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Diego, I think I will…Scott, muchas gracias for the forum and all the information you provide on this website! Also thanks for responding to me so quickly every time I sent you and email. You are providing an invaluable service to anyone living in or thinking of living in CR. Keep up the good work!
PS Diego, I already have my own Gringa, so I won’t ask.Pura vida
Diego, Great post. I think that’s what most people misunderstand about relocating to CR. You have to want to change your material driven lifestyle in order to enjoy the beauty that is Costa Rica. If we buy or take everything we had in the US to CR all we are doing is changing Latitudes. We will miss out on the lifestyle that is uniquely found in CR.
Some people will want to keep their former lifestyle and for them a condo seems right.
When we eventually make the move we want to re-adjust our way of living from harried to simple, and most likely will settle in the Central Valley. Maybe it is just a dream, but its worth striving for.Deb, Before you make a decision you have to get down there yourself to see if you can live there. Especially with two kids. You might be better off renting first in the area you think you will want to live in. Most people will tell you that is a wise way to proceed when moving to a new country. Not to many things worse than getting stuck with a home in a foreign country and having to try to sell to get out. I’ve been told most homes are on the market for one and a half years in CR before they get sold.
Sounds like it might be that the Hotel is “Done In.” We stayed at the Hotel Villa Bonita in Alajuela, hosted by Humberto and Carmen. Two wonderful people who really will make your stay feel as though you were at home. About $50 a night. The nice thing is the five minute ride to Juan Santamaria from there.
Reality vs. Hype can be a real eye opener. Rarely what is shown on the internet will be what it really is no matter where you go. My wife an I visited CR for the first time last year. We stayed in Alajuela city most of the time. Not exactly a tourist area. My wife’s first impression was “I don’t think I can live here.” After eight days I almost had to drag her back home! She did not want to leave after experiencing the friendliness of the Ticos and the relaxed life they have.
We went back this year with our two adult boys. After nine days in Costa Rica they did not want to go back to “civilization.”
It all comes down to a matter of perception ond perspective. We grew up in a more urban community and are willing to stand a little more than someone who maybe grew up in the suburbs.
Costa Rica is a wonderful place for some, and just too third world for others. You may have to put up with water shortages as we did in Manuel Antonio, bad roads and other inconveniences around the country.
But the Ticos themselves make up for any lack of comfort you may encounter.
My advice is to go there yourself and experience it firsthand. Meet as many Ticos as you can. My Spanish is not all that good (maybe my English as well) but they are willing to help and always treat you with courtesy. Enjoy the country for what it is, not what you wish it to be.Pura Vida!
