Not EX-PATRIOT: as in someone who no longer loves his own country nor is supportive of it.

Please keep writing bad things about Costa Rica. It is a good way to keep more americans from invading the country and perhaps eventually get the land back to the Ticos. You see, there is one reason why Cuba, despite the poverty and regime, is one of the nicest places in the world… no McDonalds, no Taco Bells, no Walmarts… and best of all, (sorry to say but…) no americans. Unfortunatly, that may not be the case for too long.

Enjoy your life in the U.S. Personally, I tend to stay away from there as there are way too many guns everywhere.

Cheers!

I can appreciate the feelings that you shared with regard to CR. I have to admit though, that some of the things you stated actually are the reasons that I am attracted to the country.

I too am at times called ‘Type A’. But I swear to you, going down to Costa Rica and just melding into the slower culture (I’m not talking the capital though) does wonders to make you stop and start breathing, experiencing, and just being. Maybe I’m getting old; but I look at the way society has gone in the U.S., with corporate-style customer service at every turn, great emphasis on efficiency, and immediate gratification – I wonder if something didn’t get lost in the process. Fortunately, in my experience in CR, I could see that areas that were a little slower, a little less efficient also created an atmosphere where connections flourished. People all knew each other. A sense of community. Here in the U.S. I have no clue who my neighbors are. And I know it’s not just me – I hear the same sentiment all the time. Obviously, that is not the case all across the U.S., but as I see the multi-generational communities literally being replaced by big-box retailers who feed the mass-consumption madness that we as a society are stuck in, the communities suffer.

Another point: the Spanish language. Let me tell you like it is: if you don’t know Spanish, you will always be an outsider in Costa Rica. It’s just the way it is. If you are American and are fluent in Spanish (or at least give it a running shot), you get a hundred times more out of your experience. My wife and I have been invited to the homes of complete strangers with the kindest of hospitality that I know would not have occurred if we didn’t know Spanish. But all this takes time and effort.

Okay, now two things: 1 – you never saw a monkey or parrot when in CR? Let me just say then that your wagon wheels fell flat off. 2 – there was virtually nowhere you felt safe going out at night? Again, where on earth were you? (Other than San Jose and many Puerto Limon). I can honestly say that in many places I have never felt safer. Samara, Santa Elena, La Fortuna, Heredia, Alajuela, Bananito, hey even Montezuma. I just don’t get it.

I’ll tell you this though – I highly respect you for taking the dive. Experiences like that, whether good or less than so, help us find out what is really important to us inside. And even though you headed back, it sounds like you took as much good as you could out of it. My hat is off to you.

First, if you don’t want to pay American prices, don’t expect an American lifestyle. Yes, the Costa Ricans are more laid back (”Type B”, if you will) than Americans. That’s part of the pura vida. It’s part of what we should all embrace if we make the move. Costa Rica is not–and never will be, thank GOD–the USA.

Second, real estate can be found for cheap. Even close to the ocean. Check out Golfito or the Caribbean side. Again, though, don’t expect American homes for tico prices. Not going to happen. If you want to live on a tico budget, buy a tico home. Better yet, rent. I know people that rent on the beach, or very close to it, for $200-$300/month. And that’s for a 3 bedroom. Yes, it’s tico style. But it’s a slice of paradise.

Third, if you don’t speak Spanish, of course you’re going to be taken advantage of (i.e. asked to pay $500 for a painting). Happens EVERYWHERE. Just check out the next time a pretty blond enters the local mechanic; watch them tell her she needs a new engine and a paint job and, while they’re at it, they might as well sell her a new car. Furthermore, you shouldn’t go to a country to live if you don’t speak the language. There’s been more than enough debate over that here in the States.

Fourth, yes, there are parrots and monkeys. In fact, they’re everywhere. But they’re wildlife. Don’t expect them to be where are the people are. Darwin did have this theory, you know… and I doubt that parrots or monkeys would have survived if they eagerly approached every human that came their way. Go into the country, into the forest, and you’ll find sloths, caimans, and yes, monkeys and parrots as well.

Fifth, not all of the beaches are dirty. Many are gorgeous. The insinuation that CR beaches are dirty offends me, and I’m not even a tica.

Sixth, one American couple that was met on their way to Panama? I meet couples all the time on their way to leaving wherever they currently are. Again, let’s remember that many, MANY American expats are living quite happily in Costa Rica.

Seventh, San Jose is a city. Yep, that’s right, a CITY. Of course there’s crime. Costa Rica isn’t some mythical country; there are the same problems there as in every other place in the world. The bars? Well, they’re for safety’s sake. But did you know? Costa Rica has far less violent crime, murders, and at-gunpoint muggings than the USA. (They do have more petty crime though: purse-snatching, for example.)

Anyhow, I guess I’ll finish up with my rant here. I don’t mean to offend, but I’m passionate about Costa Rica and slightly offended by the article. Michael, I’m sure you and your wife are wonderful people. But, as Tim said, it’s best to spend months (not days or weeks) in Costa Rica to really get a feel for it.

p.s. The redesign looks great!