With our arrival in the area of Perez Zeledon, fertile valley in the south of the capital San Jose, in the heart of Costa Rica, it was imperative for Yan, new esperantist since less than a year, to benefit from new international contacts and to use for the first time in appropriate context the language practiced with enthusiasm (the annual booklet of the UEA - Universala Esperanto-Asocio - is very useful to contact of esperantists everywhere on planet).

On the first day, we met Don Carlos Salazar, whose attitude immediately shows he has something different from other Costaricains. Carlos is an engineer at the hospital of San Isidro and impressive polyglot (Spanish, English, Russian, Esperanto, and a little French, German plus probably others). He learned Esperanto while studying in Russia during his youth. He benefitted from the international language to introduce himself tio the various European cultures and especially to make friends everywhere. He has very diverse interests, all illustrating great compassion for fellow beings: politics, environment, citizenship issues (such as bicycle issue), life alternatives, community activities and also arts, for example music.

Carlos is proud representing esperantist and puts heart in all that he undertakes. He invests himself in the places where he evolves : at the hospital, the music school where his daughter is a clarinettist, in the municipality of Perez Zeledon, etc. Having spent several occasion in his presence, we had the impression that he knew everyone in the area!

Although his is particularly different from Costaricains in general beacause of his more politicized and polycultural sides, Carlos shares the joy in life, simplicity and generosity which are common Costaricains. Moreover, on several occasions he helped us (not to say saved us, Vickie and me). First at the hospital when I had stones in the kidney, he avoided us interminable waiting for papers and the medication. At the music school his intervention made it possible for Vickie to play of the piano almost whenever she wished! Finally his multiple contacts helped us to visit farms, to rent equipment, etc. We noticed that the devotion he granted us is not reseved to the esperantists, for he is also incredibly generous with his pars and young people.

Finally, we want to tell you thank you Don Carlos Salazar for your incredible assistance. I see you as an ambassador of Esperanto and of humanity. You greatly inspire us. You were a jewel in the heart of our voyage in Costa Rica. Thank you so much.

Yan et Vickie