www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have my own definition of what makes an American ugly - everyone has their own definition based on upbringing, culture, gender, how much one has traveled and more.

For me - it is simply the act of causing a scene that is negative in nature (like a mean, loud, angry scene, not a happy drunk having a good time and not hurting anyone). I cut people a break depending on the environment in which the scene occured.

Sometimes, Americans have a right to stand up to being mistreated and when they do this, it looks ugly, but it is my opinion that there is justified ugly and unjustified ugly and when judging from afar, most people never know what is transpiring so I just let people be people and mind my own business and I don't assume that it is the American who is in the wrong every time.

Now, as for us judging Americans who are not mongers, I just don't think that is fair. I don't think it is fair, because if they knew what I was doing in CR, they'd most likely consider me the evil one for what many in the USA think is taking advantage of the poor, uneducated and blah, blah, blah.

Like Zippy said, if you live in a glass house, best not to throw stones. I simply feel that I live in a glass house so, for me, just for me, I feel that I shouldn't be so eager to judge others when my behavior isn't above reproach.

I monger, but it isn't something I aspire to do day in and day out. I'm more an M-man than an LAL kind of guy though I do tire of being an M-man so I have to switch back to LAL every now and again. In the states, I find a GF and then after I'm with her for a while I start to think about what I'm missing by being with her so I usually do something to screw up the relationship so I can get back to single and then find another GF.... over and over again. Historically, I can hang with a GF for at least a year and usually 2 years maximum and then I'm single for a year. So, if you are still reading this (haha), you can tell that I'm not a hardcore monger.

Bottom line, if anyone truly feels like their behavior as a monger is okay in the eyes of non-mongers then fine by me - I'm actually envious. I feel guilty about it, because I can't talk to anyone else about it except for other mongers (maybe something to do with my upbringing, culture, etc, etc).

Okay, I've explained too much! This is the last time I'll respond to this post so flame away (not that I thought El C flamed me).

*

D2864

trust me bro, you're not in tht boat alone...

Right Hand Man wrote:


For the record, Ticos are also North Americans.

Do not think most Tico's would agree with that. Most think Norte Americanos are from Canada, United States and Mexico.

They identify themselves as Central Americanos.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Pimsluer says that South, Central and North Americans think of themselves as "Americans." South and Central Americans refer to people in the USA and Canada as NorteAmericanos.

Some NorteAmericanos say Costa Rico.... that makes me chuckle a bit. Get it, Puerto Rica and Costa Rico... no it is Puerta Rico and Costo Rica... no really it is Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Just messing with you guys.

While that mey be technically correct, people from Central America don't consider themselves either North or South Americans. The term Norteamericanos generally refers to people from the U.S.A., but it often includes Canadians as well.

OK class, who was the first westerner to cross the isthmus?

(and no, it wasn't Circus, though he's old enough)

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

Balboa had to have crossed the isthmus at least 5 or 10 years before Circus did!

You can still hike part of this ancient trail here in panama. Not a bad idea for historians and naturalists alike. Check out this link...or look up links with an online search of "Las Cruces trail"...

http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_12/is ... rs_01.html

As a bartender in Jaco, I will give you a few more lessons.
1) The big one! Do NOT psssst or hiss at bartenders for attention. Ticos do it, and it is considered highly highly rude. It is the same as calling a dog. Trust me, its not just this gringo that hates it, all the grils do.
2) Know that when tapping your change on the bar, this is another way to try to get the bartenders attention, somewhat like tapping a bottle on the bar in the states. Doesn{t go over well with all.
3) For the younger readers (Actually for all of you), make sure you have that photocopy of your passport. Migra raided a year ago and hauled off 50 or 60 gringos. Don{t think that your immune from immigration because you are white. So, for our younger readers, if you are carded, please don{t put up a fight, it{s the law, and honestly for your own good.
4) Abd yes, $100 bills with CBB2 are still not accepted. Change them at your bank in the states, this should save you a lot of hassle.

welch...good points and advice on most points. The only thing i would challenge is that while I agree its rude, the "pssst" is sometimes the only way I have been able to get a server or bartenders attention. As you are probably aware, common levels of service in the states is a rareity in Costa Rica. With automatic 10% tips no matter what level of service, you often get about 2% worth in most places...including Jaco. So, if a service person in CR passes by 4 times without looking my way, or after 3 requests still hasnt gotten me another beer...I find a loud PSSST to be justified. And unfortunately, it is normally quite effective as well...

Really, I've seen chicas doing this quite often to each other and waiters,etc. why do they do it so much if they hate it.. so just what is the "proper" way to get someone's attention in CR?

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

have a really thirsty look in your eyes and lean all the way over the bar (get on your tippy toes) so you nearly can kiss a waitress.... works everytime.

*******

Oh freakin' hell I just earned my masters in mongering (500 posts so obviously I have no life). I feel demoted... Chicas are no longer asking me for advice! Now I have a BS, MS and MM degree. Sorry guys... on to my PhD in MM.

...and wave some cash around...

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY