Safety Guidelines These are here to help protect your health and belongings. Paradise can quickly turn into a disaster when guards come down and carelessness replaces safety. 1. QUADS - These are our horses. They are the most wonderful way to get around, and the most dangerous part of Manifesto. Quads are incredibly fun and also rediculously dangerous!!! It is VERY important to go slow on curvy, dirt and muddy roads or you will likely be in a painful accident. Maximum speeds of 20-25 mph will save your life and any faster can be lethal. There are no road rules so it is up to you to be responsible for your life. Medical attention is poor at best, and the nearest hospital is hours away - remember this at all times! 2. THEFT - Unfortunately petty theft is a major problem in Central America, Costa Rica is no exception. Watch your stuff! Dont leave it laying around! This is not the USA! There is NO 911! Due to tourists flashing expensive laptops and gadgets around, local thieves now know exactly what to steal from gringos. Do not bring anything of you dont want to lose. (cameras, laptops, ipods, cool gadgets) or there is a chance it will get stolen. Thieves know the minds of tourists, how to break into rental cars, hotel rooms and can also trick you into situations. LEAVE EVERYTHING AT HOME, BRING NOTHING OF VALUE! UNLESS YOU HAVE TO, LEAVE IT AT HOME! The most popular items stolen are: iPods Laptops - laptops - laptops Cameras Bags and backpacks Place all valuables in the hotel or house safe on arrival - DO NOT CARRY PASSPORT/CREDIT CARDS/TOO MUCH CASH or backpacks full of valuables. Do not leave valuables in cars while surfing, beaching, partying, or anytime! 3. DRUGS- The tourist drug trade in MalPais is rampant. There are drug dealers everywhere - they are pushy and drugs are cheap! Please do not invite ANY drug dealer to your hotel, house or any Manifesto event. You will only be a target for further problems such as theft and ISSUES! 4. MONEY American dollars are accepted everywhere and an ATM is on town. Credit cards are only accepted at few locations. Please use the hotel safe for storing your money and do not carry around large quantities of cash. BOTTOM LINE: If you are careless and forget that you are still on planet earth, you will place yourself and others at risk. Just because you are in paradise does not mean you can drop your guard. Play safe, stay aware, drive slow and party smart. Watch each other to make sure everyone is also paying attention to everything and keep an eye out for others. As a Manifesto team, we can make our week a fabulous one and not a disaster. These are the MOST IMPORTANT rules to follow!
	Copyright 2009 Manifesto Gathering