Comments on: I Think the United States is Broken http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/ The Blog for Travelers, Retirees, Expats and anyone who needs to know the REAL Costa Rica. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:00:32 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Robert http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-13074 Robert Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:11:16 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-13074 I outlasted the 40% who leave in a year but I am in the process of leaving Costa Rica and never planning to return. Costa Rica is on a slippery slope and everything that I see the natives are greasing that slope. Perhaps some of you who responded are providing a a bit of speed by wearing blinders. I visited Costa Rica several times a year for 12 years before living there for over 2 years. In the time I lived there my apartment (2 blocks from the Presidents home) was broken into 3 times. After I had the first break-in I installed a security system that did not deter anyone. My car was broken into 3 times; I had a friend (Tico) 85 years old that was mugged at 10:00 in the morning while taking his walk for 10,000 colonies. He nearly died and was hospitalized for 2 months; I was the victim of petty crime too many times to remember; and, on two occasions in one year would have been the victim of robbery in popular tourist areas if I had not been diligent about my safety. I do not want to live that way. I do not want to imply that I did not find some good people there but if you have exposure to the vast majority of people who live in poverty you will have difficulty finding anyone who is not opportunistic, has empathy; has any understanding that you should not have babies at 16 years old, the father should be in the lives and suppport their children; to get ahead you need to finish school; you need to work hard; marijuana (and other drugs) is not harmless (it is physically and emotionally addictive); and, anyone who considers being truthful as a common way to communicate. Somewhere I read that there are not guns in Costa Rica and whoever wrote that has to stop watching the US news channels and watch the local news that reposts on murders nearly every night. Yes there are a lot of Nicaraguans, Columbians and other Latin people in Costa Rica but they are not the entire problem. Is the FARC in Costa Rica? They certainly have a strong presence in other Central American countries and to think Costa Rica is not their next target is burying your head in the sand. Getting anything accomplished takes so much time you don’t have time to enjoy what Costa Rica has to offer. There are 3 or 4 clerks in the ICE office to service 40 or 50 people that are waiting. They spend 10 minutes with each person. Banking is improving because of the competition from foreign banks but what can be accomplished in 10 minutes in the US will take an hour. Someone on this blog described the roads as average to bad. I invite the person who said they were average to try and drive from San Jose to anywhere in a reasonable time. Maybe the surface of the road is not too bad but spend time behind several trucks that are traveling at 20 KPH and see if you can get to the beach and have anytime to enjoy that day. If you want to buy a car, be prepared to pay 50% more than in the US. By the way I have a 2006 Honda CRV for sale. Insurance (a government monopoly) will be more than twice what you are paying in most parts of the US with a 20% deductable on your car and the other vehicle if you are responsible for the accident. Yes, there are problems in the USA but there is a chance to get it changed and more and more people are demanding a change. I do not want to discuss our political system or politicians but I see more interest in changing things than ever before. I am not speaking of the changes proposed by Mr. Obama either. There is definite majority of Ticos that get wrapped around thinking that this is the beauty of Costa or that Pura Vida lasts forever; their apathy will only cause this to get worse and worse. Although many assume that we Americans are rich they do not appreciate that many of us were not born with a silver spoon in our mouth and worked hard for education and a career. Many criticize the US and refuse to appreciate the aid we provide them such as the new Coast Guard station, hospital ships, and the list goes on. My opinion is that perhaps there are people that can enjoy living in this environment but do not abandon what you have at home before living there for awhile. Fortunately, I am blessed and did not have to give up my residence in the US. I will probably never return to Costa Rica and hope that someday they can change what is obviously happening. I outlasted the 40% who leave in a year but I am in the process of leaving Costa Rica and never planning to return. Costa Rica is on a slippery slope and everything that I see the natives are greasing that slope. Perhaps some of you who responded are providing a a bit of speed by wearing blinders.

I visited Costa Rica several times a year for 12 years before living there for over 2 years. In the time I lived there my apartment (2 blocks from the Presidents home) was broken into 3 times. After I had the first break-in I installed a security system that did not deter anyone. My car was broken into 3 times; I had a friend (Tico) 85 years old that was mugged at 10:00 in the morning while taking his walk for 10,000 colonies. He nearly died and was hospitalized for 2 months; I was the victim of petty crime too many times to remember; and, on two occasions in one year would have been the victim of robbery in popular tourist areas if I had not been diligent about my safety. I do not want to live that way.

I do not want to imply that I did not find some good people there but if you have exposure to the vast majority of people who live in poverty you will have difficulty finding anyone who is not opportunistic, has empathy; has any understanding that you should not have babies at 16 years old, the father should be in the lives and suppport their children; to get ahead you need to finish school; you need to work hard; marijuana (and other drugs) is not harmless (it is physically and emotionally addictive); and, anyone who considers being truthful as a common way to communicate.

Somewhere I read that there are not guns in Costa Rica and whoever wrote that has to stop watching the US news channels and watch the local news that reposts on murders nearly every night. Yes there are a lot of Nicaraguans, Columbians and other Latin people in Costa Rica but they are not the entire problem. Is the FARC in Costa Rica? They certainly have a strong presence in other Central American countries and to think Costa Rica is not their next target is burying your head in the sand.

Getting anything accomplished takes so much time you don’t have time to enjoy what Costa Rica has to offer. There are 3 or 4 clerks in the ICE office to service 40 or 50 people that are waiting. They spend 10 minutes with each person. Banking is improving because of the competition from foreign banks but what can be accomplished in 10 minutes in the US will take an hour. Someone on this blog described the roads as average to bad. I invite the person who said they were average to try and drive from San Jose to anywhere in a reasonable time. Maybe the surface of the road is not too bad but spend time behind several trucks that are traveling at 20 KPH and see if you can get to the beach and have anytime to enjoy that day.

If you want to buy a car, be prepared to pay 50% more than in the US. By the way I have a 2006 Honda CRV for sale. Insurance (a government monopoly) will be more than twice what you are paying in most parts of the US with a 20% deductable on your car and the other vehicle if you are responsible for the accident.

Yes, there are problems in the USA but there is a chance to get it changed and more and more people are demanding a change. I do not want to discuss our political system or politicians but I see more interest in changing things than ever before. I am not speaking of the changes proposed by Mr. Obama either. There is definite majority of Ticos that get wrapped around thinking that this is the beauty of Costa or that Pura Vida lasts forever; their apathy will only cause this to get worse and worse. Although many assume that we Americans are rich they do not appreciate that many of us were not born with a silver spoon in our mouth and worked hard for education and a career. Many criticize the US and refuse to appreciate the aid we provide them such as the new Coast Guard station, hospital ships, and the list goes on.

My opinion is that perhaps there are people that can enjoy living in this environment but do not abandon what you have at home before living there for awhile. Fortunately, I am blessed and did not have to give up my residence in the US. I will probably never return to Costa Rica and hope that someday they can change what is obviously happening.

]]> By: Sugar http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12987 Sugar Sat, 10 May 2008 00:22:23 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12987 Hey, I will be studying at a university called Veritas University and it says that I will be living most likely either in a Tico/Tica home (homestay), or a shared apartment nearby. I think it's all in the Zapote district, so how safe is that area? Are there reports of foreign college students being killed? Because I'm just asking for info in order to know what to prepare for, because I am still going no matter what you say EXCEPT if you say that, "Yes, hundreds of foreign students are slaughtered each year in broad daylight." or something like that. Then, I might not go. Hey, I will be studying at a university called Veritas University and it says that I will be living most likely either in a Tico/Tica home (homestay), or a shared apartment nearby. I think it’s all in the Zapote district, so how safe is that area? Are there reports of foreign college students being killed? Because I’m just asking for info in order to know what to prepare for, because I am still going no matter what you say EXCEPT if you say that, “Yes, hundreds of foreign students are slaughtered each year in broad daylight.” or something like that. Then, I might not go.

]]> By: Bob http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12984 Bob Thu, 08 May 2008 23:42:12 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12984 I really enjoyed your in depth web site and my subsequent 2 weeks vacation in C.R. I found the people to be very genuine and helpful(my wife and I stayed in a B&B in the outskirts of San Jose). Anyway, to comment on the stealing thing, I have lived in Western Samoa and had almost everything I owned stolen in the first year. All that meant was that I needed a smaller storage space with a bigger lock (camera gear, travelers checks, and passport). It was actually quite comical to see a Samoan wearing one of my tee shirts that advertised Schrader Wood stoves. You get over it and you find out you didn't really need all that stuff anyway. Further, I found that staying out of the "European compound" and living in the Samoan village enhanced my cultural experience and forged many long lasting friendships. I am planning an experimental stay in C.R. soon and hope to pursue similar living arrangements that worked so well for me in the South Pacific. p.s. Happy 8th of may to you all. I really enjoyed your in depth web site and my subsequent 2 weeks vacation in C.R. I found the people to be very genuine and helpful(my wife and I stayed in a B&B in the outskirts of San Jose). Anyway, to comment on the stealing thing, I have lived in Western Samoa and had almost everything I owned stolen in the first year. All that meant was that I needed a smaller storage space with a bigger lock (camera gear, travelers checks, and passport). It was actually quite comical to see a Samoan wearing one of my tee shirts that advertised Schrader Wood stoves. You get over it and you find out you didn’t really need all that stuff anyway. Further, I found that staying out of the “European compound” and living in the Samoan village enhanced my cultural experience and forged many long lasting friendships.

I am planning an experimental stay in C.R. soon and hope to pursue similar living arrangements that worked so well for me in the South Pacific.

p.s. Happy 8th of may to you all.

]]> By: Christine in DC http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12965 Christine in DC Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:36:49 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12965 I stumbled to your site preparing for my short trip to CR in 2 weeks. This is all very interesting--and what I find most interesting is that if I didn't know this was about CR, any of the things could have been said about American cities. Many of the very same points (about crime, people isolating themselves within enclaves) are made here. My city living has prepared me well, I think, for most street crime. I was reading a comment a traveler made about being relieved of their luggage that they left in their car at a hotel...I thinking "duh," but of course not everyone's had the education I have. Ever since moving here, I never leave anything in sight in my car--and truly, nothing in the car at all. I mean anything. I was taught that lesson quickly after moving here--broken into 3x (one time, my snow brush was stolen--doubt that gave them much money, but I may have missed the snow brush trade here...). A lot of it here is drug related, too. Affluent (or relatively affluent) people are often targeted--either because they are living in known rich areas or because they're new wealth in a formerly poor area. Similarly, it's the people who flaunt their wealth and disrespect what's going on who are targets. I see people prancing along in my neighborhood (which has more than its fair share of muggings) with their nice new laptops. Almost makes me want to steal it to prove a point. I digess... Anyway, I find the discussion interesting. I stumbled to your site preparing for my short trip to CR in 2 weeks. This is all very interesting–and what I find most interesting is that if I didn’t know this was about CR, any of the things could have been said about American cities. Many of the very same points (about crime, people isolating themselves within enclaves) are made here.

My city living has prepared me well, I think, for most street crime. I was reading a comment a traveler made about being relieved of their luggage that they left in their car at a hotel…I thinking “duh,” but of course not everyone’s had the education I have. Ever since moving here, I never leave anything in sight in my car–and truly, nothing in the car at all. I mean anything. I was taught that lesson quickly after moving here–broken into 3x (one time, my snow brush was stolen–doubt that gave them much money, but I may have missed the snow brush trade here…). A lot of it here is drug related, too. Affluent (or relatively affluent) people are often targeted–either because they are living in known rich areas or because they’re new wealth in a formerly poor area. Similarly, it’s the people who flaunt their wealth and disrespect what’s going on who are targets. I see people prancing along in my neighborhood (which has more than its fair share of muggings) with their nice new laptops. Almost makes me want to steal it to prove a point. I digess… Anyway, I find the discussion interesting.

]]> By: CA-gringo http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12898 CA-gringo Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:44:27 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12898 "1. CR is an earthquake zone suffering earthquakes at the rate of 3-10 per day. Most are too small to feel, but still home are build of cement and re/bar for SAFETY so they do not fall on you. You wanna live in a frame house? LOL. Better find another location. My home is concrete and for SURE I don’t want frame and drywall as I did in Chicago." As a 3d generation Californian, I find this comment highly amusing, and a little ignorant. The fact is, stud frame structures are among the -safest- to be in during an earthquake! Yep, it's been tested, more than once. It's because, like a good expat, they move -with- the prevailing forces, not against them. The unreinforced masonry buildings on the other hand, tend to collapse in heaps. Presumably Tico architects and engineers take it for granted that they need to plan for earthquakes. Maybe even termites. ;-) “1. CR is an earthquake zone suffering earthquakes at the rate of 3-10 per day. Most are too small to feel, but still home are build of cement and re/bar for SAFETY so they do not fall on you. You wanna live in a frame house? LOL. Better find another location. My home is concrete and for SURE I don’t want frame and drywall as I did in Chicago.”

As a 3d generation Californian, I find this comment highly amusing, and a little ignorant. The fact is, stud frame structures are among the -safest- to be in during an earthquake! Yep, it’s been tested, more than once. It’s because, like a good expat, they move -with- the prevailing forces, not against them.

The unreinforced masonry buildings on the other hand, tend to collapse in heaps. Presumably Tico architects and engineers take it for granted that they need to plan for earthquakes. Maybe even termites. ;-)

]]> By: Ron http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12891 Ron Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:56:25 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12891 Jim...I too am considering a move to CR. Perhaps we could share info and cost. southcltguy@aol.com Jim…I too am considering a move to CR. Perhaps we could share info and cost. southcltguy@aol.com

]]> By: James http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12844 James Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:29:07 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12844 Tim, I should have explored the blog more carefully. One of your other posts...Moving to Costa Rica answered some of my questions. I still welcome anything you can tell though. Thanks, James Tim,

I should have explored the blog more carefully. One of your other posts…Moving to Costa Rica answered some of my questions. I still welcome anything you can tell though.

Thanks,
James

]]> By: James http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12843 James Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:39:34 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12843 Hello Tim, This may seem a bit off topic, but I was reading so many of your catagories, I did not know really where to post! I agree with you about the US being broken, and after reading this blog and all the comments, I decided it was as good a place as any to make a reply. Thanks for your blog, I think it's great and I just recently came across it. I am a Army and Navy veteran, disabled but get aroud fine. I have a BS in biology and am a photographer and have had a keen interest in CR for many years now. I want to move somewhere in Latin America so have been researching all I can and trying to brush up on my Spanish. Land developers email me all kinds of things about the advantages of their "gated communities" and condos, but I love nature and have never really been into the retirement community scene anyway. "The Real Costa Rica" has confirmed a lot of things I had suspected. Thanks again. Now, I am 43 and wish to retire early. I receive 2,700.00 USD from VA disability and 800.00 from S.S. disabilty monthly. Could I live comfortably on $3500.00 a month there? (Thats tax free, or net). I do not want a lot, just a modest place with a good view...and I will be moving down alone. I am pretty sure I can still receive both checks and live abroad. Do you know anything about that? Also, I should have about $80,000 or so to bring with me by the time I make my move (hopefully this year. So my next question is two-fold...would I come out better buying a place already built or buy property and hire someone reputable to build for me? Secondly, have you got any regional recommendations for me to look into? I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me on this. I'll visit first, then I guess I should rent when I move, while I search. One more thing; I would like to not spend all my cash on a purchase. With a fixed and lifelong income I think I will be able to get a...lost for what it's called...pension type visa or residency? Anyway, I would like to be able to finanace at least a portion of my purchase and have some to put in the bank. I'm a tough cookie and a nice person who has traveled all my life. If and when I move down I would prefer to live among Ticos and their culture. Thanks again, any other advice is welcome too. James in NC Hello Tim,

This may seem a bit off topic, but I was reading so many of your catagories, I did not know really where to post! I agree with you about the US being broken, and after reading this blog and all the comments, I decided it was as good a place as any to make a reply.

Thanks for your blog, I think it’s great and I just recently came across it. I am a Army and Navy veteran, disabled but get aroud fine. I have a BS in biology and am a photographer and have had a keen interest in CR for many years now. I want to move somewhere in Latin America so have been researching all I can and trying to brush up on my Spanish. Land developers email me all kinds of things about the advantages of their “gated communities” and condos, but I love nature and have never really been into the retirement community scene anyway. “The Real Costa Rica” has confirmed a lot of things I had suspected. Thanks again.

Now, I am 43 and wish to retire early. I receive 2,700.00 USD from VA disability and 800.00 from S.S. disabilty monthly. Could I live comfortably on $3500.00 a month there? (Thats tax free, or net). I do not want a lot, just a modest place with a good view…and I will be moving down alone.

I am pretty sure I can still receive both checks and live abroad. Do you know anything about that?

Also, I should have about $80,000 or so to bring with me by the time I make my move (hopefully this year. So my next question is two-fold…would I come out better buying a place already built or buy property and hire someone reputable to build for me?
Secondly, have you got any regional recommendations for me to look into? I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me on this.

I’ll visit first, then I guess I should rent when I move, while I search. One more thing; I would like to not spend all my cash on a purchase. With a fixed and lifelong income I think I will be able to get a…lost for what it’s called…pension type visa or residency? Anyway, I would like to be able to finanace at least a portion of my purchase and have some to put in the bank.

I’m a tough cookie and a nice person who has traveled all my life. If and when I move down I would prefer to live among Ticos and their culture.

Thanks again, any other advice is welcome too.

James in NC

]]> By: Ella http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12803 Ella Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:30:26 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12803 I am doing research on moving to CR with my husband and 2 kids(1 school age 1 preschool). Where would be the safest place to live with the kids, and could the kids attend public schools (the cost of private schoold scares me). US has been a second home to us anyway (althoug kids have been born here), and english is our second language which we have learned fluent. We belive we could learn spanish quickly. The gringo gulch does not appear to me and we would move for economic reasons also so, I would love to move to a safe but relatively cheap place. I do not care for american food, I care for healthy food that I have to pay much too much for organics here. I am doing research on moving to CR with my husband and 2 kids(1 school age 1 preschool). Where would be the safest place to live with the kids, and could the kids attend public schools (the cost of private schoold scares me). US has been a second home to us anyway (althoug kids have been born here), and english is our second language which we have learned fluent. We belive we could learn spanish quickly. The gringo gulch does not appear to me and we would move for economic reasons also so, I would love to move to a safe but relatively cheap place. I do not care for american food, I care for healthy food that I have to pay much too much for organics here.

]]> By: Larry in Georgia http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/comment-page-1/#comment-12764 Larry in Georgia Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:08:16 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2008/02/09/i-think-the-united-states-is-broken/#comment-12764 I am in the initial investigation phase for finding a place to spend 6 months of each year. The other 6 months my wife and I will travel or live on a 15 acre place in north east Alabama. We have traveled quite a bit and lived in China for a year and prefer to live outside of an American compound. I am learning Spanish and intend to continue studying. Where does one start in looking for a place to live? We would probably have grand kids spending some time there as well but not the entire 6 months because of school. I have read your posts and find it very educational and enjoyable Thanks for any pointers you might have. Larry I am in the initial investigation phase for finding a place to spend 6 months of each year. The other 6 months my wife and I will travel or live on a 15 acre place in north east Alabama.

We have traveled quite a bit and lived in China for a year and prefer to live outside of an American compound. I am learning Spanish and intend to continue studying.

Where does one start in looking for a place to live? We would probably have grand kids spending some time there as well but not the entire 6 months because of school.

I have read your posts and find it very educational and enjoyable

Thanks for any pointers you might have.

Larry

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