CR business has changed; is it good for the Ticos?

[crhomebuilder]

With an overcast sky this morning, Holy Thursday, and very little traffic, my first thought was an invigorating walk around my pueblo, San Antonio, Belen. I had been reading postings on several of the local forums about everything being closed and no transportation services available.
Within one block of mi casa, the Super Mercado China was open, with plenty of customers. I thought; of course, the Chinos are always open. After walking a few more blocks, I found all the local bakery’s open and the chicken restaurants firing up their cookers.
I shopped at Pali like any other day and the pirate as well as red taxis were lined up, ready to roll.
On my return walk, I noticed all the pharmacy’s open as well.
Additionally, the parada of buses had two big buses headed for San Jose.
All this commerce taking place, on what used to be a revered Holy Thursday surprised me.
I wonder if it’s good for the Tico’s?
They have many more stores open many more hours where they can spend their money. Obviously, these additional stores and hours of business employ more locals for more hours than ever before.
The bottom line is; things are changing in CR and there’s not a thing we can do to slow it down or return it to the old days. Pura Vida!

[Andrew]

So do you think this means that Costa Rica is on that same fast road that so many of our North Americans – who are moving down here – are trying to turn off?

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[crhomebuilder]

In my opinion, the well-to-do Costa Ricans have adopted an industrialized nation style consumerism. The average Tico, with less spendable income and credit, does not understand what they’re missing, because they have yet to covet international consumerism on a large scale. However, with the international banks now offering credit at more affordable rates, the average Tico has more buying power than ever before.
Unfortunately, credit can be misused by those who do not fully understand the ramifications. I don’t believe that the average Tico understands that the financial institutions that purvey the loans, intend to repossess the items purchased, if the loans are not repaid according to the restrictions included in the loan agreements.
The Ticos traditional “Pura Vida” way of life, according to a study of global happiness and ecological impact, currently makes Costa Rica one of the happiest places in the world.
I anticipate that the Costa Rican’s acceptance of credit and consumerism will disrupt their Pura Vida way of life.
I wonder how others, who have lived here for a while, view the commercial changes that have taken place and the Tico’s absorption of the international commerce being thrust upon their country.

[Andrew]

It is fascinating how so many Costa Rican covet the “American dream” – which is clearly more of a dream than a reality – yet so many Americans are dreaming of living in Costa Rica.

For me, there is no doubt in my mind that the average Costa Rican is far more satisfied and content with ‘life’ than the average American or Brit.

I hope that does not change but don’t honestly have much hope. It seems to me that this species – the ‘human’ – has been a disastrous natural experiment that is doomed to self annihilation.

Hopefully I am wrong but with each passing day, the evidence suggest otherwise.

Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com

[albertoB]

I personally know several Ticos who have moved back to Costa Rica after living in the US for several years. I can’t think of any Americans I’ve met who have moved back to America after living in Costa Rica for a few years.

[scottbenson]

I can tell you my mother in-law hates it, it really only has been in the last couple of years that biz is staying open during this week. I fear the worst is to come and little Costa Rica will regret it.

[Author]

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