Costa Rica Buddha Statues

While we are on a little series about statues, here is a puzzling bit of architecture to ponder. If you did not know this was a Daily Photo blog about Costa Rica, where would you think this photo was taken?

Probably the Far East, I would expect. What are giant stone Buddha statues doing in Tamarindo, a Costa Rican beach resort town?

The answer: helping to sell lots and houses. This is part of the entrance to the Tamarindo Heights development which, when finished will have a boutique resort and spa, and many other amenities. The lots are up the hill from the beach, rather than being right on the beach, which gives idyllic views overlooking the ocean, estuary and hills.

I presume that the developers believe that a huge, grandiose entrance like this projects an image of style, substance and stability behind the development. That is obviously a prime concern in the down market caused by the U.S. recession.

Tamarindo is on the Pacific, so I guess these Buddha statues do remind us of what lies on the other side of the ocean upon which we gaze at sunset.

The Garden Plaza Shopping Center, with the Auto Mercado Supermarket that I have shown in the past, is across from this entrance.

This week we are showing photos of Tanzania on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site, including some of the wildlife on a photo safari. Come take a look.