www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The tios, tias, primos, primas etc, are exactly the problem I had when living in Pavas and Tibas, poorer neighborhoods. The constant mooching, begging for money and disappearance of anything of value within a few weeks of purchase nearly destroyed my relationship. It is much better to live far away especially from the extended family and even more so if they are poor and live in the heavy crime/drug areas. Just my experience, and the barrios are not a good place to raise a K*D. You are better off where you are than where you were in CR.

Goetz

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In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!

Costa Rica is a developing country. I really think he would have had a different experience in a nicer area and should have lived in a different area. Switching cultures is a task for anyone. Adding to this by living in a poor area in that new culture doubles the challenge.

I thought "gringo" was another name for an ATM

Mag

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Rio4Me4Ever is on a constant quest for premium trim.

See this chit in the ghetto hood USA or in the white trashville trailer parks. Hell could even happen to me.

They find filth houses all the time in the U.S.A.

is the consensus here that violent crime is on the rise in San Jose?

from the lawyer, I can't tell if it is increasing or just beyond the pale. And don't get me wrong, I can't suffer criminals without having K*ds. I'm sure I'd be a maniac against crooks if I had K*ds.

shoot, garbage like this tries my cultural patience:

My recommendation is that if you want a place that is clean, safe and well run, move to Germany or Denmark. If you want lots of available panocha and affordable rent, you might like Costa Rica. Mileages vary.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Abogado,

I disagree with your perception of Desamparados. The ticos call it a middle class neighborhood, but that is by their standards. It is similar to Tibas. Both are considered to be middle class, but both are also VERY dangerous. I don't see how you lasted there for as long as a year. I imagine a gringo living there would not only be a target, but also an outcast. So, I guess I understand your bad experience.

I have lived in Escazu for over a year and just bought a house. I'm not as brave as other members on the board who live in barrios in SJ. I only associate with high class ticos who live in my area. They all treat me with absolute respect and we regard eachother as equals. With the exception of one stupid pirate taxi, I have not ever been given shit and I don't recall being called a gringo in the past two weeks. I go to the gym, visit restaurants and bars, attend tae kwon do classes and people all call me by my first name.

That said, I have had my ups and downs in CR. I have had times when I HATE IT here. I have times where I love it here. At one point last summer, I was going to give up and move back to the states. However, I realize now it was due to a bad relationship, which I recently ended. In fact, most of my issues have been with local women, trying to make my life a wreck. I have never witnessed a robbery. I have been scammed by a taxi twice to the tune of maybe $20 for round trips to the airport. I suspected one late night taxi driver of the switch and bait.... meaning he was driving me off the road to be robbed. I stopped him and he let me out. In the end, I don't know what is intentions were, he could have just been lost. (I doubt he was lost. In this small country, how many taxi drivers get lost?). So, I think I was lucky. I have seen a tranny chasing a tico at night. However, he was laughing and unafraid. I have wrestled twice with trannies who were going for my wallet. The first one, I threw into traffic. The second one was easily subdued. Location and street smarts are key in CR. Be aware of where you are and what the hell is happening around you because you really stick-out.

Concerning your experience with electricians... you need to network and go by word of mouth. In the past year, I've hired electricians, painters, plumbers, locksmiths and maids. I used my network to hire everyone and I have had no problems. The network is key in CR. If you need help with anything, be it legal, domestic work, medical, I'd always suggest using the network.

So, I guess my experience has been different. But, maybe I'm just lucky???? Lately, I have been spending most of my time in Escazu and Santana. I consider both areas to be much safer than my old neighborhood in Chicago, where mexican and puerto rican gangs were at war. I pretty much avoid the gulch lately, not so much because of the crime, annoying prostitutes or poverty, but I'm tired of certain gringo characters that hang in these areas.

I'm willing to bet that if you lived in Escazu, Santana, Curridibat or Carriari, your experience would have been way different. In the end, we all have different experiences and form different opinions in life.

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http://TipsCostaRica.com for pratical advice on living in Costa Rica.
In order to write about life, first you must live it! - E. Hemingway.

this guy is a victim of not planning and not doing reserach but he is not a cry baby everthing he noted happens everyday in Costa Rica I have a house in Costa Rica and when I bought it I entered the deal knowing that I was going back in time by deciding to live there. I grow up outside of the US but after 15 years of living in the states it was even hard for me to adapt to that life style again in Costa Rica.

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Living Life To the Fullest {Pura Vida}

[




Permit me to expand on the subject,, previously covered on CRT, etc

of Origins of the word "GRINGO"

In the USA- Mexican War of 1846-48 , most of the soldiers of
Gen Scotts's invading army were poor Irish 'Drifters' , part of the massive flood of refugees from the British induced Irish Potatoe famine of that time period unable to get a job in the US economy, who volunteered to serve in the US Army

As they marched along the roads on the way to Mexico City, they sang a favorite marching song " Green Grow the Lilacs, Oh" , of Irish origin.
But of course , the Irish soldiers all wore a bit of GREEN on their uniforms
The Mexicans picked up the chant of the song __ Greeengo --Go Home


Thus later , the War Cry --- " Irish GO GREEN"" or some such Celtic "Go grenmbragh" [or Erin go braghh]

Maybe ID can expand on the Emerald Isle Connection

So GRINGO has an Irish connect

Cygnus [Also Old Celtic]

Hi Cygnus, I think we resort to the same word derivation education. I think your handle comes from the Swan of old German and knowing your
nautical penchant, it fits, and knowing that noble beast. do not mess with it.
You know where Goetz originates, and I still carry the sword.
Pura Vida

Goetz

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In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!

Hola Cygnus,
As to mooning the Pope, no beer necessary, only opportunuty, the beer would just be a plus.
As to the gauntlet, always ready to throw down for a just cause, however I think there are much more deserving candidates for the Knight's Wrath than the Pope these days.
Maybe gringo means if you have the green then you can go.

Ein prosit, prost x
Goetz

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In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here!

Prosit Goetz


Agree completely about more deserving canditates
The one who comes to mind is a neighbor of yours in Tejas
Likely to start WW III

SCARY

Cygnus

Coming to CR as a trourist is one thing, but living there is definitely not for everyone.



Can't agree more.

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- must not waste chalk.