Central American Exports is part of the dream started back in 1997 when we decided to go on an adventure, a long lasting and life changing adventure. Our dream was to live and experience the culture of Latin America. We sold most of what we owned and left a very comfortable lifestyle in California to open a restaurant on a beach in Costa Rica. Although our focus has changed, our love of this area has not. We have remained in Costa Rica but have embarked on another adventure which allows us to travel, practice our new found language, support the native people and bring beautiful products to you, our friends and family.

On our many journeys through Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, we have sought out artisans and developed relationships with the local people. Throughout our web site we have highlighted some of these artisans to give you a better understanding of who they are, how they live and how these humble people have overcome hardships in a world far different from our own. Many of the trades are passed down from generation to generation and are practiced with fierce loyalty to their heritage. Change is not easy for these people, therefore, the products which are made today are very simular to the way they were made hundreds of years ago.

Not everything in our travels is pleasant. An example of this is the hundreds of street children in one of our favorite places, Granada, Nicaragua. In response to this, we made the decision to donate $1.00 to Casa Alianza for every typical Nicaraguan doll sold. Casa Alianza provides food, clothing and shelter for many of these children but, like many other non-profit organizations, funds are not available to help all the children.

We have had many friends,family and even strangers visit us since our move to Costa Rica. Some understand now why we chose this lifestyle and are even a little envious. Some are completely at a loss for words as to why we would choose to live at what they consider poverty level. However, everyone is in agreement on the beauty of the land, the warmth and genorosity of the people and the tranquil feeling which engulfs you. One must remember, the adventure is in the journey, not in the destination.

We are always interested in hearing what you have to say and invite you to email us with your comments or questions about Central American Exports, our adventures here in the jungles of Central America or just to say hello and let us know who you are and if you have a dream like ours. If we can help or advise you about Costa Rica, just drop us a line!