The REAL Costa Rica (redux)

Every since I published the Real Costa Rica web site, I have received a zillion emails and comments in the Guestbook. Most are complimentary and a few are from people who have really dug into the RCR and found errors (precious few!), typos (a LOT) and have made suggestions on how to better the web site.

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A Rebuttal to Michael

I was kinda wondering why nobody jumped all over Michael for his recent post on how bad is Costa Rica. Now, fellow blogger Erin has snatched up the gauntlet. Her response actually appeared in the comments area, but I wanted to make sure folks actually saw her words.

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Dengue Threat and other Stuff for Travelers

I have written before about Dengue Fever as something many travel agents fail to tell their Costa Rica bound clients, so I will mention here that if you are Costa Rica bound, especially during the rainy season (now through November), bring the Off or another bug repellent.

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Immigration Gets Two New Bosses

Immigration department got two new bosses yesterday. Mario Zamora Cordero (36) is the new Director and Xinia María Sossa Siles (32) is the sub-Director. Both are lawyers.

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Why Costa Rica is Just Not for Everyone

The writer of the article below, Michael Quinn, recently visited Costa Rica with his lovely bride Patrice.

I had the pleasure of corresponding with them before they arrived. He spend a couple of weeks here, and upon his return to the USA. Michael wrote the article below. It appears he may not be moving to Costa Rica real soon.

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Coming to Live in Costa Rica?

Between three of my websites, The REAL Costa Rica, this Blog, and my personal Blog, I get maybe 200 emails per week. I try to answer them, though this is getting tougher every month, and soon it is gonna get real ugly.

The hands down #1 topic of these emails is people asking me for my advice on moving to Costa Rica. Popular questions are:

* Where are the North American communities?
* Where are the good places to live?
* Constant questions about buying property here…
* Where is the best place to buy? Live?
* Where to visit when coming here to decide about a permanent move
* Where can I get a job?
* Plus a TON of emails from scared baby boomers world-wide who are just now saying to their spouses, “Holy SHIT Martha (or Clyde), there ain’t no way we can live on our social security! We gotta get outta this place!”

So, in this Post I am going to cast some pearls to you folks!

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Gasoline Prices in Costa Rica are just silly

I forgot gas prices were going up again today, so it caught me off guard when my wifey and I stopped for a routine fillup last night and found ourselves in a loooong line at the pump. The price of gas was going up another 50 some colones (10 cents or so) and for the average costa Rica, THAT is a hunk of money.
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Urban Planning – Costa Rica Style

The study by the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) concludes that if the disorderly growth of the Greater San José area continues, “we face contamination on a massive scale and quality of life will become practically unsustainable”.

Well DUH!

Jut kidding…

I say “kidding” not because this article did not appear but because even the dimmest bulb who lives here in the valley has known about this forever! Continue reading »

411? Anyone? Hello?

Costa Rica is getting a new 411 directory assistance system.

According to our friendly local monopy, ICE, you will now only have to say the name of the person or company they are looking for and the computer does the rest. Of course, when the computer cannot understand your request, the call will be transferred to a live operator. Continue reading »

Where is Christine???

It also appears that Christin has fallen down on the job as well. If anyone knows where be that cute little midwestern gurl… please advise. Besides… she owes me a CD!