Description Young Ranch Children Playing with Their Goat south of Jaco in Costa Rica. This tiny rustic ranch house was at the gate of the palm lined path to the entrance of Esterillos surfing beach. The children would come open the gate for surfers to pass through; and often enjoyed the novelty of a sticker or a balloon as a tiny thank you for their help of opening the gate. The Ticos of Costa Rica are known for being a warm and friendly people, and these beautiful smiling children were no exception. One can not help but be impressed with the pleasantness and joy exuded by a people with such limited material wealth. When i took the photograph that inspired this watercolor painting, many of the rural homes did not have electricity ot hot water. Quality of life for rural Costa Ricans has progressed a greast deal in the past decade, in a large part to tourism and improved infastructure and most rural homes now do have electricity, a washing machine, small refrigerators and apartment size stoves.The ranch this tiny shack was on is now part of a profitible resort that employees numerous locals. Tourism always has downsides from development, but it has brought positive changes to coastal rural areas of Costa Rica by bringing work opportunities for women, providing a larger variety of jobs for men, highways for transport, city water and more consistent incomes. An emphasis on Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica has also helped maintain a focus on protecting the environment for animal and plant species while bringing developmental progress and additional comforts for the Ticos. Knowing first-hand the hardships of the daily life of seasons of May and April heat waves, January and February wind, September and October rain storms and dry season dust that the Ticos work through; is bountiful reason to appreciate the profound beauty of these childrens smiles.