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Interesting that this topic should come up on WLCR.com Forum. I just recently subscribed to http://tinyhouseblog.com. I find it quite informative regarding tiny houses. Amazing what one can put in such a small area. Some of you may enjoy taking a look.
[quote=”4ofakind”]Thank you for this input. Good advice. I am now looking into taking George’s tour. From your visits, did you feel comfortable being a single female alone in CR. It’s nice to get a womens point of view. Thank you for taking the time to thoughtfully answer my questions.[/quote]
Both visits I have made to Costa Rica I have had either a friend or family member with me so I was not alone. Having been there a couple of times, I see the need to definitely make the trip solo in order to make a realistic determination of whether or not I can deal with the change of culture by myself.You ask about feeling comfortable as a single woman in Costa Rica. Based on my experience (which is quite small) and conversations I’ve had with other expats, I would say the move would be much easier with a spouse just because you have a built in support system. That being said, if you, during your visits, make an effort to built friendships you can create your own support system. Granted it is not like having a husband or companion, but it is the next best thing. I found the expats that I met during my visits to be more than willing to share their experiences, both good and bad, and to offer up recommendations based on what they have learned. You have to be somewhat of an independent spirit to do this by yourself and confident in your abilities to deal with some of the adversities you will surely run into. Preparedness would be crucial. By that, I mean, you will need to learn the language. Maybe basics before you relocate but definite intention to learn once there. And read, read, read about Costa Rica as much as you can. There is a ton of information on this website and there are other websites, forums and groups that offer a lot of information and personal experiences. Check out the English Costa Rican newspapers online. You find out what people miss (or not) about being in the States, how to get things done in CR, what’s going on in CR, etc. on all of them. I check in to at least one of them on a daily basis.
I never felt concern for my safety during either of my visits with one exception. On my last visit, I had a bad experience with a rental car company. Thought I had chosen a good one but it turned out not so. The safety issue was not with people but with two vehicles (I had them swap out the first one for a second) that were not mechanically sound. With Costa Rican roads being mountainous and full of curves, you need to have a road-worthy vehicle. Narrow roads with mountains on one side and thin air on the other and a vehicle that snaps and pops some place underneath when cornering – YIKES!!! I actually ended up cutting my month’s stay short by nearly two weeks because of this. This was disappointing as I had intentions of visiting other areas of the country. Be VERY careful with car rental companies in CR. I rented one the year before from a different company and it was great.
Finding the right place to stay on your preliminary visits is important as well. On my return visit, I stayed at a B & B George Lundquist had introduced me to during his tour. Great people that run it and very helpful. They are more than willing to share their knowledge/experience. Staying with people you have become acquainted with make for a soft landing spot after you have ventured out and “immersed” yourself in the Costa Rican culture. For me, that was important, especially for the first few days. I found that I was on high alert just being in a different culture/environment, trying to pay attention to surroundings, trying to learn and absorb as much as possible, dealing with exchange rates, etc. I needed a place to re-group after being out of my ordinary comfort zone until things became more familiar each time I did ventured out.
While visiting CR, I found the Costa Rican people friendly and helpful and accepting of my presence amongst them. Costa Rica is very easy to fall in love with; it is a beautiful country. The big question is, as in real life, is it the right one for a long term relationship with you? We can only find this out the more we know about her (Costa Rica)and the more time we spend with her. Even then, there are no 100% guarantees.
I have been at this information gathering for a couple of years now. The first year was like I was obsessed; this second year I’ve settle down a bit and am trying to weigh it all out. George L. and others give great advise – come and stay a few months to see how you do before making any permanent relocation decisions. I still have a couple of years before I can even do that but I’m thinking my retirement party may last at least three months or more and be located in Costa Rica! Then I’ll decide.
[quote=”4ofakind”]I am considering retiring to costa rica. Hopefully, with in the next 4-5 months. Could I please get some feed back about being a single female moving to costa rica.[/quote]
Hi 4ofakind, I too am a single woman considering retirement in Costa Rica. I would highly recommend taking George Lundquist’s tour as he will address some issues that would be specific to single women. George is very forthright and gives his honest opinion based on experience. I did George’s tour in 2009 and have not ever regretted it – money well spent. I made a return trip earlier this year and plan to come again as well. I still have a few years yet before I can make the move. Also, you may want to take a look at the articles Jan Hart has on this very website. She also has an e-book with can be purchased and read. She is a single woman who has made the move and on a limited budget, I might add. It sounds as though she is adapting well to her new life in CR. Good luck with your research!
