www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello maestros:

I recently joined this board and I must say that I am thrilled with the wealth of information thats available to a newbie CRT enthusiast. I am, however, currently spanish impaired and would like to be enlightened on the following:

1. What percentage of Ticas know enough English to do basic conversation related to this hobby? In other words, what are my chances to get the 'deal' done without causing any misunderstandings later if English is all I know?

2. How important is it to know the basic spanish phrases (that are listed in the posts here) by heart? Or would Chica's mind if I bring a crib sheet and try to read from it as necessary?

3. Is there any benefit to getting an interpreter to help out? Do such interpreters even exist who are ok with facilitating our mongering intentions?

Thanks and looking forward to some insightful responses.

Gaurav

Gaurav,

Welcome to the board. So here's some answers, but understand that I've only been going to CR for about a year now, so I'm still relatively a newbie and I'm no expert, so just know that this is all opinion-based.

Spanish is NOT critical to have fun over in CR... there's plenty of non-Spanish speaking tourists coming in daily that have a blast there.

Now, your fun-factor may be affected by your lack of Spanish speaking if you are a GFE kind of person, as you will not be able to communicate well and thus miss out on that 'connection' that you so thrive for. So, off the bat, you will be limited in whom you can select based on the chica's English-speaking ability. Now, understand, I think it's safe to say that ALL the chicas atleast know the crude basics necessary to get a business transaction done with a gringo, but English-speaking ability in terms of holding any kind of real conversation varies from kitten to kitten... Some speak it as well, if not better than you and me, others can barely make out a sentence to save their lives.

Back to fun-factor, if you are strictly an LAL kind of guy, the need to speak alot of Spanish is much less critical, as all you'll be searching for is the quick 'wham-bam-thankya ma'am' anyways.

But here's the bottom line, though Spanish is not CRITICAL, I truly believe that the quality of the overall experience of CR, both in mongering and in every other aspect, increases exponentially with a better knowledge-base of the Spanish language. So learn what you can with the time you have before departing, it will be worth every second of time you invest in learning the language.

Take care,

Ruffnutz

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EVERYONE'S A ROCK STAR IN C.R.!!
"Just when I thought I was out... They pull me back in." -- Ruffnutz on trying to quit CRT

G,
Welcome to the board. I'm also fairly new, only had 2 trips. But I'll try to answer your questions:

1. They all understand the universal language, green. They ALL know how to say "one hundred dollars" in English to which the appropriate response is "NO!". A lot of them will speak enough English to be able to negotiate a price and time. There are some that speak very good English, they are not hard to find. I would say most understand at least some English. (Some pretend that they don't understand English at all to see what you're saying about them. I found this out the hard way. ) If you want to ask about specific services, you should probably know how to ask for them beforehand. Going to an MP might make your lack of Spanish less of an issue, if you're worried about it. The prices are set and there is no negotiation, all you decide is which girl and for how long.

2. I would try to learn something, at least the numbers: 1-10, 20, 30, 40... 100 (AVOID THAT ONE!!! ) Crib sheets would not be a problem with any of the chicas.

3. I don't know if you can find somebody like that, maybe a local cab driver who speaks good English. But it's a waste of money in my opinion. You really don't need it. Just hook up with some CRT brothers at happy hour or SL and they would be happy to help you negotiate with a chica at the DR or SL. I have translated a couple of times to help some guys out.

I wouldn't get hung up on the whole language thing at all man. It's all about the dollar. Treat the chicas nicely and with respect and they will reciprocate with a good time. I'd recommend getting the VIP card, to get discounts at hotels, Zona Blue, some good restaurants, and some non-mongering activities.

OK, back to football for me. Later.

Ruffnutz and Orange:

Thank you both for the warm welcome and encouraging responses. I do intend to brush up on my Spanish as much as possible before I take the leap. I am seeking the Tica GFE experience that everyone keeps talking about. Of course, having an experienced veteran by one's side to initiate a newbie into the culture would be invaluable (or 'priceless', if I am carrying a mastercard ). Does the VIP membership help in that aspect or is it mostly for discounts and access to pics?



I understand that price and time are related. Are most TICAS time conscious or do they typically go for a no-rush attitude? Again, I realize that every tica is unique. I am just asking as a general impression.

Gaurav

Whether right or wrong, I've noticed that some (not all) vets tend to favor the VIP's more so than non-VIP's when it comes to advice and help on the board. I think it's due in part to the many "trolls" that join free boards just to stir shit up to entertain themselves in their meaningless, miserable lives.



You have to keep in mind they are working. This is a job to them, so they try to be efficient. This means that they will try to give the least bang for the most buck. Again, thus is also a generalization, and it depends a lot on the conection you have with the chica. There are many that are great no-rush GFE types but it may take you time to find the right one for YOU (everybody's taste is different). There are some that are all-business and some that are in between. Try them ALL!!!

Very true! But if you get the interview down or just read the body language which is super important too me sometimes you can tell or they may even tell you they are a one trick pony for the night & these may work out better for you since they may have less time constraints about them. I find many of these to find us interesting enough to hang around & talk afterwards which I really enjoy. If you just try to speak they really appreciate it. It makes many laugh & best to laugh with them at yourself. You certainly don't have to speak much if any to have a good time but it is fun to learn & I can't think of a better way to practice than with a cute Chica. Best classes in life I ever took!!

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

Guarav,
Welcome to the board. The above quote is right on the money!

My 1st trip to CR (18 months ago), I did not know a single Spanish word. I still had a great time, and ph*cked everything with a pulse. But after my 1st 5 days in paradise, I knew that (somehow) CR was going to be a part of my life, and that I needed to learn the language. I enrolled in a 6-week night course at the local community college (Spanish I), then followed up with another 6-week course (Spanish II). After completion, I got some "Conversational Español" cd's, and I'd listen to them when I drove around.

I've made 12 trips to CR since then, and my Español has definitely improved. I'm by no means "fluent", and I still have a hard time with the conjugation, ser/estar's, etc....but I've gotten to the point where I can carry on a half-ass Spanglish conversation with the chica's.

Like RN mentioned, knowing Español is not critical, but a basic knowledge of the language will definitely increase your experience(s) exponentially!
Plus, I think the chica's like it when we screw up the language a little bit. It helps to lighten the situation, and usually makes them laugh. YMMV.

Have fun, and welcome aboard!
Mikey-B

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Gaurav,
One thing to try is to make friends with experienced guys who speak a little spanish. It helps to sip a drink with them while checking out the girls and talking with them and get their advice.

Ace

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

Gaurav,

Your handle sounds East Indian. Here is a small hint.Latin is similar to Sanscrit. Genders, pronounciation, sentance construction etc etc. I figured this out in 95 when I first started visiting Costa Rica and other Latin countries.
In trying to learn Spanish, start thinking in your own native language as opposed to English. You will pick it up that much faster!

Ruffy, as usual is bang on the money. There is more to Costa Rica than just the "Gulch". Even if you are stumbling with a limited vocabulary of 20 words, people will warm up to you as long as they feel you are honest and sincere. In my later years of mongering, I hardly visited the gulch. I met many locals who introduced me to their friends and relatives and I had no problems enjoying "GFE" for the offer of a "gift" at the end of my stay with them.
In the Latin Countries. respect is huge. Conduct yourself with dignity and humility and treat the "whores" as you want to be treated yourself.

The trick I used to pull on the chicas ( after I tell them my ancestory) is that I am an Astologist. They love mystical stuff!

Enjoy yourself

And "Pura Vida"

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pablitho53

Pablitho53, you are right on the mark as per my background. I do know Hindi (a derivative of Sanskrit) quite well so I am glad to hear that it will help. Did you ever see many East Indians mongering when you were there?

And thanks to everyone for sharing their thoughts. I can see that everyone is pretty much pointing in the 'learn spanish and be happy forever' direction.

This post is a duplicate of the previous one. Not sure how that happened!

Gaurav

Not knowing Spanish won't hurt you much.

Knowing it will take your CR experience to a whole new level.

Pura vida!!!

Nunca pagues cien!!!

I have to agree with Ruffnutz, who by the way speaks Spanish fluently...

I think if you're a love and leave kind of guy, Spanish matters less; if you're the "GIrlfriend Experience" kind of guy, Spanish is crucial, or at least mighty important.

Also, the hardened pros are the ones in the Gulch most likely to speak English; speaking Spanish will allow you to chat/negotiate with the fresher girls.

As far as interpreters... many CRT brothers speak more Spanish than you do, and I'm certain that many would be willing to help. Myself included, although my Spanish is not nearly as good as Ruff's, Mente's or some of the other guys here.

Crib sheets? Sure! Why not? Many guys use those little Franklin language things, electronic translators. These can be wonderful ice-breakers with the chicas. Whether your "cheat sheet" is on paper or in a PDA, it doesn't matter. Go ahead an crib. No one will think badly of you for using notes, etc.

One final word of friendly advice: If you ever want a perfect excuse for spending weeks in C.R., enroll in one of the numerous language schools in San Jose. You can study Spanish for a few hours a day, then party your ass off with the chicas whenever you want! Your straight friends and family will admire you for improving your mind, and you'll be able to hold your head high when you return to the States or Canada, certificate of completion in hand. Just be sure to avoid trying to dazzle your friends with witty Spanish phrases such as:

"Chupame la picha." ("Make like a Hoover on my wing-wang.")
"Nunca pago cien, zorra." ("I never pay one hundred, slut.")
"Voy a comer/lamer su panocha, porque es rica." (I'm going to eat/lick your pu*sy, because it's delish.")
"Mi nombre es George W. Bush." ("I'm a winking sphincter.")
"Su padre es un playado." (Yo' Daddy is a pole-smokin' tail-gunner.")

Like that...

_________________
Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Gaurav,

I never met any East indians mongering while I was there. Just to add to this point, race does not appear to play a role in the gulch. The only colour that counts is "Green".
Since Costa Ricans do not meet many East Indians, I was kinda like a "mystical novelty" to them. Use it to your advantage in a decent way. The Ticas love Indian costume jewellry. This stuff is cheap and it goes a long way.

Let us know about your trip.

Cheers

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pablitho53

good one EC