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My wife and I always seem to meet interesting people here but one out of the two always seems to be a bit weird?
One day we meet a couple and the wife is just terrific and the husband is a complete whacko and the next week it’s the other way around.
Is it the type of expat that moves to Costa Rica or is it just us? I’m beginning to wonder.
[quote=”jimkrica”] One day we meet a couple and the wife is just terrific and the husband is a complete whacko and the next week it’s the other way around.
Is it the type of expat that moves to Costa Rica or is it just us? I’m beginning to wonder.[/quote]
I don’t associate with many Gringos so I can’t address your question but I am really waiting to see what kind of responses you get.:D
My wife belongs to Newconers and a book club but from what she says, and those I have met, the gals all seem to be pretty normal.
In our experience, the mix is about 50-50 between folks you’d like to know well and folks you hope never to encounter again. It’s pretty much like everywhere else.
As the old Pennsylvania Dutchman said to his wife, [i]”All the world’s queer but thee and me, Becky, and sometimes I’m not sure about thee.”
[/i][quote=”jimkrica”]My wife and I always seem to meet interesting people here but one out of the two always seems to be a bit weird?
One day we meet a couple and the wife is just terrific and the husband is a complete whacko and the next week it’s the other way around.
Is it the type of expat that moves to Costa Rica or is it just us? I’m beginning to wonder.[/quote]
How are you defining “interesting”? Interesting to one is boring to another. How are you defining “whacko”?
As for couples of the terrific-and-whacko variety is simply indicative that opposites attract and that the “terrific” spouse thinks that the “whacko” spouse in interesting.
As to expat-types who move to Costa Rica: those who are divorced or who are widowers or widows or who are tired with their job at “home”, who think they can live better on the little money they have (often a myth), who have no family or no other loved ones, who are literally “wanted,” who are escaping from one thing or another (sometimes themselves), who are incapable of loving or being loved. The expats are people one finds anywhere or everywhere. Many do read lots of books because they have the time. If one inquires, one will find surprises — pleasant and unpleasant — all the time. Good luck. Keep an open mind.
My wife and I are “young” compared to the “normal” age of gringos that retire to CR. I am 40’s she is 30’s. We have a challenging time finding people our age to do things with. I expected that so we spend a lot of time with each other which is fine with me. The people we have met around my house are all over 60 and tend to ask the most personal questions right out of the gate. “How can you afford to build that house, where does your money come from, ect. I find these questions not only rude but intrusive, especially from strangers I just met. The banks are the same way. How could I have money at my young age. Anyway, I have met some really good people I enjoy spending time with and some real pieces of work I avoid.
A friend of mine and I have a list of what we call the “Creeps, Crazies, and Criminals” — and with each new influx of expats, the list grows. Out of every 50 expats that I meet, maybe — and that’s a big maybe — one of them is a person with whom i have even the slightest thing in common. The others, well, I am sure they are nice people and their families love them, but they seem to come with a lot of baggage, prejudices, and a very narrow outlook on the world. I also tend to shy away from those who are “medicated” — for me that is a great big red flag! my biggest complaint about the gringos who move here is that they are just plain boring and/or obnoxious and thrive on the minutae of life.
[quote=”Livefreeordie”]My wife and I are “young” compared to the “normal” age of gringos that retire to CR. I am 40’s she is 30’s. . . . The people we have met around my house are all over 60 and tend to ask the most personal questions right out of the gate. “How can you afford to build that house, where does your money come from, ect. I find these questions not only rude but intrusive, especially from strangers I just met. . . .[/quote]
Literally a half a century ago (1966-1970), I lived as a divorcee with two kids. I was 31-35 yo. Having coffee with a few locals the first week I arrived, one asked me how many times a week did my hubby and I have intercourse. I, like you, was shocked. I came to learn that the Greek customs are different than those in the States. Ditto here, although they are much more conservative here in CR. Given that you and your wife are 30s-40s, people are curious to learn whether you inherited your money or whether you are using drug money to build a house here. Earning a few thousand dollars ANNUALLY, the Ticans are also curious how such a young man can afford to build a house here – never mind buy one. Although less expensive to build here, one still needs a few hundred grand. As for the local banks, when I opened a bank account locally, I was required to get a report from my local police dept in the U.S. and to have it certified by the Secy of State (MA).
[quote=”maravilla”] Out of every 50 expats that I meet, maybe — and that’s a big maybe — one of them is a person with whom i have even the slightest thing in common. The others, well, I am sure they are nice people.[/quote]
Now there’s an answer I can live with.
My social life as far as expats are concerned is pretty much right here on welovecostarica.com. I can ask questions and get knowledgable answers and respond to others with what I know.
No one in the area seems to have the same interests as I do but the locals do. For me it has been more a way of getting back to the type of rural community that I grew up in back in the 1950’s.
Bingo! The issues that preoccupy my time and energy are issues that most gringos don’t care about — sustainable farming, organic foods, saving the rainforests, biodynamics, etc. The gringos I meet seem to want to discuss who was on Glee (I’m not even sure what that is) or Dancing with the Stars (ugh!) or some silly reality show or playing endless hours of mindless games on facebook, or keeping up with Two and a Half Men. Leading an unemcumbered, enriched rural life is where it’s at for me at this stage of my life. I don’t go out to bars, don’t care about football or basketball, or hockey so i have very little in common with the average american. and it’s always been that way for me. I probably have more in common with the average campesino than with a gringo.
[quote=”maravilla”]Bingo! The issues that preoccupy my time and energy are issues that most gringos don’t care about — sustainable farming, organic foods, saving the rainforests, biodynamics, etc. The gringos I meet seem to want to discuss who was on Glee (I’m not even sure what that is) or Dancing with the Stars (ugh!) or some silly reality show or playing endless hours of mindless games on facebook, or keeping up with Two and a Half Men. Leading an unemcumbered, enriched rural life is where it’s at for me at this stage of my life. I don’t go out to bars, don’t care about football or basketball, or hockey so i have very little in common with the average american. and it’s always been that way for me. I probably have more in common with the average campesino than with a gringo.[/quote]
In San Isidro there are a good number of gringos interested in the same things and the same kind of lifestyle that you are. They are hard working, environmentally conscience people and these are our friends. Of course, we have our share of criminals and crazies too in San Isidro including some who are downright dangerous. Once we figure them out, we just steer clear of them. We find a mix of low-lifes, crazies and very good honest people here in Florida too. I don’t think any place is immune from those people that most good people would rather not associate with. I have also met some wonderful Ticos and also some who will steal you blind if given the oppportunity. People will be people no matter where you go.
actually, the people i spend most of my time with are those gringos who do have the same interests i do, so in that respect i have been very lucky. the creeps, crazies, and criminals are everywhere, not just costa rica, although there seems to be a concentration of them in certain areas.
I am curious as to why anybody would seek out expats. You left the States for a new life and a new experience so learn Spanish, make new friends with the indigenous (if you need that) and move on with your life in your new home. Adapt.
As to whether or not there is a predominant political, emotional or philisophical mind set in expat population in CR, I tend to doubt it. Judging by the different responses I have read on this site, it appears there is a wide range.
OK..I’ll bite..I think Scott has done a wonderful job here in presenting information .. I think he tries to help people learn about the good and not so good aspects of life in CR.
I would think most people who read posts on this site are expats or those who are looking to become expats in search of a better life. For my wife and I we are sickened by the current conditions here in the US and would love to see it in our rear view mirror. I have visited CR several times on vacation and it has always been my dream to retire here. That dream has not changed.
Having said that I came to this site open minded and seeking information to help me transition to life in CR. We plan on renting before we build. I wonder why this topic would even be posted. It has appeared to draw very negative views on expats coming here. Some posts even have a hint of isolationism. I say live and let live. Each to their own. I applaud you for having found happiness here in CR.
My point is, do you realize the impression you leave visitors to this site with? I have found some expats in CR that are very easy going and consider some of them my friends. I would guess almost all people on this site are expats or considering becoming one. There seems to be some people that are constantly negative and post on almost on every topic with diatribes that gives one the impression they are actually unhappy people. Do you realize the impression you leave with newcomers here? Maybe that is your agenda? I don’t know that to be true. The fact is most who join here are just seeking information and help. How do your views about expats help these people? I know there has to be a majority of people here that just don’t post and are very easy going tolerant folk.
For those of you who post your negative views about anyone outside of your own little world I have a question.[b] Are you not an expat yourself? [/b]I don’t seek drama but I get the impression that some here thrive on it. If that’s what you want I would suggest a special section here for “Rants and Raves” much like the one on Craigslist.
I will probably be flamed by those of you who thrive on that kind of thing. I will not engage in that behavior or answer you trying to get the last word. That’s not me. 😕
Vacationing and living here are totally different, [b]rward[/b] and I would presume during your trips you spoke to [i]lots of folk[/i] living here…? I would suggest that those who you “… consider some of them my friends” consider them acquaintances, until you get to [i]know them[/i] although they may not look quite so nice without your rose-tinted glasses.
There are [i]many expats[/i] that we avoid, on purpose.[i]Let and let live[/i]…and hope the weird and the wonderful don’t move in next door to you.
Although I do like [i]’Dancing with the stars'[/i]:lol:
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