Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Spirit… The poor will always be among us. The big difference I see with those living in, and fighting poverty in Costa Rica is that they still have a sense of pride and family. Something sad to say I don’t in the more materialist society most of us were raised in.
“It takes a certain callous and pragmatic world view to live contentedly in a place where most people are not as well off as you.”
So very true, but not nearly as hard to deal with as you think if you make the effort to give something back. Living in a society that has such a range of wealth is not as difficult for those of us that realize we’re no better than those that have little or nothing. Giving of yourself and showing people that although you may have more, you’re willing to help those that need help makes it much easier and creates a lasting bond which flows both ways in the long run. Those that isolate themselves, have only gringo friends, don’t help those in need… for the most part are the least successful at living in CR.
The recent tragedy in CR showed how the country was able to pull together both “rich” and poor… in our little town they held a “rodeo” event that was well attended. In fact it was like town was shut down for the evening. Folks of all backgrounds. And seeing how our friends and neighbors reacted in seeing us there was a sure sign that we’ve become part of the neighborhood!
Edited on Feb 04, 2009 09:37
Scott… I agree. There are many of us here that have had very humble starts in life that have a good idea about hard times. Those of us using this site have worked very hard in life and spent a good amount of time researching CR to be lucky enough to make a move towards what hopefully is a better way of life~!
Edited on Jan 28, 2009 11:06
Check with Terry Moran. He’s up my way in the Arenal area and has a couple of properties listed that have hot springs on or deeded with the listing.
He’s also a recommended broker here and is a real nice guy. I’m sure he can help you.
His Recommended Realtor page is at [ https://www.welovecostarica.com/public/1702.cfm ]
Well said Sprite… and right on point. If I want to read fantasy I’ll hit the paperback section at the drug store.
That’s a good point… I had one problem with a piece I had made… it was 4 inches too big. It was a small dressing table with a mirror that had a perfect place for in my daughter’s room. But the spot was limited by a doorway and a closet. I noticed it looked a bit large when I went to pick it up and sure enough… 4 inches too big… but no problem. They made another and had it ready for our next visit. They just took the sold sign off the incorrect one and it was gone when I next visited.
gkbiz… I’ll go through my records and get the name of the place I dealt with. I think they have two rather large stores in Sarchi. Both with nice sized showrooms that will either offer you something you’ll like or at least give you some ideas for things you can have them (or someone else) build.
Costa… thanks for the excellent info on the auto importing!!!
Spending your way out of a pinch may have worked in the past… but Uncle Sam’s credit cards are maxed out… our “friends” in Asia and the Middle East are getting concerned about buying our debit… and poor Uncle Sam is hauling too much baggage these days in the form of a society that thinks they’re owed a life.
I hate to say it… but there’s some VERY rough road ahead. And even if things do improve in a year or two (or ten)… folks aren’t going to have the money to jump on a plane and enjoy a vacation in CR. I guess the only good news is (if there is any) is that folks are learning to save again… next we’ll see folks recycling every scrap of waste and planting victory gardens… but I guess the old saying that history repeats itself isn’t all that far from the truth.
Edited on Feb 17, 2009 20:54
Alberto… have you read about what’s going on in Silicon Valley these days… LOTS of unemployed people. And if it was difficult making it there (not even sure that’s where they were working) when both of them were working… I’m guessing tele-communting is even rougher, and much less rewarding.
Living for today is nice… but is that the kind of life any of us want? Or one that such a forum as this is intended to assist? We’ve all seen the long hair, guitar, and a pound of weed types that think the world is theirs for the taking… that think they have it all… or the types that think a higher power will provide. Neither is really my cup of tea.
I agree the rules have changed in the working world… but one still has to have some type of a workable “plan” to make such a move to another country attempting to make a fresh start. We’ve all seen people come and go from their CR experience… some were running from something…. others to something… but the common thread I’ve seen is those that didn’t have a sucessful outcome were those without a plan… or unrealistic expectations. I’d love to see a follow up in 1 year… be it good or bad.
Still think Sarchi is a good idea, just add it to the list of ideas. Bring pictures of the style furniture you want and the sizes… someone will be able to make it… you can bid out all or part of the work and see how it goes. The quaility and woods will shock you! I’ve built some of my own furniture back in the states and was amazed at the quality and wood.
Don’t confuse bitter with informed. CR is cheaper than the US, sure… but a part-time job supporting yourself won’t cut it here… unless of course you’re living a Tico life… raising your own food… working from 5am until dark… and not having fun on the “weekends” but are instead working. And I think that lifesytle was what they were escaping in the US. As much as I’d like to think it’s possible… I think we know it’s most likely not.
If it is the case… I’d love tp read a follow-up story about how it’s done… THAT would be a great addition to this site! And BOY would it make me jealous!!! LOL
A pipe dream is only such until you take the time and make the effort to make it a reality. We all know it takes time and work to make it in life… short of winning the lottery! LOL And for a couple of 30 years olds to just jump in is odd… and most likely very unrealistic. If it’s not… I’m VERY jealous!!! LOL
A fluff story without details is just that…. but intelligent and reasonable people know there’s a LOT more to life. There’s a BUNCH of issues not addressed. I don’t think for a minute the couple highlighted made a killing in real estate or business in the states. They just saw what life was all about, got tired of shoveling against the tide, gave up, and wanted to try another path. Good for them, if they fail, if nothing else it makes for a great photo album and stories when they get old and gray! As to their planning or ability to make this dream a reailty longterm… time will tell.
Sure, some things in CR are cheaper… but life is life… and in the end… it’s all the same! We can all take time-outs now and then… but is it realistic to take one… give up on life… move to another country and make a go of it without a REAL long term plan? I don’t think so.
A long vacation in Costa Rica is wonderful… but when the sink in the bathroom starts to leak… and you have to deal with it… it’s not a vacation any longer. All the day to day things we have to do (laudry being one that comes to mind) are WORK…. and no matter if you’re living in Costa Rica or New York… that all has to be dealt with.
And when the money dries up and you don’t have a plan…
I’d suggest a shopping trip (or two) to Sarchi. It’s worth the time and effort! I had all my furniture made there over a period of trips and was able to not only choose the style (not just Spanish colonial) but was able to have many things custom made to size for the rooms I had planned out. I brought pictures of items to show them what I wanted and they had them done in a few weeks. Mission style, rustic, and modern. I really have to say the best part was being able to have items I liked that were available modified and made to a size that would fit the rooms. Most vendors can even arrange to have all the items shipped to your house… or with some advanced planning, have the truck follow you home after your purchase! The prices will amaze you and I’m sure with the general slowdown in business they’re even better.
Also got some great artwork there too… picked up a 40″X24″ painting Monday we had commissioned there for $85 from a fellow we’ve been dealing with for years! There’s lots more besides furniture!
I’d have to admit this is getting very interesting… a real man of mystery and an expert in so many fields…commercial refineries, bio diesel, Costa Rica Real estate investing, and so on…. none of which I’m sure are ongoing sucessful enterprises. The internet is a pretty powerful tool at times!
It’s clear to me now that “theone” is someone that knows this guy… and has an ax to grind… perhaps a former business partner or burned investor.
This was interesting when I looked further myself.
Link http://expattalk.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/2510061972/m/5180074465
“disser420@yahoo.com Turista Posted 25 July 2008 01:10 Hi all, My name is Mary and I currently live in Costa Rica although I am originally from CT. My husband and I, along with our 3 children (9,5,1) are seriously considering a move to Italy in the next 2 years, possibly sooner. We are in the very early stages and are looking for low cost of living (as low as possible, we aren’t naive), easy jump off point for European travel, and to really live with locals. We do speak Spanish and so predict the transition, language wise, will be fairly easy. Question is where is a good spot to look. We will rent and only live there about 2 years with lots of travel. No need for jobs, but need safety with the children. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.”
I guess the next move is already in the works! At least I can say these folks do their homework!!! LOL
Lotus… I think Scott’s attorney said there “SHOULD” be no problem with Jeff’s actions. A typical attorney answer. But that situation was a bit different. And at first blush was unrelated to the story we’re talking about. I wasn’t even aware of the connection until someone else brought it to my attention. And it’s equally alarming that someone that’s own legal status was questioned would be as brazen to post a story about two others that are equally challenged, one of which may be working for him illegally!!! THAT’S the real issue! Do those involved think we’re all that foolish?
It’s becoming very clear that the answer to the very first words I posted about this story (in this thread) are not being addressed. I don’t like to assume anything, but the silence is becoming deafening! And as such I think we all know what the answer is to that original question.
As to no one involved replying… that also speaks volumes about their conduct. Remember, they made the choice to hold themselves out as the adventurers in a new land with their story being posted here. How they did it and why… of course without mentioning that they also made the choice to ignore laws that were an inconvenience. Unlike those of us that have played by the rules.
If they just saw posting the story as an opportunity to promote a real estate business venture that’s fine… but that’s not what the reader was lead to believe. True, their legal status is an issue for the authorities… but their story became our concern when it was posted here. My point is that we should NOT have to question a story approved by Scott and posted by a recommended broker. Otherwise I suggest that a disclaimer be posted on each story so the reader knows the content may not be in fact true and might just a sales pitch.
The real question in not if we as a community should police the content here… we should… that’s why these forums exist! It’s really a question of the integrity of the stories and information posted here. We’re not in the position to deport anyone…. but we’re all in a position to see to it that the best, most honest, and complete information is provided to those viewing this site.
If you’re comfortable with half truths and incomplete information and stories being provided…. so be it… I for one am not…. nor do I think that the people looking to a resource such as this site should be either. Relocating to another country and retirement planning are serious issues… and to have information out there that is obviously wrong or conveniently incomplete is a disservice to everyone involved.
I’m disappointed Scott has not yet addressed this issue, my guess is that he’s looking into it to give us the full and complete truth….that’s the kind of person he has always been… and for that he has my respect.
I guess a trial would require that they at some point DEFEND their actions… as far as I can see silence is the ONLY action that’s been taken. I was hoping Scott would give us some input to the facts. I’d love to hear that they are doing things the right way and have a follow-up story posted on their experiences in doing so. So many younger people would benefit from such information.
It’s not the goal of this site or exchange to judge or deport people. It’s to provide HONEST, LEGAL, and CURRENT information to folks that are interested in Costa Rica. Just think of all the people that read a story like that and start the dream… not knowing that it’s not real or the right way to do so. Is that your wish, to allow bad information to be posted and spread. Is that a fair or balanced exchange or the reason for a site such as this?
If the article had been on banking or importing cars and it skipped over the legal steps to do so I’d be just as unhappy. So would you, even if we don’t work as bank regulators or for customs. As I said, if we’re going to just post glossy stories that are nothing more than a sales pitch for real estate, which leave out very important issues…. let’s do it…. but let’s be sure the people reading them understand them for what they are and NOT experienced based stories of people that are living the dream who have done their homework and are playing by the rules. I don’t want this site to become one that has to put a disclaimer at the end of each story.
Remember for all of us that have taken the time to play by the rules, people that don’t are doing nothing more than thumbing their nose at not only the system but us as well.
I’d also like to thank those that see my point, it’s nice to know there’s still a few of us around! I was really starting to feel lonely in this world!
Edited on Jan 22, 2009 07:38
