Many in Costa Rica are looking forward to the new year, a year that his hopefully full of optimism and prosperity in all sectors. Or at least a better year than last.
 
Although before that can happen, one has to get through the "cuesta de Enero", the cost of the excesses in December that come due in January, added to that the cost of getting the children ready for the 2010 school year that starts in February.
 
2010 is also an election year, a year where change, maybe is in the works. A year that Costa Ricans may throw out the old, the traditions and vote for the unknown, choosing from parties that promise extreme changes, or may stay with the tried and true. Whatever the outcome, the next five years leading up to the February 7 presidential elections will be interesting.
 
Although doña Laura (Chinchilla) is expected to take the elections hands down, especially with the support of the women's vote, the polls also show that don Otto (Guevara) has a lot of pull with the women.
 
As to the economy, the oracle says that the world economic crisis did not affect Costa Rica as it seemed, but nonetheless, experts are seeing a "tough" year ahead, especially for the middle to lower classes.
 
Although the second and possible third wave of the AH1N1 flu virus will be contained, the vaccine for the virus is expected this week, Salud (Health) officials are predicting for an increase in Dengue, partly due to the lack of preparation by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and their inability to manage resources adequately.
 
The drug trafficking trade will continue to be a major problem in the country, a problem that is being blamed for many of the crimes and much of the insecurity.
 
The major problem in combating the increase in crime and drug trafficking is the inability to enforce the laws as they should be.