# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Netherlands

Location: Zwolle, Netherlands

Research Question: Name five edible plants (herbs, fruit, vegetables) grown in the region.

Answer:

Living in the Netherlands for my exchange has given me a whole new perspective on agriculture! Here in Zwolle, I’ve noticed how much this country values sustainability in farming, which is impressive. The Netherlands grows a lot of staple crops like barley, potatoes, and sugar beets. It’s also a big producer of vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers—most of which are grown in high-tech greenhouses that conserve water and energy.

I had a chat with a local friend whose family works on a farm nearby, and they explained how Dutch farmers focus on making their farms as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. For instance, they use greenhouses equipped with water recycling systems, which means they can grow crops year-round while using less water. They also rotate crops and use precision farming techniques to keep the soil healthy without relying on heavy fertilizers or pesticides.

The Dutch are also big on vertical farming, which stacks plants to save space. It’s incredible how they’ve found ways to produce so much food on such a small amount of land. Between the advanced technology and sustainable practices, it’s easy to see why the Netherlands is known as a global leader in agriculture!

# data[].attributes.body
Bogotá, Colombia, receives an average yearly rainfall of approximately 824 millimeters (32.4 inches), making it a city with frequent, moderate rainfall year-round. The wettest months are April and October, with rainfall averaging 111 to 115 mm (4.4 to 4.5 inches) each. January is often the driest month, with only 33 mm (1.3 inches) of rain. Precipitation is generally equally distributed throughout the year, resulting in frequent gloomy and wet days, typical of Bogotá's cool, subtropical highland climate.

This steady rain pattern helps to maintain Bogotá's lush greenery and sustains agriculture in the region, making it an important part of both the natural environment and the local economy.

sources,https://www.climate.top/colombia/bogota/precipitation/

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Medellin; Colombia

Some of the spicies of birds that it can be found in Aburrá Valley where Medellin is located in the Andes mountains are:

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock: Known for its striking appearance, the male has a bright orange plumage and a large, dramatic crest.

Chocó Toucan: This large, colorful bird is found primarily in the Chocó region but also in parts of the Western Andes near Medellín.

Rufous-collared Sparrow: A small, adaptable bird commonly seen in Medellín's urban parks and surrounding natural areas. It has a distinctive rufous collar and is easily recognized by its song.

https://www.melonthego.com/animals-of-colombia/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Colombia has some of the world's most dangerous animals. Jaguars, poisonous frogs, spiders, and snakes are all endemic to this country. The fourth largest country in South America, Colombia has Atlantic and Pacific Coastlines, the Amazon, and the Andes mountains, so it's no surprise its animals are diverse and plentiful. We've been to a few different parts of the country and seen a wide variety of animals of Colombia, many that were new to me, and some in strange places.

Sloths

I love sloths and was so excited to see them in a public park in Cartagena. They aren't always easy to spot but when they are I can watch them do nothing all day. Which is pretty much what they do. In addition to the local Parque Centenario, we also spotted sloths in the beautiful Cartagena botanical gardens outside of the city.

Two sloths in a tree in the Jardin Botanico Cartagena

Sloth in a tree at Cartagena's Botanic Garden

Monkeys

Colombia is home to many different kinds of monkeys. In the jungle, and in the botanical garden, you can hear the howler monkeys. Good news: they are much cuter than they sound!

Howler Monkey in Cartagena's Botanic Garden

In the park in Cartagena, we saw a different kind of monkey scampering through the trees. They were quiet compared to the howling at the botanical garden.

Monkey in Cartagena's Centenario park

Cats of Colombia

They aren't as exotic or wild, per se, but cats are plentiful in Colombia, and of course I take photos of most of them! Since landing in Santa Marta, and the cute marina cats there, I've spied cats across the country. Besides Domino, our favorite was the little kitten who greeted us most nights outside our hotel in Salento. Most of the cats we've seen have been well-fed and comfortable, so Colombians like their felines.

Santa Marta cat

Our latest cat was this cutie in Salento

And don't forget that Cali has an entire park devoted to cat sculptures!

Chiguiro

This rodent similar to a capybara is common in South America, and we got to see a few of them at the Botanical Gardens in Quindio, near Salento. We had a two and half hour tour there with a really knowledgeable guide. The park is fabulous, especially the bird viewing area, which is also where we saw the chiguiros snuffling around feeding.

Chiguiro de Colombia

Chiguiro for perspective

Birds

I am still on the lookout for a toucan but in the meantime, Colombia is home to lots of cool birds. And we've been fortunate to see some of them up close in their natural habitats.

A vulture at the Botanic Gardens

Gallitos de roca

Take for example the native gallito de roca in Jardin, Antioquia, one of my favorite towns in Colombia. While exploring this beautiful town, we visited a sanctuary where we could get up close with these rare and beautiful birds who visit at the same time every day. The gallito de rocas is endemic to the Andes, and in English called "Cock of the Rock". The national bird of Peru, you can also see them in this part of Colombia!

The Andean Cock of the Rock in its natural habitat

Our visit to the reserve one afternoon was an amazing experience with very few other people, many viewing spots, and all for a very low price of only a few dollars. We also saw hummingbirds while there, if you get bored of the gallitos, you can watch them too! I doubt you will get bored. They are vibrant, chatty, and they noticed us and played to us for sure.

Gallito de Rocas in Jardin, Colombia

other birds

Unless I write down the name of a bird the second I see it, or have someone repeat all the names for me later so I can write them down, which is what I did when we were bird watching in Botswana, I remember nothing. So, here are photos of other birds we saw, and where we saw them. If you happen to know what kind of bird it is, please share in the comments! I won't feel stupid. A brain can only retain so much information.

We saw this bird at the sanctuary Gallito de Rocas in Jardin

Some kind of parrot, seen in the Cartagena Jardin Botanica

I think this is a hawk which we saw during our bike tour in Salento

Bird in a tree on Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands near Cartagena

A flock of birds chatting over bananas at the Botanical Garden of Antioquia

Blue grey tanager in Antioquia at the botanical garden

These birds live in a hotel in Cartagena

Deer

Yes, tropical birds at a hotel don't seem so strange, but then it gets odder. One weekend in Cartagena, we decided to check into a hotel with a pool. This hotel turned out to be really unusual in more ways than one! One of the things that made it weird was the herd of deer living on site. They grazed all over the grounds, mostly in between the building housing our room and the outdoor pool. They were very gentle and polite, even while walking around the dining room as we ate. It was actually really fun, because we didn't know they would be there so it made our stay much more quirky and interesting.

This deer was in the dining room during dinner service at Hotel Caribe

The other interesting thing about the hotel we learned after we checked out: it was the site of a US secret service scandal involving prostitutes. When we were there, it was pretty quiet. Just families and deer. We didn't hear that story until later on a podcast!

A deer grazing by the pool at Hotel Caribe Cartagena

Reptiles

Not as common as in many Caribbean islands, we still see iguanas of all sizes here in Colombia. Frogs too, but I have to admit now that I know about poisonous tree frogs, I'm mostly keeping my distance!

Giant iguana in Parque Centenario Cartagena

Deadly tree frog at the Botanic garden of Cartagena

This is not to say we haven't seen any scary wildlife in Colombia. Don't forget the scary spider on our trip to Palomino.

Butterflies

The botanical garden in Antioquia has a very cool butterfly space, so we stopped in to check it out. We also saw many butterflies while walking the grounds at this beautiful preserve.

Transparent butterfly in Antioguia's botanic garden

Inside the butterfly tent was pretty remarkable. Some of them would willingly land on our hands!

Butterfly at the Jardin Botanica de Antioquia

Horses

One of the many things we loved about Jardin was the free show in the town square at night. Local caballeros would ride around on their horses, all dressed up and making the horses prance. It was a cool sight: we saw children, men, women, you name it, and they were very good riders.

High Stepping Horses in the town of Jardin, Antioquia, Colombia

A horse being led by a biker in Jardin

Farm Animals

We didn't specifically visit farms in Cartagena, but still saw a lot of farm animals in towns and alongside roads. The cows here are very healthy, as are the pigs!

A very healthy hog on Isla Grande, Rosario Islands

Hen and chicks in the "road" on Isla Grande

Road Signs

Apparently birds and other animals walk into the roads in Colombia all the time. I say this because when we were driving from Medellin to Salento, we didn't see any of these exotic animals, but we did see the road warning signs. I don't even know what some of these animals are and would have loved to spot the third one!

Where We Spotted The Animals of Colombia

We arrived in Colombia in April, and aside from a trip to the southern US and a month in Toronto, we stayed until late September. In addition to the places we sailed: Santa Marta, Cartagena, and her islands, we took two separate trips inland. The first, we flew to Bogota and drove north to Villa de Lleyva and Zipaqueria. The most recent trip was to Medellin and a drive south to Jardin, Riosucio, and Salento and the coffee triangle. The key places where we spotted animals in Colombia are detailed below.

CARTAGENA LOCATIONS

Parque Centenario, on the border of Cartagena's walled city and Getsemani

Jardin Botanico de Cartagena, located 30 minutes south of the city. You need a taxi or rental car

Hotel Caribe in Bocagrande Cartagena

Isla Grande in the Rosario Islands

South of medellin

Jardin, Antioquia: Parque Natural Jardin de Rocas

Armenia, Quindio: Jardin Botanico de Quindio

Colombia is a huge country and we loved touring it, but there's still a lot that we didn't see, of animals and scenery. We wished we could have explored even more, and hope to make it back one day. What are your favorite animals of Colombia? And what did I miss?

Pin Me

Pin Me!

Sharing is caring. please pin

Follow Sava as we sail the world!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Known for its dangerous animals, Colombia also has a lot of cute creatures. We loved seeing the animals of Colombia, cats and sloths included

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Thailand FLPA 2024, Edible Plants and Fruits. Chemical Free!

# data[].attributes.body
At PIM Institute of Management while in our culinary portion of our program in Thailand we learned that traditional plants are incorporated in the kitchens of Thai people. We took what we learned and created authentic Thai dishes from those plants, one that is used in many ways is the Blue Butterfly Pea plant. Phattalung is located in the southern part of Thailand and noted to produce top farming. Bananas, we ate their amazing banana cake, we drank and ate coconut water and coconut, they grow chemical free fruits. Rice farming is a global economy for Phaatalung region and other areas of Thailand .

There are several types of edible plants that grow wild and are used for consumption in meals and in medicines. Lung Nuay Natural Farm was a perfect experience of mindful farming, chemical free. We saw cocoa nibs, grapesat their farm as well.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Lotus Flower Field in low season October 28 2024, Thale Noi 

# data[].attributes.headline
Three Types of Plants in and around  Phattalung Thailand-FLPA Tracey Hollick Fall 2024

# data[].attributes.subject
Three Types of Plants in and around  Phattalung Thailand-FLPA Tracey Hollick Fall 2024

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Thailand

Location: Phattalung, Thailand

The plants in Thailand are lush, vibrant bright greens, and a variety of colours. The butterfly pea flower is my favourite plant used in food, and art and likely many other things. A very important plant in day to to living, and likely their economy. The photo above is my photo taken at Thale Noi in the upper Thale Luang(upper Songkhla Lake) known as the Natural Wonder of Phattalung South Thailand. . This area is lush and full of lotus and birds during the high season. The birds eat the lotus flower. Plants hold many special meanings in Thailand. Culturally, spiritually and by means of food. Bamboo and rattan is another very important in Thailand. This plant has been used for centuries. It is used to make by weaving into baskets to carry food, water and to create crafts and sell.

https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/culture_heritage/thai-traditional-basketry-bamboo-basketry/

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Five Edible Plants In The Kingston Jamaica

# data[].attributes.body
1.Ackee - Jamaica’s national fruit, often prepared with saltfish to create the country’s national dish.

2.Breadfruit - A versatile fruit often roasted, fried, or boiled, commonly served as a side dish.

3.Callaloo - A leafy green vegetable similar to spinach, used in soups, stews, or as a side dish.

4.Scotch Bonnet Pepper - A fiery chili pepper essential to Jamaican cuisine, used in jerk seasoning and sauces.

5.Banana (and Plantain) - Both are staples in Jamaican cooking, used in dishes like fried plantains or boiled green bananas.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Japan

Japan is home to unique wildlife like the red-crowned crane, which symbolizes luck and longevity, the Japanese scops owl, which helps control pests and represents wisdom, and the Okinawa rail, an endangered bird essential for forest health. These species are vital for Japan`s ecosystems and culture, making conservation efforts crucial.

https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/plan-your-visit/guides-and-stories/wildlife-in-japans-national-parks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Japan’s diverse environments are habitats for an extraordinary array of species, such as the Japanese macaque, red-crowned crane, humpback whale and corals.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/food-and-drink/fruit-and-berries/

Destination: Norway

Although many people do not recognize that Norway grows various crops throughout the year, no matter how cold it can get. I was lucky enough to learn that my housemate's family home is located 8 hours away from the capital and that her family owns a farm. She was nice enough to tell me that her family grew lots of fruits, vegetables, and herbs such as strawberries, apples, and specific berries known as lingonberries and cloudberries. In terms of vegetables, potatoes, carrots, and onions are also grown. Something I learned very quickly living in Nrway is that although food is similar to Canadian prices, I found vegetables and fruits to be double the price in Norway.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you ever tasted an apple grown by a fjord? Visit some of Norwegian orchards and farms that cultivate some of the world's best fruit and berries, including apples, pears and plums, strawberries and cherries.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Tokyo, Japan

Research question: How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year?

Answer: Tokyo, Japan, receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,600 millimeters (63 inches). The wettest months are typically September and October due to typhoons, while winter is the driest season.

Resource: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/japan/tokyo

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Destination: Phatthalung, a province in southern Thailand || Fall 2024 Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

# data[].attributes.body
The lotus is a special plant in Thai culture, especially in Buddhism. It grows in the lakes and wetlands of Phatthalung. People see it as a symbol of purity and enlightenment. The flower is often used in religious ceremonies, and its seeds and roots are also eaten in Thai food. Thale Noi, a well-known wetland in Phatthalung, has many lotus flowers, making it a popular place for visitors and helping the local tourism industry.

# data[].attributes.body
Phatthalung, like many other places, has experienced changes in its seasons over the years.

Temperatures have become warmer, especially during the hot season, making it feel hotter than before. Rainfall patterns have also changed. Some years bring heavier rains, leading to floods, while other times, there is less rain, causing droughts. These changes affect farming, especially for rubber and rice farmers, who depend on steady weather for their crops.

Climate change and environmental changes, such as deforestation and urban growth, may be causing these shifts. Many locals have noticed these differences and are adapting by using better farming methods and water management to deal with unpredictable weather.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

Location: Territorio Indigena Terraba, Boruca and Manuel Antonio National Park.

When Visiting the Terraba community I got to experience Cacao first hand. It was picked freshly from a tree and cut open and tasted the sweet pulp of the seeds which was surprisingly reminded me of pineapple to which the community explained to me that it was because of the pineapples growing close by and that Cacao pulp trees pick up tastes from things that are planted around them. Then I was shown the traditional way the Cacao is processed and it was absolutely beautiful. Another plant I got to try at the Boruca community is soursop juice which can be used as herbal medicine and has many health benefits. An elder of the Boruca community also told us about a plant that was used by shamans which I believe was called Salvia divinorum.

There was a lot more that I learnt but most were not edible but very cool like the mimosa pudica or (shameplant) that is sensitive to touch and closes its leaves as a protection.

# data[].attributes.headline
How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year? 

# data[].attributes.subject
How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year? 

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica.

Answer: Costa Rica gets about 100 inches of rain on average each year, but the mountain rainforests can receive up to 25 feet. The country has two main seasons: a dry season and a green season (MyCostaRica, 2021).

Community members across Costa Rica, including those from the Boruca Community and San José, told our group that we were visiting during the dry season. They explained that during the green season, it rains most of the time, leading to higher tides. Therefore, this justifies the average of 100 inches or 25 feet of rain during their green season!

Reference: https://costarica.org/facts/weather/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
All About Costa Rica weather

Different across the Country

Although a small country regarding the land area, Costa Rica Weather packs a lot of variety between its Pacific and Caribbean shores. Costa Rica has all but two of the Earth's climates. It doesn't have the two most inhospitable climates for humans and wildlife, namely snow and frozen tundra and desert, but contains every other type of climate that exists on Earth! Costa Rica's climate can best be described in distinct climatic zones. Costa Rica is thought to be a tropical country because it is close to the equator about 10 degrees to the north. Thus, Costa Rica has no winter season. It enjoys the sunshine all year round for about 12 hours per day, from sunrise to sunset. The weather is usually defined as having two seasons: a dry season and a green season.

Costa Rica enjoys mild temperatures all year ranging usually ranging from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit although it is hotter on the beaches and temperatures can get up into the mid-90's. The coolest months are November-January, but it is still balmy and lovely. March through May are the hottest and most tropical. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is 100 inches, but the more mountainous rain forest regions can get up to 25 feet of rainfall annually.

Green Season

The ra iny season, aka the "green season" is a wonderful time to explore Costa Rica. Aptly named for its vibrant emerald green landscapes, this season doesn't mean you'll have rain all day. On the contrary, mornings are typically sunny all year round. Also with showers rolling in by mid to late afternoon. And usually, the rains come in quick bursts that stop as suddenly as they start.

So this a great time to explore Costa Rica, as Hotel rates are always lower. Vacation packages too are more budget-friendly, and there are fewer crowds. You are bound to find beaches and rainforest relatively deserted except for the rich wildlife. And with everything drenched in tropical rain, the entire country is lush and verdant. Even the dry plains of Guanacaste turn green. Also, some the rainy season months are prime time for certain seasonal activities like turtle nesting tours, whitewater rafting, and whale watching near Dominical and Drake Bay.

The main reason for the broad diversity in Costa Rica weather is due to several interrelated factors. The first lies in the fact that Costa Rica has the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic-fed Caribbean Sea on the other and they are relatively close neighbors and share the trade winds. For example, Guanacaste on the Pacific has a dry climate and tropical dry forests, while Tortuguero on the Caribbean is the humid and wet weather for a lot of the year, and yet the two regions are only 130 miles apart! Another factor is Costa Rica's rugged topography that goes from mountainous high elevations to below sea level. Another factor is its active volcanoes that can affect weather patterns when they erupt and spew ash and lava.

Dry Season the Best Costa Rica Weather

The dry season is essentially Costa Rica's summer and the country's peak period for visitors and tourism. You can bask in 12 hours of the sunshine per day, perfect for outdoor activities and adventures. However, the Central Valley enjoys the perpetual spring-like weather, with daily temperatures averaging 75 degrees. Along the beach, the temperature can get up into the mid-90's, but evenings are cooled down by fresh sea breezes. While you can leave your umbrellas at home, but most tourist attractions will be much busier during this time of year, especially during the holidays.

Caribbean Coast - Mercurial Costa Rica Weather

During most of the year, the weather on the Atlantic coast (more often called the Caribbean coast) is wetter than in the rest of the country. However, in September and October, which are the rainiest months in the rest of Costa Rica, are the best months to visit Tortuguero and the Puerto Viejo areas because it is when the Caribbean side has its "Summer" and enjoys some of its sunniest weather. The climate in this region is unpredictable, but February and March are its driest months. Don't let the possibility of rain deter you though, as nearly all the great tours and activities on the laid-back Caribbean side can be enjoyed rain or shine.

Best Time of Year according to Costa Rica weather

So, when is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica regarding weather and climate? This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the answer is: Costa Rican weather is fantastic anytime! The perks of traveling during the green season are numerous, and while the dry season may mean bigger crowds and more costly lodging, the lure of warm sunshine overrides any negatives.

The Central Valley has the best climate in the country with mild temperatures all year that average a temperate 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius). The highlands of the Central Valley are cooled by coastal breezes and average about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degree Celsius in the cloud forests.

Costa Rica Weather Chart

Region Dry Season Green Season

Arenal Volcano & Northern Lowlands
May to Nov.
(Sept. & Oct. best to see volcano)

Dec. to Apr.

Monteverde
Jan. to May

Jun. To Sept.; Nov. & Dec.
Can be Windy

So many facts about Costa Rica.

© Copyright 2017 all rights reserved. My Costa Rica is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. Read our Privacy Policy - Sitemap.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Costa Rica Weather - Get the most out of your vacations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Although a small country regarding the land area, Costa Rica Weather packs a lot of variety between its Pacific and Caribbean shores. Costa Rica has all but two of the Earth's climates. It doesn't have the two most inhospitable climates for humans and wildlife, namely snow and frozen tundra and desert, but contains every other type of climate that exists on Earth!

# data[].attributes.headline
How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year? 

# data[].attributes.subject
How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year? 

# data[].attributes.body
Name: Laila Cottrelle

Destination: Costa Rica

On average, Costa Rica gets about 100 inches of rain each year, but the mountain rainforests can receive up to 25 feet. Simply put, the country has two main seasons: a dry season and a rainy green season (MyCostaRica, 2021).

Community members across Costa Rica, including those from the Boruca Community and San José, told our group that we were visiting during the dry season. They explained that it mostly rains during the green season, leading to higher tides, justifying the average yearly rainfall of 100 inches or 25 feet.

Reference:

https://costarica.org/facts/weather/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
All About Costa Rica weather

Different across the Country

Although a small country regarding the land area, Costa Rica Weather packs a lot of variety between its Pacific and Caribbean shores. Costa Rica has all but two of the Earth's climates. It doesn't have the two most inhospitable climates for humans and wildlife, namely snow and frozen tundra and desert, but contains every other type of climate that exists on Earth! Costa Rica's climate can best be described in distinct climatic zones. Costa Rica is thought to be a tropical country because it is close to the equator about 10 degrees to the north. Thus, Costa Rica has no winter season. It enjoys the sunshine all year round for about 12 hours per day, from sunrise to sunset. The weather is usually defined as having two seasons: a dry season and a green season.

Costa Rica enjoys mild temperatures all year ranging usually ranging from 70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit although it is hotter on the beaches and temperatures can get up into the mid-90's. The coolest months are November-January, but it is still balmy and lovely. March through May are the hottest and most tropical. Average rainfall in Costa Rica is 100 inches, but the more mountainous rain forest regions can get up to 25 feet of rainfall annually.

Green Season

The ra iny season, aka the "green season" is a wonderful time to explore Costa Rica. Aptly named for its vibrant emerald green landscapes, this season doesn't mean you'll have rain all day. On the contrary, mornings are typically sunny all year round. Also with showers rolling in by mid to late afternoon. And usually, the rains come in quick bursts that stop as suddenly as they start.

So this a great time to explore Costa Rica, as Hotel rates are always lower. Vacation packages too are more budget-friendly, and there are fewer crowds. You are bound to find beaches and rainforest relatively deserted except for the rich wildlife. And with everything drenched in tropical rain, the entire country is lush and verdant. Even the dry plains of Guanacaste turn green. Also, some the rainy season months are prime time for certain seasonal activities like turtle nesting tours, whitewater rafting, and whale watching near Dominical and Drake Bay.

The main reason for the broad diversity in Costa Rica weather is due to several interrelated factors. The first lies in the fact that Costa Rica has the vast Pacific Ocean on one side and the Atlantic-fed Caribbean Sea on the other and they are relatively close neighbors and share the trade winds. For example, Guanacaste on the Pacific has a dry climate and tropical dry forests, while Tortuguero on the Caribbean is the humid and wet weather for a lot of the year, and yet the two regions are only 130 miles apart! Another factor is Costa Rica's rugged topography that goes from mountainous high elevations to below sea level. Another factor is its active volcanoes that can affect weather patterns when they erupt and spew ash and lava.

Dry Season the Best Costa Rica Weather

The dry season is essentially Costa Rica's summer and the country's peak period for visitors and tourism. You can bask in 12 hours of the sunshine per day, perfect for outdoor activities and adventures. However, the Central Valley enjoys the perpetual spring-like weather, with daily temperatures averaging 75 degrees. Along the beach, the temperature can get up into the mid-90's, but evenings are cooled down by fresh sea breezes. While you can leave your umbrellas at home, but most tourist attractions will be much busier during this time of year, especially during the holidays.

Caribbean Coast - Mercurial Costa Rica Weather

During most of the year, the weather on the Atlantic coast (more often called the Caribbean coast) is wetter than in the rest of the country. However, in September and October, which are the rainiest months in the rest of Costa Rica, are the best months to visit Tortuguero and the Puerto Viejo areas because it is when the Caribbean side has its "Summer" and enjoys some of its sunniest weather. The climate in this region is unpredictable, but February and March are its driest months. Don't let the possibility of rain deter you though, as nearly all the great tours and activities on the laid-back Caribbean side can be enjoyed rain or shine.

Best Time of Year according to Costa Rica weather

So, when is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica regarding weather and climate? This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and the answer is: Costa Rican weather is fantastic anytime! The perks of traveling during the green season are numerous, and while the dry season may mean bigger crowds and more costly lodging, the lure of warm sunshine overrides any negatives.

The Central Valley has the best climate in the country with mild temperatures all year that average a temperate 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius). The highlands of the Central Valley are cooled by coastal breezes and average about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degree Celsius in the cloud forests.

Costa Rica Weather Chart

Region Dry Season Green Season

Arenal Volcano & Northern Lowlands
May to Nov.
(Sept. & Oct. best to see volcano)

Dec. to Apr.

Monteverde
Jan. to May

Jun. To Sept.; Nov. & Dec.
Can be Windy

So many facts about Costa Rica.

© Copyright 2017 all rights reserved. My Costa Rica is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. Read our Privacy Policy - Sitemap.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Costa Rica Weather - Get the most out of your vacations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Although a small country regarding the land area, Costa Rica Weather packs a lot of variety between its Pacific and Caribbean shores. Costa Rica has all but two of the Earth's climates. It doesn't have the two most inhospitable climates for humans and wildlife, namely snow and frozen tundra and desert, but contains every other type of climate that exists on Earth!

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Costa Rica

Vegetable such as corn, beans, and squash were what I had on my plate during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This diet is found in Costa Rica because it comes from a long tradition of local vegetable farming called "companion planting." During our second morning in Boruca, I learned that they use roasted corn, brown sugar, and milk to make a warm delicious drink. I also had coconut juice by the beach since there are lots of coconut trees growing in Costa Rica.

Lastly, we visited a Cacao farm, where we "Ca" or cacao trees are growing. We tasted raw cacao and learned how to peel, grind, and turn it into paste. The women and elders shared that cacao butter is nourishing and keeps keeps their hair and skin healthy.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

Answer: Based on the annual data across the country, Costa Rica receives around 3000mm of rain each year. However, this number can vary from provinces, cities and even communities. This is due to each region's vast elevations, ecosystems and weather patterns. Near the west coast, where we are (in Manuel Antonio National Park), the annual rain is 7424 mm of precipitation. This is due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone in the atmosphere providing many showers and thunderstorms. This is considered one of the rainiest regions in Costa Rica.

Source:

https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/country-profiles/15989-WB_Costa%20Rica%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf

https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/visit-costa-rica-in-rainy-season/

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

1. The golden Silk weaver spider: This spider can be found in Costa Rica and we saw it in Manuel Antonio National Park. This spider is used in various ways like for example its web is used in bullet-proof vests.

2. The white faced Capuchin was also pointed out because it is very popular among tourists.

3. Finally, various birds such as Macaws are important for tourism and of course important parts on the biodiversity in natural areas.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Cockroaches are very common in the jungle, and support a healthy ecosystem by breaking down rotting material on the forest floor. This helps distribute nutrients in the soil.

2. Toucans enjoy many fruits and are important for dispersing the seeds.

3. Costa Rica has over 100 species of bats. These animals help control insect populations.

# data[].attributes.body
Food in Tokyo is delicious and healthy. I felt so happy to see so many healthy food choices here. Also, food changes slightly with the seasons. For example, right now, sakura is added to many sweet dishes.

Here are five edible plants commonly grown in the Tokyo region:

Tokyo Negi (東京ネギ) – A type of green onion with a thick white stalk, used in hot pots and stir-fries.

Komatsuna (小松菜) – A leafy green vegetable similar to spinach, popular in Tokyo cuisine.

Edamame (枝豆) – Young soybeans harvested before they harden, often served as a snack.

Shiitake Mushrooms (椎茸) – A common mushroom grown in the region, used in soups, stir-fries, and hot pots.

Ume (梅) – Japanese plums, used to make pickled umeboshi or plum wine.

Reference:
Japanese Taste. (n.d.). Japanese vegetables 101: 20 healthy and unique veggies you need to try. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://japanesetaste.com/blogs/japanese-taste-blog/japanese-vegetables-101-20-healthy-and-unique-veggies-you-need-to-try

# data[].attributes.body
Costa Rica's climate has undergone significant changes over the years, with rising average temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. The Pacific coast faces longer dry spells and altered rainy seasons, while the Caribbean coast sees fluctuations despite its year-round rainfall. Extreme weather events, like floods and droughts, have become more frequent, often influenced by intensified El Niño and La Niña phenomena. These evolving conditions highlight the growing need for adaptation and resilience.

# data[].attributes.body
Five edible plants grown in Costa Rica are: Cacao, Pineapple, Starfruit, Coconut, and Sugarcane. On our journey we were able to try all of these delicious fruits and seeds in different forms as well! These are just a few from the hundreds of edible plants grown in Costa Rica.

# data[].attributes.body
Chitató

Cuesco

Tolu balsam

Mariposo

Caraño

# data[].attributes.body
Edible plants I experienced in Japan

1.      Strawberries – seasonal fruit is a big thing in Japan, and while I was here strawberries were one of the big ones in season. Whatever is in season, you will see a lot of desserts and decorations for that fruit, it almost feels like a seasonal mascot. I went strawberry picking and they were delicious and juicy. Japan has a lot of beautiful (but usually very expensive) fruits

2.      Citrus fruit – Japan has a variety of citrus fruits specific to the area, and those were also in season while I was here. You could sometimes see them growing on trees on the side of the road, especially as you went more south. It’s funny to think that a country that has a decent winter with snow also grows oranges a short ways away. They had sample oranges in one of the stores we passed through which were delicious.

3.      Sakura blossoms – the iconic Japanese cherry blossoms. I was lucky enough that there was a early blooming Sakura festival that had the timing coincide with my trip free weekend. The flowers were amazingly beautiful and there were so many desserts made from Sakura petals. I never realized that the flowers could be so delicious. I became addicted to Sakura desserts, which were a lot sweeter than I expected, and were all a beautiful pink colour. Apparently the depth of the colour of the desserts will change and deepen based on what sate of blooming the flowers were in.

4.      Plums (ume) – plums weren’t in season while I was in Japan, but the plum blossoms were. They come into season earlier than the cherry blossoms, so most of the flowers we saw in Tokyo were from plum blossoms. Apparently the plum blossoms themselves are edible, though I never got a chance to try any. I did try riceballs with pickled plums which were sour and delicious.

5.      Tea leaves – there are many varieties of tea that are grown in Japan. Our group had the fortune of going to an introductory tea ceremony where we got to make our own cup of matcha. Matcha is made from ground green tea leaves. Because you are drinking the tea leaves themselves, it has more caffein than steeped drinks such as coffee, it is a high source of antioxidants and provides many health benefits. Apparently it is often drank by Buddhist monks when they hold all night vigils because of its gentle invigorating natural effects.

# data[].attributes.headline
5 edible plants grown in the Netherlands

# data[].attributes.subject
5 edible plants grown in the Netherlands

# data[].attributes.body
Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Peppers

Zucchini

Pattypan Squash... etc.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For the first decade that I lived in Saskatoon, I had a balcony where I could only grow in containers. Since I also worked at Dutch Growers, I learned a lot! Growing flowers in containers is one thing, but what about edible plants? Read on for the types of plants you can easily grow in containers, as well as care considerations.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: The Netherlands

Tulips are very well-known in Dutch heritage. Just by thinking of the country, you can imagine tulip fields with windmills and canals. Tulips are known for their beautiful and vibrant colors, which spread across a huge land. The time to see them is approximately mid-March to mid-May. The Dutch people also thought of the sustainability of growing the plant. They aim to grow high-quality of flower bulbs with as little impact as possible on the living environment and develop systems that make flower bulbs less susceptible to disease.

Potatoes are also important for the Dutch people and culture as a lot of Dutch recipes use potatoes, such as hutspot, stampot, and boerenkool.

Purple hyacinths are also common in the Netherlands. the grow in the spring along with tulips. They can been seen in Keukenhof which is a garden filled with the finest flowers, plants, gardens, and woods. located in Lisse, The Netherlands.

Source: https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/get-inspired/nl-in-7-stories/blooming-netherlands#chapter2

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2019-06-20/Plants-Nations-The-Netherlands-HGaJQ7auje/index.html

https://www.visitzandvoort.com/flowers-of-amsterdam#:~:text=Purple%20hyacinths%2C%20pink%20crocuses%2C%20yellow,our%20national%20treasure:%20the%20tulip.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tulips and other flowers in the Netherlands: the best places to visit and see

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Netherlands is home to some of the most beautiful flowers. From tulips to the flower bulb region known as the Bollenstreek, this guide offers a rich bouquet of places to visit along with fantastically fragrant stories.

# data[].attributes.body
Three common types of trees and vegetation found in the Netherlands include:

1. Oak Trees – Widely present in Dutch forests, oak trees have historically been prized for their durable wood, which was used in shipbuilding and construction. They also hold significance in local folklore and play a vital role in supporting wildlife.

2. Beech Trees – Frequently seen in parks and woodlands, beech trees provide shade and display stunning autumn foliage. In Dutch culture, they are often associated with resilience and longevity.

3. Heather – A defining feature of the Dutch heathlands, heather produces striking purple blooms in late summer. It attracts visitors and has traditionally been linked to farming and grazing practices.

These plant species contribute to the Netherlands’ natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical traditions, making them significant in both ecological and cultural contexts.

# data[].attributes.body
Zwolle has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 870 mm of rain/snowfall annually.Despite minor fluctuations, Zwolle enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In July, you can expect around 92 mm of precipitation, while in April, Zwolle receives about 57 mm.

https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-precipitation-Rainfall,zwolle-overijssel-nl,Netherlands

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Zwolle has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 870 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Despite minor fluctuations, Zwolle enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In July, you can expect around 92 mm of precipitation, while in April, Zwolle receives about 57 mm.

July, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 24°C. The city receives 174 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month April you can expect a temperature of 15°C. For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Zwolle Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the Netherlands

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the Netherlands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

heavy rainfall

high

moderate

low

almost none

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Zwolle's average annual precipitation is 870 mm. Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual precipitation is 774 mm, characterized by wet winters and dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Zwolle:

Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.

Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

For more detailed information about Zwolle's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Zwolle Climate page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Check Average Rainfall by Month for Zwolle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore Zwolle rainfall by month. See monthly precipitation (rain & snow). July brings the most, while April is the driest. Check average annual rainfall.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

1. Yellow throated toucan-it is a frugivorous species that is responsible for spreading seeds

2. Poison Dart Frogs: Control a lot of the insect populations; Have bright skin, known as aposematism to ward off predators

3. Leafcutter ants: These are important species as this animal uses leaves to help fuel the fungus that is used for food in their colony

# data[].attributes.body
Bogotá doesn't experience the traditional four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) like temperate regions.

Instead, it has two main periods: rainy seasons and dry seasons

The city's high altitude significantly influences its climate, resulting in consistently cool temperatures throughout the year.

Observed Changes:

Like many places on earth, Bogota has experienced effects of climate change.

There are variations in the intensity and timing of the rainy and dry seasons.

There has been some increase in average temperatures, that can effect the normal patterns of precipitations.

Changes in rainfall patterns can affect water availability and agriculture in the surrounding areas.

In essence, while Bogotá's climate remains relatively stable in terms of temperature, shifts in rainfall patterns and intensity are the most noticeable changes related to global climate trends.

Reference: https://www.kuodatravel.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-colombia-travel-guide/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Luxury Tours to South America by Kuoda | Custom Private Tours

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best Time to Visit Colombia: A Seasonal Travel Guide | Kuoda Travel

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the best time to visit Colombia by season and region. Plan your trip with this seasonal travel guide for the perfect Colombian adventure.

# data[].attributes.body
Yes, Thailand’s seasons have definitely changed over the years. It used to have a clear hot, rainy, and cool season, but now it’s all over the place. The heat hits harder and sticks around longer, and the rainy season brings either way too much rain at once or barely any at all. Lately, even the cool season hasn’t felt that cool. On top of that, they just had an unexpected earthquake, which isn’t typical for Thailand. It really shows how unpredictable and unstable the climate and environment are becoming, even in places that were once pretty steady.

# data[].attributes.body
In Thailand, I noticed that many markets still maintain very traditional craft workshops. This is not only a way to preserve the original culture but also a method of protecting the natural environment. For example, when we were in Phatthalung, many of the local dyeing industries used plant-based dyes instead of chemical ones. This approach reduces the harm that chemical dyes can cause to the human body while also promoting the local culture.

# data[].attributes.body
DESTINATION - Kampala

African Fish Eagle

It’s the national bird of Uganda.

Found near Lake Victoria and other water bodies.

Symbol of strength and freedom, and important for eco-tourism.

Marabou Stork

Commonly seen around Kampala, especially in urban areas.

Helps clean up waste by feeding on garbage and dead animals.

Plays a role in the city’s natural cleanup system.

Black-and-white Colobus Monkey

Found in forested areas near Kampala, like Mabira Forest.

Important for maintaining forest ecosystems.

Attracts tourists and supports wildlife conservation efforts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The adult is a large, distinctive, chestnut-and-white eagle that sits prominently on perches near rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies. The scruffy immature is dark brown and mottled with white on head. In flight the white windows in the wings and pale, dark-tipped tail make the juvenile distinctive. It catches fish with a graceful, shallow plunge to the water’s surface, but it will also eat birds, reptiles, and carrion. It tosses its head backwards while making a loud penetrating “wheeee-ah-kleeuw-kleeuw-kluuu” call; it is one of the most distinctive bird sounds of Africa.

# data[].attributes.body
Sika Deer:

In Shinto tradition, sika deer are considered messengers of the gods, in Nara they roam freely in the city streets and parks. These deer play a role in vegetation management, feeding primarily on leaves, herbs, fungi, and tree bark. During winter months, they can even strip bark from trees, which helps maintain forest diversity.

Crow:

In Japanese culture and mythology crows are considered to be symbols of guidance and divine messengers, or a bad omen or death. They scavenge for food and food waste and are often attracted to large piles of trash.

Japanese Red Fox:

They maintain a diverse diet including rodents, rabbits, berries, fruits, and insects. In Japanese folklore and Shinto tradition, foxes are believed to be messengers of Inari, the deity of prosperity and rice. The fox's are often depicted holding symbolic items like rice sheaves or keys in their mouths.

# data[].attributes.body
Alongside fresh versions of mango and pineapple, I got to try other native fruits of Colombia. I adored the versatility of plantains, especially since we ate them for many meals. The chontaduro was a fun addition to breakfast because it reminded me of tomatoes but sweet. My favourite fruit from this trip is lulo, however, we didn’t actually eat it, rather it was in different drinks.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Oslo, Norway

Sustainability Question: How much rainfall does the country/region receive each year?

Oslo, Norway receives about 760 mm of precipitation every year. Western areas of Norway that have more mountainous terrain experience an average of 2250 mm of precipitation each year. This difference in precipitation is because of the regions’ relation to the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Since Western Norway is more exposed to the sea, they have a maritime climate similar to the Eastern provinces of Canada. Because of this, Oslo and other Eastern regions in Norway have hotter summers and cooler winters with less annual precipitation.

Reference:

Weibull, J., Enander, H., Christensen, J., Sandvik, G., & Joys, C. (2025, May 4). Climate of Norway. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Norway

# data[].attributes.body
Costa Rica in the rain forest Veragua receives up to 80 -260 inches per year between and places in Costa Rica that’s not in the rain forest receives up to 100 inches.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Discover the important species of wildlife or bird in the region of Costa Rica. 

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

Research Question: What are three important species of wildlife or birds in the region? How are they important?

1) Endangered Leatherback Sea turtles - Leatherback sea turtles in Costa Rica are endangered due to predators (Raccoons, Birds, Dogs, etc) egg poaching, and very low survival rates—only about 1 in 1,000 hatchlings makes it to adulthood. Poachers steal eggs to sell illegally or use it for their own consumption. That’s why rescue groups collect eggs and protect them in hatcheries, giving baby turtles a better chance to survive.

2) Red-eyed Treefrog- The Red-eyed Treefrog is one of the most common treefrogs in Costa Rica. They have about 69 known species of Treefrogs (Veragua Rainforest). The most critically endangered Treefrog is the Lemur Frog (Agalychnis lemur).

3)Resplendent Quetzal - The Resplendent Quetzal is incredibly important to Costa Rica because it's a symbol of the country's rich biodiversity, a cultural icon, and a major draw for ecotourism. I’ve also learned that Veragua Rainforets has over 300 different species of birds which is mind blowing.

Resources:

1) https://turtlerescuecahuita.org/en/

2)https://veraguafoundation.org

3)https://www.vacationscostarica.com/birdwatching/resplendent-quetzal/

# data[].attributes.body
desination: costa rica

edible plants

1. casava

2. chayote

3. plantains

4. papaya

5. cacao

https://crie.cr/what-types-of-fruits-and-vegetables-in-costa-rica/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Discover What Types of Fruits and Vegetables Grow in Costa Rica

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Costa Rica’s tropical paradise is not only a feast for the eyes but also a bounty for your taste buds. To truly savor the essence of this nation, it’s crucial

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

1. Sea Turtles

We learned from our guide, Daya, that the sea turtles are a keystone species, which means that they will only come nest if the environmental conditions (water, temperature, beaches, etc) are good. The fact that we saw a leatherback nesting means that the environment is still doing well.

2. Bats

We learned from one of the biologists from Veragua Rainforest, Diego, that bats are important pollinators and pest control. Some bats will pollinate by eating fruit and depositing the seeds elsewhere, like under their leaf tents when they poop. Other bats are insectivores and eat pests.

3. Butterflies

We learned from an instructor, Olivier, at TEC university that Costa Rica is one of the top 3 exporters of butterflies. One way that women in rural areas can support themselves is by raising butterflies to be sold to other countries, which further supports their local economy as they spend their profits within the community.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: Costa Rica

Research Question: how much rainfall does the country/region receive each year?

Answer: Costa Rica typically experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the green (or rainy) season. On average, the country receives about 100 inches of rainfall each year, though the more mountainous rainforest areas can get as much as 25 feet annually.

https://costarica.org/facts/weather/#:~:text=Average%20rainfall%20in%20Costa%20Rica,season%20and%20a%20green%20season.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Costa Rica Weather - Get the most out of your vacations!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Situated just 11 degrees north of the equator, Costa Rica enjoys a temperate climate year-round. Daily temperatures hover between 75°F and 88°F throughout most of the country, with varying elevations creating a huge range of micro-climates. The weather is generally categorized by two distinct seasons: the dry season, which begins in early December and extends through mid May; and the rainy season that occurs between May and late November. Both seasons offer excellent opportunities for adventure tours, and each has its own set of advantages. Follow our insider tips to get the most out of your upcoming vacation.

# data[].attributes.body
Costa Rica is home to a variety of edible plants that are important to both its agriculture and traditional cuisine. Pineapple is a major crop, especially in the northern and Caribbean areas, and is one of the country's top exports. Plantains are a common ingredient in many local dishes, depending on their ripeness. Mangos are also very popular in Costa Rica. Cilantro is a popular herb that adds flavor to dishes. Sweet peppers are also widely grown and are used in many meals for their mild taste and vibrant colour. These plants highlight the rich agricultural traditions and flavours of Costa Rica.

# data[].attributes.body
What are three important species of wildlife or birds in your region? How are they important?

1. Japanese Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)
Roaming Nara Park and Mount Ikoma’s foothills, they’ve been Kasuga Shrine messengers for over 1,300 years. Their grazing keeps grasslands open—though unchecked numbers can lead to overbrowsing.

2. Copper Pheasant (Syrmaticus soemmerringii)
An endemic forest dweller of western Japan, it needs dense undergrowth to nest and feed. Its presence marks a healthy ecosystem, and its iridescent plumage draws eco-tourism.

3. Japanese Serow (Capricornis crispus)
This goat-like ruminant inhabits Ikoma’s high elevations and was named a Special Natural Monument in 1955. By browsing shoots and leaves, it cycles nutrients in mountain forests, reflecting effective conservation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Guide to Birding in Costa Rica | Costa Rica Experts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Don’t miss our birds of Costa Rica checklist. With over 903 known species, Costa Rica birds incite passion in birders and provide endless discovery.

# data[].attributes.body
According to locals in the Netherlands, the climate has been getting warmer, with hotter summers and less snowfall in winter.

Winters have become noticeably milder, which has directly affected traditional events like the Elfstedentocht, a skating race that relies on thick, prolonged ice cover across canals. The last official race took place in 1997, and since then, winters haven’t been cold enough for it to be held again.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Elfstedentocht ( Dutch pronunciation: [ɛl(ə)fˈsteːdə(n)tɔxt]; West Frisian: Alvestêdetocht [ɔlvəˈstɛːdətɔχt], English: Eleven cities tour) is a long-distance tour skating event on natural ice, almost 200 kilometres (120 mi) long, which is held both as a speed skating competition (with 300 contestants) and a leisure tour (with 16,000 skaters). It is held in the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands, leading past all eleven historical cities of the province. The tour is held at most once a year, only when the natural ice along the entire course is at least 15 centimetres (6 in) thick; sometimes on consecutive years, other times with gaps that may exceed 20 years. When the ice is suitable, the tour is announced and starts within 48 hours.

The tour, almost 200 km in length, follows a closed or circular route along frozen canals, rivers and lakes visiting the eleven historic Frisian cities: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum, then returning to Leeuwarden. The tour is held only if the ice is, and remains, at least 15 centimetres thick along the entire course as about 15,000 amateur skaters take part, putting high requirements on the quality of the ice. The last tours were held in 1985, 1986 and 1997. All skaters must be members of the Association of the Eleven Frisian Towns. A starting permit and bib is required (€100 in 2017). Skaters must collect a stamp in each city, and at three secret check points, and must finish the course before midnight.

There are often points along the route where the ice is too thin to allow mass skating; they are called " kluning points" (from West Frisian klúnje meaning to run on skates over a carpet), and the skaters walk on their skates to the next stretch of good ice. In 1997 ice-transplantation was re-introduced to strengthen weak places in the ice, for instance under bridges.

The finishing point of the Elfstedentocht is a canal near Leeuwarden, called the "Bonkevaart", close to the landmark windmill, De Bullemolen, Lekkum.

Route table

Since the Elfstedentocht is such a rare event, its declaration creates excitement all over the country. In the build-up to a possible race in 2012, Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister remarked "once every fifteen years our country is not governed from The Hague but by twenty-two district heads in Friesland. And our country is in good hands." As soon as a few days pass with sub-zero temperatures, the media start speculating about the chances for an Elfstedentocht. The longer the freezing temperatures stay, the more intense this " Elfstedenkoorts" (eleven cities fever) gets, culminating in a national near-frenzy when it is announced that the tour will actually be held. The day before the tour many Dutch flock to Leeuwarden to enjoy the party atmosphere that surrounds the event; that evening, called the "Nacht van Leeuwarden" (Night of Leeuwarden), becomes a giant street party (Frisians, who have a reputation for surliness, are said to thaw when it freezes).

On the day of the tour many Dutch either stay at home to watch it on television (9.2 million viewers by one estimate), or find a place along the route to cheer the skaters on, either taking the day off or calling in sick for work. In February 2012, Friesland hotels were fully booked and expecting between 1.5 and 2 million visitors in anticipation of a tour before it was announced, as the weather seemed suitable.

There has been mention of skaters visiting all eleven cities of Friesland on one day since 1760. The Elfstedentocht was already part of Frisian tradition when, in 1890, Pim Mulier conceived the idea of an organised tour, which was first held in 1909 when 22 men competed. After this race, the Vereniging De Friesche Elf Steden(nl) (Association of the Eleven Frisian Towns) was established to organise the tours.

In the 1912 edition Jikke Gaastra was the first woman ever who finished the Elfstedentocht, but couldn't complete the full tour because the ice wasn't good enough after Sneek. In the 1917 edition Janna van der Weg was the first woman who finished the tour.

The winters of 1939/40, 1940/41 and 1941/42 were particularly severe, with the race being run in each of them. The 1940 race, run three months prior to the German invasion of the Netherlands, saw over 3,000 competitors start at 05:00 on 30 January, with the first five finishing at 16:34. The event dominated the front pages of Dutch newspapers.

The Elfstedentocht of 1963 became known as "The hell of '63" when only 69 of the 10,000 participants were able to finish the race, due to the extremely low temperatures of -18 °C, powder snow and a harsh eastern wind. Conditions were so horrendous that the 1963 winner, Reinier Paping, became a national hero, and the tour itself legendary. Paping could not make out the finishing line as he was snow blind by the end of the race, and many of the contestants had frostbite, broken limbs, and damaged eyes.

The next Elfstedentocht after 1963 was held in 1985; times had changed. Before, one of the best methods to stay warm during the tour was to wear newspapers underneath the clothes. In the 20 years between the tours of 1963 and 1985, clothing, training methods and skates became much more advanced, changing the nature of skating.

The tour of 1985 was terminated prematurely because of thawing; as early as 22:00 in the evening skaters were taken off the ice. In 1986 the current Dutch King (at the time still Crown Prince) Willem-Alexander completed the Elfstedentocht under the name W.A. van Buren, Van Buren being a traditional pseudonym of the Royal House. In 1997 Piet Kleine, who had previously won a gold medal at the Olympics for speed skating was disqualified because he missed getting a stamp at Hindeloopen despite video evidence that he had been there.

The ten-day cold spell in late January and early February 2012, the 33rd such occurrence since 1901 when temperatures as low as -22.9 °C were recorded in Lelystad, heightened the expectation of a 2012 Elfstedentocht - the expected day of the event, had it taken place, was Saturday 11 February.

On 2 February 2012, it was reported that 95% of various locks that controlled the water flow in the canals had been adjusted to maximise the ice thickness. On the same day, the Dutch meteorological institute forecast that temperatures would not rise above freezing until Wednesday 8 February at the earliest and that the thickness of the ice would be 15 cm from Tuesday 7 February until Saturday 11 February. On 3 February, the Dutch meteorological institute forecast a probable ice-thickness of 20 cm on Saturday 11 February and on 5 February they forecast an ice thickness approaching 25 cm.

On 6 February it was announced that the committee had met the previous evening for the first time in fifteen years. Although there were areas where the ice was not thick enough for the race to be held, the forecast for continuing freezing weather meant that they were optimistic that the race would be held. A press conference was held at 09:30 CET and the committee was due to meet again on 8 February. At the press conference, it was stated that in north Friesland the ice conditions were suitable to hold the race. In south west Friesland, the conditions were not so good, Stavoren being a particular problem where the ice was only 2 cm thick in places.

On 6 February a prohibition order on navigation on many of the canals in Friesland was extended in order to facilitate the growth of the ice. The following day the Dutch meteorological institute forecast that the cold spell would break on Sunday 12 February or Monday 13 February with the temperature rising above freezing point.

Late afternoon on the 8 February Wiebe Wieling, chairman of the organising committee, said that the race was off - the committee had to be realistic - safety issues had made the race impossible. A ten-day cold spell was insufficient for the event; the 1997 event had taken place at the end of a 12-day cold spell.

The time taken for the winner to complete the course is given in hours and minutes. Although temperatures were sometimes above freezing on the day of the tour, all tours were preceded by many days of sub-zero temperatures.

Women were first allowed to take part in the tour proper in 1985; before then they had to skate with the amateurs and no award was given. The women to cross the finish line first were:

The course can vary slightly from race to race, depending on the quality of the ice. The cumulative distance at each checkpoint in 1997 was:

An "alternative Elfstedentocht" has been held every year in January since 1989 on the Weissensee in Carinthia, Austria.

The lake is 12 km long and around 3000 speed skaters do either the 50, 100 or 200 km course at what is likely to be the world's largest ice sport event.

The Dutch Speed Skating Championship is part of the event and the fastest competitors do the 200 kilometer course in just over five hours.

Fietselfstedentocht (Eleven towns by bicycle)

The eleven towns cycle race was first held in 1912 and developed in parallel with its skating counterpart, but unlike the skating race, has taken place on almost every year - apart from the 2001 event which was cancelled due to foot and mouth disease, it has taken place on Whit Monday every year since 1947. The event has become immensely popular and as a safety precaution it ceased to be a race but has become a tour with a maximum average speed of 25 km/h between checkpoints.

The tour, which starts and ends in Bolsward rather than Leeuwarden, is currently limited to 15,000 entrants. Between 05:00 and 08:00, entrants leave Bolsward every eight minutes in batches of about 600 and those who complete the 240 km course before midnight receive medals.

In 2013 the organisers banned Velomobiles from the event by limiting the event to two-wheeled vehicles propelled by human power.

On March 27, 2019 Maarten van der Weijden, a Dutch long distance swimmer, announced that on June 21, 2019 he would start a second attempt to swim the whole eleven-city tour. His first attempt in August 2018 was halted due to poor swimming conditions and illness due to . His second attempt turned out to be successful. Van der Weijden arrived at the finish in Leeuwarden on June 24, 2019. So far in this attempt he raised a total of € 3,910,763.11 for cancer charities.

The Greatest Skating Race book by Louise Borden.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Elfstedentocht ( Dutch pronunciation: [ɛl(ə)fˈsteːdə(n)tɔxt]; West Frisian: Alvestêdetocht [ɔlvəˈstɛːdətɔχt], English: Eleven cities tour) is a long-distance tour skating event on natural ice, almost 200 kilometres (120 mi) long, which is held both as a speed skating competition (with 300 contestants) and a leisure tour (with 16,000 skaters).

# data[].attributes.body
Osaka, Japan, experiences "hot, moist, and rainy summers" with June and July having the most rainfall (Climates to travel). Annually, Osaka experiences 1,300 millimetres of rain per year

https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/japan/osaka

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours

The climate of Osaka, a Japanese city in the southern part of Honshu Island, is temperate humid, with quite mild winters and hot, moist, and rainy summers. Like the rest of Japan, the city is affected by the monsoon circulation: in winter, the northwest cold currents will prevail, while in summer, they will be replaced by hot and humid currents of tropical origin.
The town is located on the coast, in the Seto Inland Sea, an area relatively protected both from the summer monsoon and from typhoons.
In winter, there are fairly mild periods, with highs above 10 °C (50 °F), alternating with cold periods, with wind and rain, highs around 5/7 °C (41/45 °F) or less, and possible falls of sleet or snow. Snowfalls, however, are usually light, as are nocturnal frosts.
Summers in Osaka are particularly hot and humid, also for the heat island effect which is typical of big cities. There can be periods of good weather, with maximum temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F) or above, tropical nights and high humidity, but also periods of bad weather due to the summer monsoon. August is the hottest month, both because of the thermal inertia of the sea and because of the lower frequency of periods of bad weather.
Here are the average temperatures.

Rainfall is quite abundant, in fact, it amounts to 1,300 millimeters (51 inches) per year. Winter is undoubtedly the driest season, at least in quantity; the rainiest months are June and July, ie the first period of the rainy season (called Baiu). In August, there is a certain decrease in rain frequency: on average, among the summer months, it is the hottest as well as the driest and sunniest. Here is the average precipitation.

From June to October (but especially from August to early October), Osaka may be affected by typhoons, the tropical cyclones of Southeast Asia, though the area of the Seto Inland Sea is relatively sheltered (however, in September 1934, the city was hit by a typhoon that caused a lot of damage).
The cherry blossoming in Osaka occurs around April 3rd.
On the whole, the amount of sunshine is decent in winter, but it never becomes very good on average, however, there are two relative maxima, one in spring (April-May) and the other in August, after the Baiu rains, with 6/7 hours of sunshine per day. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea near Osaka is warm enough for swimming, with a temperature of 23 °C (73 °F) or more, from July to October, and it becomes pleasantly warm in August.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Osaka climate: average weather, temperature, precipitation, best time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours The climate of Osaka, a Japanese city in the southern part of Honshu Island, is temperate humid, with quite mild winters and hot, moist, and rainy summers.

# data[].attributes.body
How many seasons are in the region and what are they?

This are four seasons in Nottingham spring,summer,autumn and winter, mainly rain , sunny and windy/cold.

Have there been significant changes in these seasons over the years (ie. Expected temperatures and rainfall etc.) How does this affect people and wildlife?

Yes, the seasonal patterns over the years due to climate changes that effect both human beings and the wildlife ecosystems we all have an Master wellness course on visit the arboretum Nottingham

"Change is possible when we all work together. Tackling climate change in a joined up way, through what we teach, what we research and how we operate gives us the best opportunity to make a real difference. We’d love you to get involved".

Andy Nolan, Director of Development and Sustainability at the University of Nottingham , we are learning about the Nature Wellness in the Masterclass by have an outdoor nature walk as a class all together as a team

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/cop/our-university/our-university-and-climate-change.aspx

# data[].attributes.body
Osaka typically experiences an average rainfall of 1,200-1,300mm of rainfall annually (Cities Insider). From my personal experience and according to those who live here in Japan, July is normally the month of super humid weather and also rains a lot. I encountered such bad rain here; I was stranded at the top of a temple when it was raining heavily. When it's hot and humid, it really is hot and humid. When it's raining, it rains hard.

Source: Osaka Climate and Weather - Cities Insider

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Osaka experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa), with hot, humid summers and cool winters. The city is located in the Kansai region of Japan, near the Seto Inland Sea, which moderates its climate slightly compared to inland areas. However, Osaka is still prone to high humidity and significant rainfall, especially during the rainy and typhoon seasons.

2. Seasonal Variations

Spring (March to May)

Summer (June to August)

Autumn (September to November)

Winter (December to February)

3. Typhoon Season

Timing: Typhoon season in Osaka typically runs from August to October, with the highest risk in September.

Impact: Typhoons can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional flooding. Public transportation, including trains and flights, may be delayed or canceled during severe weather.

4. Rainfall and Humidity

Rainfall: Osaka receives an average of 1,200-1,300 mm (47-51 inches) of rain annually, with the wettest months being June and July.

Humidity: Humidity is highest in summer (70-80%) and lowest in winter (40-50%). Be prepared for muggy conditions in summer and dry air in winter.

5. Clothing Recommendations by Season

6. Practical Tips for Staying Comfortable

Hydration: Always carry a water bottle, especially in summer, to avoid dehydration.

Public Transportation Adjustments:

During heavy rain or typhoons, check train and bus schedules for delays or cancellations.

Osaka's subway system is underground and less affected by weather, making it a reliable option.

Seasonal Events:

Spring: Cherry blossom festivals and hanami picnics.

Summer: Fireworks festivals and outdoor events.

Autumn: Foliage viewing and food festivals.

Winter: Illuminations and New Year celebrations.

Indoor Attractions: On rainy or extremely hot days, visit indoor attractions like Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Umeda Sky Building, or shopping malls like Namba Parks.

7. Environmental Considerations

Air Quality: Osaka generally has good air quality, but urban areas can feel stuffy in summer due to heat and humidity.

Flooding: While rare, heavy rains during typhoons can cause localized flooding. Avoid low-lying areas during severe weather.

By understanding Osaka's climate and weather patterns, you can plan your visit or stay more effectively and enjoy the city's unique charm year-round. Let me know if you'd like additional information about specific events, transportation, or cultural tips!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Complete guide to climate and weather in Osaka. Overview of Osaka’s weather patterns and seasonal changes to help plan housing, clothing, and travel.

# data[].attributes.body
Nottingham, UK experiences four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each shaped by its temperate maritime climate. Over the years, these seasons have shown noticeable shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, with significant implications for both people and wildlife.

Climate Changes Over the Years

Nottingham has seen record-breaking temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns, reflecting broader climate trends:

Rainfall extremes: June is now the wettest month, with up to 67 mm of rain

Temperature averages: Annual mean has risen to 10.1°C, with warmer summers and milder winters

These changes suggest a warming trend, with more frequent heatwaves and less predictable rainfall.

Human Impacts

Health risks: Heatwaves increase vulnerability, especially for older adults and those with chronic conditions.

Lifestyle shifts: Longer summers encourage outdoor activities but also raise energy demands for cooling.

Mental wellbeing: Seasonal changes affect mood and routines; nature access becomes more vital.

Wildlife Impacts

Habitat stress: Wetter summers and milder winters alter food availability and nesting conditions.

Species decline: Pollinators like bees face habitat fragmentation and reduced floral diversity

Increase in ladybugs

Local Responses & Recovery Strategies

Nottinghamshire is actively addressing these challenges through initiatives like:

Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS): A county-wide plan to restore habitats and biodiversity

Bee-Friendly Nottingham: Urban greening and wildflower planting to support pollinators

Wilder Nottinghamshire 2030: A movement to engage 1 in 4 residents in nature recovery actions

These efforts aim to build ecological resilience, improve public health, and foster a deeper connection between people and nature.

References

https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/nature-and-wildlife/

https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/sites/default/files/2021-12/Wilder%20Nottinghamshire%202030%20public%20version.pdf

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/countryside-and-green-spaces/local-nature-recovery-strategy-for-nottinghamshire

# data[].attributes.headline
What are three types of trees or vegetation in the region? How are these varieties important to people and culture? - Lucy Shin 

# data[].attributes.subject
What are three types of trees or vegetation in the region? How are these varieties important to people and culture? - Lucy Shin 

# data[].attributes.body
First, Korean pine trees (Sonamoo) are one of the most iconic trees in South Korea and can be easily found in mountains, royal palaces, and parks around Seoul. It's important to culture, because pine trees symbolizes strength and resilience in Korean culture. Therefore, the trees often appear in traditional painting, poetry, and folktale. Secondly, ginkgo trees are also an important factor. They are commonly planted along city streets and parks in Seoul, especially visible during autumn when their leaves turn bright yellow. It also has a very strong smell, which not many foreigners are familiar about. The Ginkgo trees are associated with longevity and wisdom in S.Korea. They're often planted near streets, schools, and temples. Thirdly, bamboo and mountain shrub vegetation. Usually bamboo forests are more common in southern region, but they are still present in green belts and traditional gardens near Seoul, South Korea. It represents integrity and humility in Korean philosophy and art. As a result, these types of trees support to improve biodiversity, create seasonal scenery, and prevent soil erosion in mountain areas.

# data[].attributes.body
Destination: The Netherlands 🇳🇱

Research question:
Can you trace the water from rainfall (precipitation) to tap water in the Netherlands?

Rainfall is the primary source of drinking water. When it rains, water infiltrates into the ground and becomes groundwater, or it flows into surface water such as rivers. In coastal areas, river water is intentionally pumped into sand dunes, where it is stored and naturally filtered by layers of sand and soil over long periods of time.

After this natural filtration, the water is collected by drinking water companies and treated using gentle methods such as sand filtration, activated carbon, UV light, or ozone. Because the water is already very clean, the Netherlands generally does not add chlorine during normal operation.

Finally, the treated water is stored underground or in water towers and distributed through a closed pipe network to homes, where it comes out of the tap as safe drinking water.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune_water?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_supply_and_sanitation_in_the_Netherlands?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.atlasnatuurlijkkapitaal.nl/en/node/561?utm_source=chatgpt.com