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I just returned from a 10 day tour of CA. I fell in love with the country and people. I am considering living in Alajuela. How do you meet North Americans there and I understand there is a Methodist church there?
Alajuela is a busy and well established area with many expatriates and of course it’s only 20 minutes (depending on traffic) from other places with lots of expatriates in Escazu etc.
There are many clubs here for specific expatriate groups like the Canadian Club and different American clubs so I’m sure you’ll quickly find lots of new friends. And there are also many different bars/restaurants where you’ll find dozens of North Americans hanging out and watching American football games etc, like the TexMex and Rock & Roll Pollo in Santa Ana.
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.comOr you can easily meet North Americans…in North America! I don’t understand why people move to Costa Rica and want to hang out with North Americans. Not that I don’t love North Americans (well, most of them), but since you even state you love the people, would it not make more sense to want to learn how to meet and hang out with Ticos? Don’t mean to pick on you specifically, William, you are by no means alone, but it is a question that genuinely puzzles me…
The reason for the question is that I do not speak Spanish very well, although I plan to correct that soon. But the thought is that initially because of language and cultural differences it would be easier all the way around to have the help and guidance of someone from North America to help avoid the pitfalls of ignorance, almost like training wheels. Actually one of the main reasons for moving to CA is the people and culture. I definitely hope to become part of the Tico community, which I so admire, and respect. But I do apprechiate and generally agree and apprechiate your point.
I understand your issue with training wheels how ever the best way to experiance a culture is to dive in with both feet. If you really want to understand and learn the language get associated with a Tico instead of the north american community.
Its ok to find gringos all over CR but you won’t learn the language correctly unless you hear and speak it constintly. Personally when I am in CR with my family I will never hear english unles my wife speaks it to me or one of my wifes family members trys to speak. It forces me to learn it really fast! The only problem that I have is when my wife corrcts my spanish too much. hahaha
I think it is wise to have a relationship with other expats as you are seeking William. It will allow you to reminisce with and may ease the separation anxiety that most expats have to mourn when relocating. I agree it will be much easier to learn Spanish if you are subjected to it 24/7 and take language lessons also. I think your plan sounds smart and well thought out. Relocating to a foreign country is stressful and you should do what makes you feel the most comfortable, if you look at the US history you will see those who immigrated here lived in enclaves with their former country people. Most of them assimilated very well to American culture while maintaining their heritage. I wish you luck on your move and go with what you believe will make your transition the easiest for you. You can always adjust your friendships and circles that you run with.
Please don’t be too hard on Americans/Europeans/whatever that tends to find some sort of comaraderie in a foreign land. We see this everyday in the US, yet its looked down upon if we criticize it. We have chinatown, japan town, hispanic sections of the city, even on the eastcoast you have pockets of different ethnicity. This is perfectly normal.
Now, if you are to come here and act like a king, that’s another story.
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