www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am seriously intrigued! A little elaboration, please!

I am surprised this hasn't found its way into this thread.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k9WObrEOzI

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

A lot of guys do not like this guy (can't imagine why homophobics would not like him ) but he is almost always right-on about Costa Rica and living or visiting here!! In this video he is 1000% correct about every issue he brought up as to why Ticos do not like Gringos!!!! Listen and comprehend and LEARN and you just might have a much better experience in Costa Rica; or for that matter, in any foreign country!!

"When in Rome do as the Romans do"!!!!! When I was young this was a common thing to hear concerning travel to any foreign country and people in other countries loved to have gringos visit. Today the "I am better than the rest of the world and therefore can do what I damn well please, the way I please" is the only thing seen and heard from most gringos and most people in other countries would just as soon you stayed at home or went somewhere else!!!!.

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

Bro BangBang57's 2nd paragraph cites 2 different eras. As travel was brought to the US lower middle class, all packaged and perfumed, it brought those who insisted on vacations being with just-like folks they were used to but in exotic surroundings. The travelers are mystified and the locals are angry when that doesn't happen. I don't see a workable solution.

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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

Jazzy, there is no solution to a dynamic situation. The key is for people to be respectful of others. Locals and visitors ... regardless of the country in question.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

A Tico friend of mine addressed this question in a rather unique yet quite poignant way, he said ; "How would you feel if Canadians came to your country en masse, they were all 7 foot tall, super rich, much much wealthier than most Americans, loud, bossy, rude, pushy, demanding, arrogant and insulting, lets say prostitution was legal in the U.S. but it was low key, mostly in MP's but they took advantage of it so much, it became widespread and out in the open, encouraging lots of non putas who normally would not engage in the act but did so because it became so lucrative and gave a sordid reputation to the country you were proud of..."

He went on to tell me that when he meets and gets to know most Americans, he ends up liking them and vice versa but as a group he and numerous other Ticos resent the behavior and actions of many Americans.

We're good friends from when I used to live here and work here, and stay in touch, I see him whenever I visit. I stay at the Del Rey (another subject, leave it alone, please...) and he won't come visit me there, we have to hook up at one of our favorite restaurants close to where we used to work together. He says many Costa Ricans don't like SEEING the putas hanging around the Americans in Gringo gulch, even though many of the wealthier Costa Rican businessmen enjoy the MP's, they don't like the appearance of our flagrant decadence with "their" women...

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

Sounds good to me.

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The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword

I have seen a few of his videos over the past few years. He's a frustrating guy to watch and listen to -- but not because he's wrong. He just makes poor videos. Heh, heh! No offense intended -- it would be easier to watch his videos if he would script and rehearse them first. His info is usually pretty accurate.

This particular video really could be condensed into one theme -- don't project your culture and values onto another group of people. Really, these concepts have not so much to do with guys from the USA coming to Costa Rica. They are about anyone from anywhere visiting another country. Unfortunately, the US has a large percentage of international travelers and we're not the most mannerly and gracious guests, as a whole.

It does pay to do a little research and to learn a little Spanish. You don't really have to spend a lot of time and get into too much depth -- just make an effort. A Costa Rican guy is not going to care if you say "Pinto Gallo" or "Pure-a Vida" so much as he's going to care that you're really trying, and not just making fun of him. Be gracious. Comment on what you genuinely like about the country. Asking questions is one of the best ways to move yourself out of "crass gringo" territory. Don't act like you know everything. Even guys who have been living in Costa Rica for 5 years don't know everything.

I have seen a few of his videos over the past few years. He's a frustrating guy to watch and listen to -- but not because he's wrong. He just makes poor videos. Heh, heh! No offense intended -- it would be easier to watch his videos if he would script and rehearse them first. His info is usually pretty accurate.


I too have seen several of his posts, think most of what he says is on point, I have to disagree to some point about the presentation. His seemingly unrehearsed approach adds to the authenticity and makes it seem more genuine in the approach. Sure it could be flashier but I am watching for his information and opinion not some prepackaged studio produced infomercial for his company.

I understand your point. He's just so unrehearsed and haphazard that sometimes I just want to yell "DEAR GOD MAN! Just get on with it!"

It's irritating, but mostly I'm just poking fun. The guy knows his stuff, and really does give out some good info. I don't think a person has to be so "chit-chatty" to seem genuine. People will know if he's telling the truth.

Focusing on his earlobes, I'm wondering how big the eventual decorations are gonna be. Reminds me of National Geographic pix of what some African tribes do to their lips, necks, earlobes in the name of beauty. Grotesque. But, yes, his info and opinions seem solid.

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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

try walking up to a street vendor and asking for "coño de helado" instead of "cono de helado". Things like this get Dwarfs into trouble with the locals.

Believe me, they care!

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

No, they really don't, if you're sincere. When you say it wrong, they'll either correct you, or give you that "look." That's when you say, "Geez! I screwed it up, didn't I? I'm sorry dude. Help me out. Help me say it right. O.K., it's 'coño'? Like conyo? Help me say it right, please!" (then I start laughing and joking about it, but not in a making fun of them way) Instantly, Mr. "pissed-off" becomes Mr. "Guy trying to help me out", and then we're laughing and joking together. Usually, they'll start asking me stuff like "How do you say New Yok?" And I'll start saying, "Yorrrrrrk. Try it."

umm ... nope. SHE took high offense, and everybody within shouting distance (and I do mean SHOUTING distance) knew it!

I did eventually get my 'cono', but it was served with plenty of back-talk. Good thing I don't speak Spanish, or my feelings may have gotten hurt.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Well, the only thing that I can say about that is...

Rule #17 of travel: You made an honest attempt to use the language, and it was not precisely correct. As a result, the native population took offense and started berating you.

Well...

In this instance, the native population was being A COMPLETE ASSHOLE.

It does happen. In the USA, In Costa Rica, everywhere. Don't mind people like that. If people are being complete asshats, anywhere on planet earth, then just brush it off and continue.