till I have a bit more time to comeback. It all looks so very interesting. "
effiemay
--
"Wow, what a fascinating series! I'm looking forward to more."
knucklehead
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM ROB'S PHOTOGRAPHY
FORUM POSTS, AND EMAILS TO
WWW.ASIFWEKNOW.COM
Comments from our 2009 trip
---
"Hey Robert
Great stuff as usual, I have enjoyed viewing this thread immensely -thanks. You mention you struggle a little bit with the language - ifyou need a translator for the next trip, I'd be happy to volunteer !"
Bear
---
"Wow! What a series of photos. Excellent shots and wonderful stories.The good news is, I don't have to go to Costa Rica anymore as I feel I was just on vacation!! Thanks for sharing."
Chad
---
"I remember your posts from last year.
You have a very ambitious project.
I find it interesting because you devote so much to the photography and it is a good example of how a camera allows someone to communicate their life's interests to others. The "travel blog" idea is not unique, but everyone's "take" and POV is unique."
Steady Hand
---
"Keep these all coming please. I'm a candid people photography kindaperson so I really love the last one. I'm stunned that you can get suchgood shots out of the airplane window. Great abstract art."
Iris H
---
"So awesome to get to see another country through the eyes of a tourist/photographer! Thank you for sharing. "
ShellBell
---
"Robert,
Great travelogue candid photography and diary. I am enjoying taking this trip with you.
Nice work.
Keep 'em comin'."
Hub
---
"What an interesting set Robert - I like the portraits most, followed bythe aerial shots. You have a masterful control of light and camera."
Bill Shinnick
---
"Tremendous job! I enjoyed every moment of it."
lendur2
---
"that picture in the plane looked like a couple of caged birds. By the way, don't get---
worried while flying unless the pilot says "we're puttin' her in the Hudson""
rick
"I had the good fortune to be able to visitCosta Rica in '06 and loved every minute of it. I'd love to spend moretime there, and your photos bring back great memories. Well done! I'lllook forward to more."
Roger
---
"What a fascinating tour you've provided. Thank you very much for showing me something I will never see in person."
Jim Flinchbaugh
---
"This is just great Rob. I love Costa Rica, and your series really makes me want to return soon.
Thanks!"
---
"Fabulous! These images speak volumes of the people and culture.Sometimes a simpler life can be better."
Pony
---------------------------------------------------
Comments from our 2008 trip
--
"What a fabulous opportunity. How long will you be there? Next thing you know you will be doing wedding work there and they won't let you move back, lol. Congrats!"
Teresa
--
"Wow, what amazing photos. I am glad that we will not have to miss your work while
you are away. "
Kim Gerbino
--
"robert
i love living vicariously through your adventures!
thanks so much for sharing!
anne's quilt is fabbi too!"
sue
--
"What a wonderful trip.
I so enjoyed the photos and all the info about the people. Awesome. "
Gina
--
"that's awesome about the eclipse, robert!
what a way to be remembered!!
i've really enjoyed all of these!
thanks again, for sharing!!"
what a way to be remembered!!
i've really enjoyed all of these!
thanks again, for sharing!!"
Michelle
--
"Inspirational as always. Thanks for sharing!!"
Diane
--
"Wow. I wanna go!"
Erika
--
"I enjoy when you travel down there. Your images are a great glimpse into the lives there. For any of us who have never been to Central America it's a visual treat. Thanks a lot for sharing !"
D Craig Flory
--
"wow wow wow.
I have really enjoyed reading this and now am going to get some more coffee and look at your website.
My husband and I are crazy travelers and LOVE to explore like this. We're spending 2 weeks in St. Maarten in June and you've totally inspired me.
Thanks again - I absolutely enjoyed these."
amy
--
"Great photos as usual. You're giving me the travel bug"
Blake Photography
--
"I bet the people in that village/town/city, whatever it's called, will be so sad to see you go! Sounds like you've become part of their little family! It's so cool that you have gotten to know so many people, and have captured it all for us!
I bet they love these images. I love the way you always make them look so unposed and candid! Thanks for sharing!"
Lori Clapp
--
"Rob,
There you go again making great images for us to drool over! However, the real thing to drool over is your ability to interact with these people.I can certainly respect your photographic ability, but your personal interaction is to marvel over.
If we all could sell ourselves at home as well as you do at large, we would ALL be making great livings doing this thing called photography.
Congratulations, me lad!
Always a pleasure to view your art!"
Dave Prouty
--
"My husband and I have thought about visiting Costa Rica ... and even thought about retiring to Costa Rica, but now I really want to at least visit."
Norine
--
" Thanks for sharing - those are awesome!!!!!!!!!!"
Dragonfly Photography
--
"Thanks Robert,
I'm really enjoying seeing your images from Costa Rica and reading your entries...."
Denise
--
--
"I just wanted to take the time to thank you for posting this travelogue. I am very much enjoying your journey to Costa Rica. This is certainly a different perspective than the one day shore excursion I took while on a cruise ship many moons ago"
monack
--
"wow, I love your style ... and am so jealous of your opportunity!"
"We are so lucky you have your travels documented and shared with us. Thank you for the wonderful pictures and particularly the stories to go along with them."
Britt
--
"WOW Robert!!!!!!!!
You and Anne look like your are having a wonderful time! I'm so envious!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It will be in my favorites so I can check out what's happening in Costa Rica through your eyes! Again,thanks and please keep safe!
Keep the awesome images coming!!!"
Melissa
--
"Thanks .. loved the day to day diary."
Pam
--
"I'm bookmarking this thread, and I hope you keep the entries coming! What a wonderful opportunity for you and Anne! I hope that someday, I'll be able to travel and do the same as you are right now. That would be the ultimate experience!"
Christina
--
"Thanks for sharing this experience, Robert.
I have to confess that I'm sitting here in snowy, cold, Michigan being very jealous right now."
Sharon
--
"Wow!
Thank you for joining this forum!!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Thank you for showing us that with just LR, images can be beautiful!
I bet the locals love the photos that you are giving to them, I am so glad to hear that you found a place to print for you.
I couldn't help but crack up at the chicken wing signs, and it also said car wash!!
Enjoy your travels, stay safe and have fun!!"
"These are so wonderful, I feel like I'm there with you! Do you write travel books??? If not, you should!!"
Renee
--
"Thanks for sharing your beautiful images and your experience!"
sherry
--
"Robert! Your here! I am so happy to see you posting over here. I love your work. Thank you for sharing your travels with us."
Lori
--
"Wow,wow, wow!! Love your photo's, fantastic!! I am soooo green (we need a green with envy smilie) right now, I would love to go on a "working" holiday and take pictures like this. Keep the pic's coming,love it!"
Jenny
--
"I spent 30 minutes looking and reading and ENJOYING this! Thanks for sharing this!!"
Charlotte
--
"Thankyou for taking the time to share your journey with us. Your work is truly amazing. I am looking forward to see more of Costa Rica though your lens."
Michelle
--
"Wow! What amazing photos! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!"
Mary
--
"wow I have been sitting here for 45 mins reading and looking at these photos! All I can say is WOW WOW WOW! totally amazing"
Mandylee
--
"Love your photos and reading all about your adventures!! What an amazing thing to be doing"
ange
--
"Thank you for sharing your travels with us! What an incredible opportunity, I would be lying to say I'm not little jealous. And your images are truly inspiring!"
Jessica
--
"Thank you for posting. I am really enjoying following your travels. I am amazed at how easy it seems to get people to be happy to have their photo taken. I am always very nervous about taking photographs of people in the streets, maybe the culture is different to that in the UK.
Do keep posting.
Thank you"
Shirley
--
"Robert this is one of the most interesting threads I've come across recently and its been a joy to keep up with your pictures and commentary. Some great pictures and I think its fair to say you have a great way with people. Maybe its just the people of Costa Rica that like their photos being taken, but I can't help feeling its more likely the way you approach these situations that allows you to get such images."
"I have also checked out your Blog, which again was most interesting"
Stephen
--
"It has to be said that you and Anne are leading rather more interesting lives than most of us, which is why we find your posts so fascinating. Long may you continue!
Thanks,"
John Perriment
--
"Please Stay - if you come home, I'll have no good bed time reading! But on the
other hand, we'll look forward to your stories in person. Hopefully spring will officially
be here when you return - air is still cold, but the sun has been shining.
Safe trip home"
Delores
--
"WOW!
What a great site
I hope you are having a good time.
It looks like you are.
It's such an amazing experience,
I'm glad you are sharing it.
Very well done
Travel on!"
Bill
--
"I found your site through ILP. I am also from Ontario and I was in Costa Rica for about a
month five years ago. I LOVE looking at your journal and photos. I especially loved
seeing your photos of Poas Volcano and the one of the National Theatre because I have my
own photos of each.
I absolutely love the people and the atmosphere of Costa Rica and I really hope to go
back. The whole attitude of living is so different from here. Your journal is making me
want to go back through my own photos and written journal. I'm an amateur photographer and
really only got into it a couple years ago. Although I will always cherish my own photos
from my trip I think about all the things I would want to capture if I went back now."
Erica
--
"Buenas Rob,
Welcome to Costa Rica. In 2005 I spent 9 weeks in Flamingo, learning Spanish. Loved every
minute of it. Lived in Potrero where no English was spoken.
Just happened on your web log. Costa Rica is a great choice. I have been there more than
once..... I have a daughter (Anne) who lives in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. A few years ago
she got cabin fever, bought some land and built a restaurant. It's called Ginger and you
can google it. Anyway, if you are up that way (turn left at Liberia and right just before
Playa del Cocos and you'll be there), I guarantee you'll have one of the best meals of
your life. She likes to welcome Canadians
Don't you just love the CR roads.... more potholes than pavement, eh?
Pura vida, amigos."
Jim
--
" Anne/Rob,
As a long-time fan of Rob's work and a crazysite user, I make it a point to keep up with
what Rob is up to. I have thoroughly enjoyed your commentary, video and images. I pop in
just about every day now to see if there is a new entry. It looks like you are having a
blast and really making the best of the opportunity to see a part of the country the way
it should be. Look forward to continue following your updates."
Mike
--
"With a new computer and a decent monitor in hand, I set out to view the 1200+
slides you have posted so far. I am captivated by your collective abilities to capture
people living their lives and to comment on the experience. You are not tourists, you are
truly observers of life. I suspect this is all going too fast but the record will last."
Rick
--
"Rob, you have showed us so much about the culture and have widened my understanding of the Costa Rican people. I thank you for that. Can't wait for your next adventure to begin! This is better than National Geographic."
wildmaven
--
"No doubt you are home by now, hope you had a good trip, anyway I'd just like to thank you for all the photos and little stories telling us of your goings on, in this thread. I for one have really enjoyed them and have looked forward to the next installment."
Stephen
--
"I thoroughly enjoyed your trip - I felt at times I could have been with you.
Thanks so much for the adventure - as my granddaughter would say 'you made it' (she is two and a half and a great 'Dorah The Explorer 'fanatic).
All the best and hope you received a great reception when you got back home."
Barr1e
--
"Welcome home! I feel as if you have saved me the cost of needing a holiday this year! You have the knack of capturing the character of place, time and people in your shots. Capturing one of these elements successfully is not easy, but capturing all three consistantly is pretty remarkable. A great series of images, thank you for sharing them with us. I am looking forward to the next installment."
Chris
--
"many thanks for your fascinating and insightful posts from Costa Rica over the last few weeks. I have thoroughly enjoyed them."
Snibbo
THANKYOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS COMMENTS AND EMAILS. WE WERE APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR PROJECT, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGED TO CONTINUE PROVIDING NEW CONTENT THAT YOU CAN ENJOY .
Take Care
Rob & Anne
