What’s new in Costa Rica politics?  Carlos Alvarado Quesada is president-elect after winning the presidential runoff April 1 in a stunning landslide. Costa Rica’s new president is passionate about literature – with three published novels – and a musician who likes rock. 

Alvarado, 38, a former Cabinet minister who has studied journalism and political science, carried out a hard-fought campaign against Fabricio Alvarado (no relation), a former legislator and evangelical preacher.

Carlos Alvarado became a public figure in Costa Rica because of his political activity within the Citizen Action Party (PAC, center left). Known for his slow speaking style and deep voice, Alvarado has sought to present a message of national unity since he came in second in the Feb. 4 first round.

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter Edition no. 116

Tank Tops Flip Flops: The Story and The Big Picture – Giving Back in Paradise

Tank Tops Flip Flops is a lifestyle; it is an attitude; it is a peace of mind. It is about FINALLY leaving the Rat Race and moving to paradise. It is about having a dream, setting a goal and never quitting on it. TTFF is about waking up every day, with a smile on your face, knowing that you made it; and there is no better place to celebrate this mentality than in Costa Rica. Those of us that had the guts to make this life a reality, are examples that it CAN be done. I cannot begin to tell you; how many people have said to us; “you guys are the only reason I haven’t given up. If you can do it; so, can I.” We give hope to all those people out there, suffering through their miserable lives, knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me: Do whatever you have to do to get here, because it is even better than we tell you. Every day is 90 degrees. Every dawn there is that smell of freshness that you cannot replace anywhere else in the world. Every evening is that amazing sunset that is always post card perfect. The people here are incredible; the landscape is majestic; the beaches are extraordinary; life here is outstanding. That is Tank Tops Flip Flops baby!!!!

Check out this preview video where I talk about the current Tank Tops Flip Flops Charity project we are working on.  The full video from start to finish is at the very end of the Newsletter.