www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Well, well, despite my intentions, I seemed to have stepped on a few toes anyway. I apologize. Thanks Scuba1 and Isra123 for the correction which I will observe from this point. FWIW, I have NEVER done coke in my life even though it's been offered to me umpteen times. You can choose to believe that statement or NOT, I don't care. Speaking for myself, I can get along just fine without any chemical alteration on my vacation.

Having said that, I hope that the discussion can move forward. After all, I'm only really interested in deciding whether to go to CR or Col. Please reconsider my initial post without any reference to drugs; where do you think my mates and I should go, and why?

As I've been reading over the board the last few days, I've been collecting more data points: Colombia seems to be more dangerous in terms of personal safety. Orange brought up the more prevalent acceptance of English and the relative proximity of mongering opportunities to each other in CR -- both good points. To be honest though, there are still some issues I still haven't answered to my satisfaction in my reading.

(i) Colombianas seem to be amazingly HOT. I mean DAMN, they're HOT. I don't know any personally, but if mongering pix are any valid indication, MDE might well be considered the Prague of Latin America in my albeit, cursory research. Of course, I've never been to either place, so I have no basis to judge whether paises are indeed better-looking than ticas, so I hope someone will fill in the blanks. Please feel free to offer any other qualitative distinctions between the two groups of women, including the possibilities for a GFE or PSE, and how hardened they are.

(ii) As I mentioned before, we will be a racially diverse group. Although attitudes towards caucasians have been well-documented, I have found no evidence of discrimination towards blacks, asians, or desis in my reading on either country, which is in itself a good thing. My optimism is tempered however, by the many instances of overt racism I have witnessed in my other mongering-related travels. Given the choice, I would hope to spare my associates any unpleasantness on what ought to be a fun trip.



I'll look into Peru for a future trip but for right now, I don't wish to muddy the waters between my friends and myself in deciding where to go for THIS trip.

Thanks in advance again for any constructive input you may wish to contribute; it will be appreciated. Flames will be cheerfully ignored.

* Edited for style.

Good updated intel. Too bad to hear that...

I believe you about drug usage, my comments stand re your friends (and I'll spare you the question, why would someone who does not do drugs want to associate w/ those who do - but its a question you might want to ask yourself)

I really would not worry about it - although I did hear San Jose appointed Bull Connor's grandson as sheriff

BTW, glad you aint a toot-head as they suck.

Since more gringos are visiting cities like Medellin... the perception among some of them is that things are totally safe. Nothing could be further from the truth.

i doubt anyone of you will get insulted, it ain't going to be like that, maybe just a no thanks, but we all get that once in a while for who knows what reason.

Thanks for the valuable perpective. While I've heard that kidnappings are down, I'm equally concerned about the possibility of confrontation with the native populace. Last thing we need is to get into a bar fight with resentful locals and someone pulls a knife or a gun. On that point, who are more confrontational? Columbianos or Ticos? I would imagine the former.

I don't mind answering the question -- there are extenuating circumstances (aren't there always?). In this case, we used to work together. He was more senior. Later in my career, he helped me find a job. As for shunning drug users in general, I tend to eschew moral absolutism. In my experience, viewing life in terms of black and white usually makes you look like a hypocritical a$$hat in front of your friends and family at some point in your life. That's just my 2 céntimos.
On some things, its OK to take an absolute stand - Ch*ld abuse, bigotry, criminal activity, drunk driving, drug use, to name just a few - I believe that drug usage has fueled many of our societal ills and I hate it - that said, I also believe that you have the right to feel the way you want, although feeling the opposite about drug usage hardly makes one an asshat - rather than go back and forth on this since you are never gonna change my mind, lets agree to disagree and move on




Ok, I'll bite. I'm pretty sure ur kidding, but that seems like one of those things that is so bizarre and random it might be true. Is it? Nah - just joshing with you



Well, I'm glad ur glad. Maybe we can share a few beers during happy hour at HLH someday.



Thanks for the valuable perpective. While I've heard that kidnappings are down, I'm equally concerned about the possibility of confrontation with the native populace. Last thing we need is to get into a bar fight with resentful locals and someone pulls a knife or a gun. On that point, who are more confrontational? Columbianos or Ticos? I would imagine the former.
Ticos as a rule are laid back and in some ways go against the latin sterotype - they normally will not seek out confrontation - interestingly, you are not all that likely to meet many if you stay in Gringo areas, or drink in gringo bars, or visit gringo venues (they have their own - why would they pay almost 3x the price to drink in a gringo establishment - overall really nice folks - some Americans however, go out of their way to be stupid and/or obnoxius - like refering to "ticas" as the generic word for prostitute (it simply means female Costa Rican) and in a Tico bar, fights have happened - but you really have little to worry about b/c frankly you don't come across as stupid - just don't be drunk, loud, alone late at night on the streets and you should be fine



So true. In which case, it's better not to dwell on the rejection. NEXT!