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story from todays InsideCR

(can beautiful, downtown SoFla be far behind?.....at least they hand out concealed permits like candy here)


Australia Issues Advisory For Travel To Costa Rica

The government of Australia has issued a travel advisory for travel to Costa Rica. By way of its website, Australia tells its nationals to "exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica because of the high risk of serious crime."

The advisory also says to pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks; avoid rallies and demonstrations as they may turn violent; and to be a smart traveller.

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Costa Rica. The Canadian Embassy in San José provides consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica (except for the issue of passports).

The website explains some of the problems in Costa Rica, saying the incidence of violent crime including armed carjackings, home invasions and gang muggings in Costa Rica remains significant. 'Express kidnappings', where individuals are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATM machines to secure their release, are becoming increasingly common.

Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies and drug-related crime. Areas in the vicinity of tourist attractions, resorts, airports, bus stations, harbour facilities (particularly the ports of Limon and Puntarenas) and public transport are a particular target of criminals due to poor security. Tourists visiting or travelling through the banana plantations in the Province of Limon should check with public transport providers to ensure there is adequate security on public transport as there has been a number of attacks on local buses and taxis. Visitors to Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast and Puerto Viejoon on the Atlantic Coast should pay particular attention to their surroundings.

However, Juan Carlos Borbón, general manager of the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) - tourism institute - assures that Costa Rica remains safe for travellers.

Borbón said that he does not know the criteria used by the Australians for the travel advisory, he assures that "Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America".

Juan Carlos Ramos, president of the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur) said "I do not consider insecurity as a threat. Other Central American countries experiencing worse crises".

Ramos added "the situation is still manageable as we work to avoid further insecurity. These are problems that are experienced in all countries. At Canatur we working hard to mitigate the problem", he said.

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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)

Run, run, run....the sky is falling. Yea, after reading this I might cancel my upcoming trip



Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Thanks for the article CalifornicationDude.

I didn't know that Australia did not have an Embassy in CR...wonder why?


plus, I just realized/discovered that they demand a Visa to go there....most other countries allow US passport holders free admittance for at least a month....

what's up with that?

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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)

A phucking place that was a cast away for prisoners for Great Britain is issuing advisory for CR.. What is the world coming to.. I wonder if it end soon..

About the insecurity that El Senor the Minister mentioned--1 session with the right SL or del Rey Deb will sure 'nuff cure that.

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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

Bah, I'm more afraid of crime in Houston than I am in Costa Rica. I believe we have more violent crime in the Greater Houston SMA than they do in the whole country of CR.

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

chicago has been like the wild west lately, the cops respond to a gun fight and while 30 of them are there a seperate gun fight breaks out.
you don't see any country put out a warning about the good ole usa.

Orlando is experiencing lots of crime right now due to latin gangs and economic desperation due to the recession. Costa rica does not scare me. Only the trannies in the park scare me there.

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I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.

SHHHHHHH!! guys!! If Australia finds out how much worse crime is in the USA than here in Costa Rica, it may put a total ban on travel to the USA; and God knows the USA can not afford to lose a single $ right now!!!

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

You can't control the wrong place/wrong time scenario that can happen to anybody, anywhere, and at any moment. But the danger level can be controlled just by taking some simple precautions.

Was just up O-town this wknd. only for a day and at least on the road things seemed tense. Lots of people driving like idiots, very aggressive on the road esp. for 12 noon on a bright beaut. day!

A drunk stupid taxi driver pulled out his gun and fired at another taxista wknd. b4 last near Church St. Station about 1:30 AM on a Sunday when loads of clubbers out. I try avoid downtown on Sat. nights, early Sun. mornings there.

Whether Australia knee jerkered or not debateable however I will say they completely got it goin on over US in many important ways:

- Very strict immigration controls
- Strong economy with balanced budget
- Lots of job opportunities in many occupations such as Nursing, Engineering etc.. AND they encourage extranjeros if they add value to immigrate down under. Have thought about in numerous times.

...And the brothels there don't hide behind a legal fiction like pensiones do...Not recommending, just sayin'...Here's an example picked at random:
http://www.gotham-city.com.au/gotham-city-brothel.html

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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

I discussed CR with several Australians on my last trip to Pattaya a few months ago. They all said it was way too far away. Can't blame them for skipping it. Especially with LOS and Bali so close. So the warning may ward off the handful of Australia citizens with the ambition to travel that far.