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Oh please… you’ve got to be kidding me! For someone asleep at the keyboard you type amazingly well! Cuba sounds like a wondeful place according to what you’ve written! So when’s your next visit? And while you’re there pick up some real estate brochures for me! With so much going for it I’m shocked that you haven’t yet applied for residency! LOL
Sprite… perhaps we can have some of the happy folks of Cuba join this discussion and defend the wonderful open society they live in that’s run by such open minded progressive thinkers…. Whoops… I forgot… the “free” people of Cuba are not permitted to use the internet in anyway to get opposing views to that which their government control media and government allows, nor are they permitted to use the internet to express any views that are dissenting from that which they are forced to regurgitate by their “leaders”! Isn’t that what they call propaganda?
There’s a reason Cuba’s ranking was on the bottom of the Press Freedom Index 2008 compiled by the Reporters Without Borders. Cuba is “the second biggest prison in the world for journalists” after the People’s Republic of China.
So why would a country with such progressive leaders and such a happy population have to be run in such a manner? And why does Cuba have such a large population in exile that cannot go home to join the political process in their own country to make the changes they feel are needed? We know there answer don’t we…. they’d be thrown in jail the minute they stepped on Cuban soil… and their “crime”… having an opinion and expressing views opposed to the “free and open democratic government” in Cuba.
So as far a “propaganda” goes…. perhaps a good look at Cuba and what it stands for is in order. And once again… back to my original question…. why would Oscar want to open relations with such a government? Perhaps he sees the void that will open when Cuba is finally free of the Castro brothers and Cuba’s people are REALLY free?
BTW…. I checked… and the website address “WeloveCuba” is currently available, perhaps you might register the domain now… not that you see any of the current residents of Cuba joining or being allowed to express their views or opinions… but perhaps after the Castro boys are gone and the choke hold is removed from the people of Cuba… you’ll have a gold mine on your hands! 🙂
Edited on Mar 23, 2009 07:43
Ed… I don’t have a problem with whomever CR wants to form relationships. My observation from the start of this conversation was that it is quite odd that Oscar (and what he claims to stand for) dumps Taiwan in favor of China and now opens up to Cuba. Thus acknowledging two regimes that would seem to be examples of everything he stands against. Perhaps when Oscar is spotted holding hands with Kim Jong-il you’ll see my point. Or perhaps you’ll choose not to draw the line there either. I have nothing against the people of China or Cuba… it’s the political system and the leadership that I question.
As to it being my business… you should take note that it wasn’t me that started this thread… “Costa Rica talks to Cuba”… and expressed the original opinion that started this exchange. I’m merely expressing an opposing view to that of the original poster that would seem to have a “different” bias to mine… but perhaps one that you more closely identify with. You called my point of view slanted, perhaps you’d like to join the actual discussion and defend or explain these latest moves by the government of CR and add something to the mix… rather than just attacking my opinion?
This is a discussion Ed… and just as you’ve made a point to form and articulate an opinion as to my views and what you perceive to be a bias… I’ve taken the time to let my view be known, why not try the same… I’m sure you’ve got one. Which surprisingly enough would quite difficult to do in the two political systems Oscar now wishes to call friends.
Edited on Mar 22, 2009 21:23
So Sprite…. What type of a free and open government with a democratic election process with free elections says that you hand off power to your brother when you get old and too sick to lead? Is this something unique to this wonderful open and free political process Fidel and Raul have worked out that every other democracy has missed in forming their governments? I also missed that in the US and CR Constitutions…. perhaps you might enlighten me.
And as for Ticos wanting to live the Gringo lifestyle… perhaps they don’t want to move to the states…. after all CR is a beautiful country, why would they want to leave. But a much more important question for this brainwashed Gringo is this…. Why is it that so many apparently happy Cubans chance ESCAPING Cuba on inner tubes to head off to the US? And why is it they can’t just leave this wonderful open and free society the Castro boys have running via normal means?
Edited on Mar 22, 2009 16:57
I’d agree that both cultures have a lot in common… many good qualities that I for one admire! The real question is if Ticos would be interested in the type of government and society that exist in Cuba? Ticos for the most part are a down to earth, simple, self reliant people that I both admire and respect. But given the choice, I’m betting most would be much more interested in a Gringo life rather then one ruled by the Castro brothers.
And once again…. why is Oscar, a man of peace, human rights, open and free government, and free will making it a point to create ties with countries that don’t seem to want to provide any of those things to it’s people? I’d love to have 30 minutes to sit over lunch and get the answer to that one!
The big difference is that Tico’s want a gringo lifestyle not a Cuban one…. I don’t think Tico’s will be happy driving 40 year old cars, living 9 to a room, and having a political process like that in Cuba! As well as having two aging brothers running the show into the ground without a clear plan for the future. Raul’s recent changes and purge made it very clear that he has no plans to allow a younger generation to fill the void when father time takes him and brother dearest… that’s when the REAL fun starts in Cuba… when the political void happens after 50 years of Castro rule…!
Funny how a Noble Peace Prize winner chooses to embrace China and Cuba… both with very “challenged” human rights records. LOL We all know why Oscar jumped onboard with China… as they say… it was all about the “Benjamins”… but as for Cuba… that one’s a real mystery!
I did notice a shortage of Cuban cigars at the duty free last time through the airport… so perhaps Raul put the pressure on Oscar by cutting off the supply of quality smokes!
There’s not doubt the market here in Costa Rica is down… be it in sales volume or price… how much is up for debate! And yes… there will be folks caught short that will have to make “distressed” sales for one reason or another. So while we might not all agree on the real numbers I think most of us can agree that the ability of the CR real estate market to ride out this mess without the total bloodshed we’re seeing in the US is MUCH more likely!
Remember this… right now the prime rate is at an all time low… and as such many of the loans that folks took to fund their purchases in CR (HELOCs and other adjustable notes) are still very reasonable. So if the brorrower hasn’t had other factors hit them (job, business, or investment losses) they’re pretty secure at the moment. When the fiscal policy of “creating” money to fix this mess catches up with the boys in Washington and inflation takes hold… and rates start to rise… then we’ll see how the market holds up here. The HELOC market is the other ticking timebomb Washington has to deal with when working out fiscal policy… and the reason that rates may stay low for some time to come.
There’s no doubt a lag involved in seeing the true effect of the world economy on CR real estate… but if things get as bad as they look in the US…. CR real estate may look even more attractive not only from an investment standpoint but also as a lifeboat for those able to afford to jump ship.
No matter how things work out (I don’t have a crystal ball nor am I in the RE business)… the market in CR looks a lot more able to ride out this storm in better shape then a lot of other places in the world.
Edited on Mar 22, 2009 06:51
Thanks for the info! I’ve been doing the annual/bi-annual refinishing you’ve detailed. The results are always good… but don’t seem to last long for the time and effort put in. As beautiful as the wood is I’m just at the point that having to refinish it annually is just not my idea of fun!
I’ll look into the tile idea… I was hoping Trex (or a similar product) was available here. The lattice work below the deck was originally spec’ed as wood and I wanted the heavy gauge white plastic type which they were able to get (after 6 months)… I was hoping you use a Trex type product to replace the wood decking and be done with it once and for all.
Thanks again for the great info!
Crhomebuilder… Just to pick your brain a bit… When we had our home built up in Arenal we included a wrap-around wood deck. Almond wood… It was beautiful to start with and as much as I’ve made every effort to maintain it… it’s become a losing battle. Water and cloud living are taking a toll on it, as well as the wood railing. Are you aware of any similar products to Trex… or other plastic wood decking available in CR?
The other alternative is using the existing substructure and putting down some type of cement board and using tile over it.
Any suggestions?
One thing that might throw a monkey wrench in the works is unresolved issues back in the states… pick your poison… legal or tax issues… either might cause a problem… but barring that… there’s no reason at all that you shouldn’t be able to deal with a renewal at the embassy.
Edited on Mar 13, 2009 14:29
Grb1063…. Anchor Babies… Recently it seems to be a common issue/question here. I guess with the growing concerns in the states folks that might not be able to apply for one of the other residency methods are looking for a shortcut. lol Perhaps they just figure it works in the US… why not make it work for them in Costa Rica! Problem is… you still have to find a way to supprt yourself AFTER you manage to bypass the residency issue… and that’s where the fun begins!
But just think about it for a moment… rather than having to wait until you’re old and grey waiting for the kids step up to pick out a nice nursing home for you to live out your days… why not put a child to work for you AT BIRTH providing you with the means to relocate to a wonderful country. I’m jealous…. not really… my dog will do fine! lol
It’s starting to sound a lot like another anchor baby scheme! LOL 🙂 So if you manage to pull that off and don’t have to worry about obtaining another legal residency status requiring a pension/investment/deposit here goes…
My advice/opinion…. for what’s it’s worth. Make a few trips here first and see what the market is like for the type of business you have up and running in the US. Importing the equipment is going to have a cost as well the customs fees. There might be a good amount of competition which will place you at a disadvantage marketing here. As for the rules and regs….don’t worry… if you’re not doing something right or legal… the competition will drop a dime on you in a minute and have you jumping through hoops when the government folks show up at your door. One thing Tico’s are good at is making sure that the new Gringo on the block trying to cut into their business follows EVERY rule… even if they don’t themselves!
I tend to think that the money you’re making for the type of product you’re selling in the states is going to be much less here. Also the materials may not be as available here. Labor cost, should you hire Tico employees, will be less. Have you given thought to operating your business here and exporting the product to the markets you current serve back home? Production/overhead/labor cost would be much less here while your market price could stay near what it is now, even with transportation cost factored in.
Now may not be the best of times to relocate here with the type of business you’re running… but why not check it out… if nothing else you’ll get a couple of nice “exploratory” vacations out of it!
Location is going to be another big factor. Your business might need to be located near San Jose, while you’ll most likely not want to raise your family there. Perhaps close in some of the areas Scott points to.
Just some some food for thought
Edited on Mar 11, 2009 16:37
Alberto…. Thanks to sites like this and the information it provides… most of us do live well below our means…. hence the reason we can even dream about/and make a reality of a life in Costa Rica… unlike the poor folks stuck on the treadmill of life that never get any closer to the carrot.
As for the original poster… I think he was more asking about interest on investment (ie bank deposits)… 11% might be realistic… but only on accounts in colones… which after factoring in the dollar exchange rate and the almost constant change in the exchange rate… really isn’t worth the risk.
“Those of us on the 120+ side of the IQ who understand economics, will figure out a way to live on 1/2 of what we earn for the next 5-10 years and learn to be self-sufficient in order to fund our own bail out.”
Grb1063…. Isn’t that why we all became so interested in Costa Rica? LOL And most of us were 5-10 years ahead of the curve on where the world economy and society was going and made the right moves before the poop hit the fan! I see CR as a place where these goals are not only possible but are a reality without living like the UniBomber! 🙂
As for taxes… I couldn’t agree with you more! Government is in a panic at the moment trying to find every possible way to hit you for revenue… they use so many different angles (Taxes, fees, charges, surcharges, and countless other “indirect” taxes) these days that if you took the time to figure out how much of YOUR income YOU really get to keep… you’d be spending what you had left to arm yourself and join the revolution!
Edited on Mar 11, 2009 07:11
