www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I spend alot of time in CR surfing in the Tamarindo area and have never had any trouble with the locals. I respect their beaches and often ask permission of the people there to surf their break. It was the same in Hawaii. You have to respect them and they in turn will respect you. Believe me the word gets around the various beaches/breaks about you showing respect and they go out of their way to greet you, invite you to join them for breakfast or lunch or drinks. Respect their country and the people. There is so much to do there and to enjoy.

One rotten apple can spoil the whole basket. During a recent trip to CR, I was at Zona 2 in the afternoon. There was a young American male there who was being very obnoxious, insulting different races and nationalities. The bartender said he was on drugs. Eventually, Jim had him thrown out - I don't understand why he waited as long as he did. It is those types who make an impression on strangers. As others have stated here, you need to show respect to receive respect. If I was someone from another country who spent some time in the gringo places in San Jose, I would probably have a negative opinion of gringos. I wish all gringos would act civilized in other countries, but I think that will never happen.

Sums it up nicely - agree 100%

I don't live anywhere near the gulch in CR, and as been noted, it is a different world out here. I have found the majority of Tico's have a great sense of humor and are generally a friendly group. Quick to smile and shake your hand. I've had several total strangers stop to help me simply because it is the right thing to do. (out of gas/car problems) which I think is the norm.

I have lived in San Jose and met a few Tico shysters. One ripped me off (previous landlord). But any major city worldwide tends to attract the worst types of people.

If you do as others have said: go with the flow, don't insult them or their country, smile, don't be loud or obnoxious you'll find Tico's to be great.

Want a tico to like you? Tell them you think their country is beautiful and you find the people warm and friendly. They have a lot of pride and this will endear you to them instantly.

From my experience there actually is a problem regardless of how you are dressed. I am certainly not saying it is right or wrong, but Costa Rica like most Latin countries are stratified by class in ways that most North Americans are incapable of understanding. They often tend to be prejudiced based on socio/economic, employment and the country of origin of people. Thus, "elite" Ticos at an upscale restaurant will be quite aware of status of the "date" that is with the Gringo, and many of them will find it quite offensive.

If the date happens to be an upscale educated Tica, then it will probably fly under the radar unless there is a big difference in ages between the guy and girl- but if the girl is a foreigner or from a lower socio/ecomomic group, they will quickly size up the situation.

Ticos not only don't like Gringos, they don't like Nicas, Colombians, Mexicans or anyone not born here. Hell they don't even like the darker skinned Ticos from Limon. They are a racist bunch as a whole and fast to talk behind peoples back. Never saying anything bad to a persons face, non confrontational and scared. Having said that there are some very cool Ticos/as.

Many (not all) posters have made excellent points giving reasons why.

Here's another reason: anti-Americanism sentiment in Latin America - not just Costa Rica - is also fueled by the long history of US interventions, police actions, and outright invasions of Latin America countries. IIRC over 50 since 1900.

Many people don't seem to differentiate between the actions of Americans as individuals and the actions of the American government. So they end up with preconceived notions about Americans in general, usually dispelled when they get to know the gringo as an individual.

mh

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mh

No question I felt that a few times in Panama 15 years ago, I distinctly remember an obvious derogatory comment from a cabbie for no reason.

Noriega had his followers long after we took him in 1990. Plus we killed about 220 soldiers and 300? civilians (some say way,way more). And we went way overboard on the private commercial property destruction during the invasion with tanks and flame throwers and what not. I saw alot, alot of anti US graffiti still on the walls in the barrios.

An invasion like that is enough for some of them to say greeeeengo.

Haven't been back so I don't know but haven't read anything similar in trip reports on this board.

And I agree tico's def do not like the Nica's or their own Atlanticos.

Exactly right. I'm guessing you don't play out the myth of U. S. exceptionalism that says/acts like, "we're the best cuz we're the best", "I can be oblivious of cultural context", "MY stuff don't stink if I can buy my way out of it or blithely ignore it", et cetera ad nauseum. As was alluded to, folks in SJ or Jaco don't see us being real, but rather living out a fantasy. When they do, it's relating or not on a personal level, not "us vs. them". A lower voice, an absence of adolescent words or behavior (public self-control), a little humor and a bit of patience can be intensely rewarding. If you think the food is bland, bring your own Tabasco sauce but don't wave it or noise it around the dining room--if that attitude is writ large in your soul, you'll do fine.
To please Bro Gersen, here's that song (I've always liked it too): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUmNud_3lcQ << here's a smiling face to accompany (or at least that much a smile as he can muster): http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt ... MABEPwdMAs

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Bilko and others are right.
Act like a gentleman
Have some class
Try to experienc your trip to CR as living the high life and not the low life
Think about it: You can be a King for a weekend so act like one and don't be a slob

++1.
And above all, have a good time while doing the above. Remember, there are a lot of reasons that people may not like you that may be out of your control. This applies in any country, and sometimes you just have to say f**k um.

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."

Yeah it seems that many Ticos have the same problem that many North Americans have.

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Life is a short, meaningless journey filled with emptiness and pain. Get all the pu*sy you can!

Maybe this will add a little insight to the thread.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFJE8ZdeG8

Translation:

http://lyricstranslate.com/en/latinoamerica-add-english-title-here.html

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My English teacher said "I before E except after C". Then she told me to go to science class!

I did not take the time to read all the posts to this thread, but I will give you my humble opinion on this.

After living in Costa Rica for a minute I can say as a populous they do not "hate" gringos. But they do have a deep resentment towards us. Not all of it has come from the "douchey" tourists. Most of it does, but not all of it. Some comes from having to work for gringos or around gringos for many years. In general, the gringos who come here to work are dicks. Period. I still after 15 years deal with the same resentment from our employees as I did when I first came to Costa Rica. It is because we are assholes to people in other countries. We act entitled and arrogant. I know this will anger some people. And the people it angers are probably part of the problem. I have tico friends that I have had for 15 years and still they hold resentment towards me because of the actions of others. This is sooooo deep rooted in them that even the people who like gringos still hold a resentment towards us.

Like my man Mandela said, "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference."

the DR


<------OG'n the Ticos so y'all can enjoy Costa Rica........

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“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity"

Yep - as usual, you nailed it - nice to see you posting again; I always enjoyed your posts.

And sorry - this is one of the reasons I often (ok, a lot ) point it out when guys misuse the word "tica" to be another word for whore - one of the ways you can be respectful in CR - besides the ones you mentioned - is not use the word for Costa Rican female to mean whore - I can't for the life of me see why some guys hate that I do it; some need to look in the mirror