www.CostaRicaTicas.com

It is always better to have more tools to use in your tool box. Just because you can speak doesn’t mean you have to. Listening to all their BS playing dumb is a gas but you can only hold the laughter back so long then you get busted!

I know many on both sides of this. Everyone has fun no mater what & that's the most important thing. I can say I get much more out of it by being able to communicate. I couldn't get the type I like very easy without this. Many times it makes the difference in them going with you over a guy that can only wave $$ plus sign language. It helps with the prices also I believe. Money talks but Money plus communication talks louder.

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"Run silent, run deep"
Spunk glazed Chicas are the building blocks of the universe!

I remember coming back from my first trip to CR and thinking the same thing…I need to speak Spanish…but the reality is I never really never followed up on that thought/goal…yea, I have the Pimsler lessons (hell, I have the Thai ones too…) but have I ever made it past the third lesson with either…umm, no. Have any of my trips suffered… well no.

But lucky for me… I live in Norte Mexico, also known as California…Spanish really is the second language, and having worked with the Hospitality industry in some way my whole career, I have no problem communicating in Spanglish…I’m great in restaurants in CR…I can read the menu, order, have the bathrooms cleaned, tomatoes chopped, swear or question the sexual preference of somebody …

OK, back on topic… When in a tourist area basic instant seems to take over…and English really is an (the) international language now due to the internet… anybody that uses lack of language as a reason not to travel is just looking for an excuse… Learn a few common courtesy words like thank you and please and you good to go any place…

Thanks for a reality check Circus…

Mendo

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"It takes a lot of good beer to make a great wine"

I guess my response to this would be that of course you dont "have to" learn spanish. As I've said many times before the more you know, the more your overall experience will be increased.

Kind of two things working here: In this thread we are saying ultimately you don't have to know spanish to get by and have a good time.
I tend to agree with that.

On the other hand when guys get into wanting to have GFE's or get the best bang for thier buck or truly be able to use thier wit and charm, time and time again it will come back to being able to know more than 25 words.

There's something about saying to a girl, ¿por qué me cargarías ciento? podemos tener un tan buen tiempo para menos.

That goes over slightly somoother than:

--- Hola, mi nombre es Bob........ no cien!

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"...

Cujo, that was well said.If you can get her to laugh and open up to you then the expierence will be better.

I'm trying as we write to learn. Book, Software, even listening to Latino Ultimo Radio on Serius.
But I find at 55 it's very slow going. Total immersion would probably help.
I'll try total immersion many times over the Labor day trip.
See Ya !
Stratone

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ALL FLASH, NO CASH !!!!!!

And I bet that the girl would say to herself "¿que me estará tratando de decir este gringo?"

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Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly!

Do have have to know Spanish to have a good time in SJO? NO. You don't even have to know it to live there.

However, my personal experience is that being at least conversant in Spanish has definately enhanced my trips. For one, the prices these girls charge drop dramaticly. It seems to me that once the girls realize you speak some of their language, they open up more. Lots of them want to talk your ear off, which can be fun too. Also, you are MUCH MUCH more likely to score freebies from girls if you speak Spanish. I'm not saying you can't get freebies if you don't, but Spanish definately helps.

In addition, I personally feel much more comfortable experimenting with new mongering tactics and locals because I speak some of the language. A whole new wave of mongering opportunities open up for you.

I have a buddy who is a member of this site, that I met on my first trip down here. He had been to SJO 5 or 6 times before and had mongered in other latin american countries, but never had the urge to learn spanish until recently. We both agree that the advantages to learning are too great to ignore, especially if you don't want to limit youself to Del Ray and Zona Blue Girls while here.

PS, If you want to get good at spanish quickly and can afford it. I HIGHLY recomend Pimsleur's comprehensive series. If you are on a real tight budget, pick up the learn in your car spanish cds and play them whenever you have a free second.

I can attest to the fact that LEE is a man whore . He's been coming to SJO for over 10 years. A parrot living in San Jose, flying high above the trees and buildings knows more Spanish.

Berk....

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FRUITCAKE... and you thought it was something you eat! Not on CRT!

Berk:

I have a room on top of the DR at this time will be looking for that Parrot. As for the Spanish I find my money gets me as for as I am looking to go. So come with more money than Spanish.

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PS: DO NOT SEND MONEY!

You've got that right! It's always about the dinero!

Berk....

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FRUITCAKE... and you thought it was something you eat! Not on CRT!

..

dinero:


dinero? Were can I find that parrot?


Lee

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PS: DO NOT SEND MONEY!

After 8 college courses in Spanish, many private lessons and two separate weeks of private lessons in SJO (a good way to spend your off-time), I can attest to the added fun of being able to converse with everybody, including the chicas. It makes the GFE's much more worthwhile. However, is it worth the effort? Certainly not. I think you have to be taking Spanish for other reasons (there are lots!) and using it in CR is just a huge additional bonus.

Monday I start my 9th college course in Spanish and plan to return to CR for a week of Spanish in January (+chicas, of course). Can't quit; I love it!

I lived in Tijuana for awhile. I studied Spanish before I got there and it helped alot. My spanish improved talking to dancers in TJ. When I got to CR, I was nervous about the quality of my mexi- spanish. But after entering the Blue Marlin and talking to my first Dominica, everybody was complimenting me on my espanol abilities. The Dominica seemed quite excited to be able to converse with a gringo in espanol. That resulted in an amazing four hour multi pop session for $80. I have a steady stream of mp ticas and nicas calling and emailing me, awaiting my return in November. Had a great date with an mp chica on my last trip. Spent an amazing day together. Great food, great sex, cost me nothing. Same experience in Jaco. All because I speak some Spanish. If you want a challenge, to be well thought of, etc. learn espanol. If you just want to be another customer, not able to enjoy the full experience, etc. Don't bother. Your choice.

I am one of those guys that cannot speak a lick. Before you judge check the VIP section under NYG


NYG

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Damm that water is cold!!!
And deep too!!!