after getting to know enough of the women under 25, I think the real gems are Costa Rican women over 30. Those who have seen a little suffering, who have a Ch*ld have been through a bad relationship or two understand the value of a good man. My buddies in their 40s back in the U.S. could never hope to get dates with some of these gorgeous, cultured ladies...but here they beat them off with a stick. What's so great about thirtysomething Ticas? Well, they:

Are Less Likely To Be Gold Digging -- Once a woman has married or fallen in and out of love with a man only for his liquid assets, they usually learn that there are more important things.

Are More Independent -- When a Latina is over thirty and single, she is normally very independent (or in some instances, undateable) and self-sufficient. This is a plus in a society where women aren't taught to think for themselves.

Are More Confident -- Women over 30 anywhere are normally more in control of their lives, know what they want and are not shy about asking for it.

Have A Job -- A financially independent woman in Costa Rica is hard to find, but chances are better if she's over 30.

Think Like Adults -- Ticas are wonderfully sweet, but sometimes live in self-constructed, soap opera fantasies. The local women over thirty are more grounded.

Whether you date a Tica who is 19 or 49, they are generally very loving, passionate and beautiful. However, I don't suggest that everyone fall into the Gringo habit of chasing little girls when there are so many disgruntled, and VERY available women over thirty in Costa Rica who are basically ignored by Ticos (who are also busy chasing 18 year olds). For a long term relationship with a chance of survival...it's a much better bet.