Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
It would be interesting to know if the technology for those alternative energy solutions (solar panels, wind generators etc) are brought into Costa Rica with little or no tax. Same goes for hybrid cars? I think there are people interested in pursuing the technology but if the costs are prohibitive for most, then it’s not much of an option.
As an aside, I really wonder what AyA is doing for water in Costa Rica. 97% of sewage is untreated. Rivers in the central valley are polluted with garbage and whatever else. An open window drive through many neighborhoods is permeated with the stench of poorly maintained septic tanks/fields. A recent report in Tico Times stated that water testing was not a normal part of AyA operations unless there was complaints of smell/clarity. I know they have that nice new building in Pavas — colored blue like clean, fresh water, but really what are they doing to protect this resource? It will be cheaper to pay more to manage this resource now, than everyone running out to buy bottled water from the supermercado.
I located this link while writing this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_supply_and_sanitation_in_Costa_RicaYou shouldn’t have problems with GE in Costa Rica. I have all GE appliances and service/parts has never been a problem in the San Jose area.
These were purchased here (via Golfito) and there is a GE Appliance store in Escazu.
I guess when you mean Gringo, you mean a foreigner?
And change happens all the time. Pull your head out of the sand and take a look around. You seem to be afraid of something and appear to loathe the very thing that you are and that is being a Gringo in Costa Rica. Get over it because you should know better.
Not sure why you keep on wanting to compare CR to the US. I’m not trying to nor am I from the US.
If you are comfortable with that level of crime around you then kudos to you.
I would venture a guess that the major difference between CR and the other “cities” you mention that have higher crime than CR is that those places aren’t being promoted as a tourist destination. And those other “cities” may not be as dependant on tourism dollars as CR is. Let crime continue unabated, and those tourists will stop flocking to CR and go elsewhere. Meanwhile, back in CR desperate people will be doing desperate things and may even reach your enclave of Tres Rios. OMG!
I don’t think the police lack the will to combat crime, but they lack the resources and the citizens generally don’t want to get involved. You may not be interested in doing something about that, but I think other people on this form think differently.
There have been news stories on foreigners and business owners actually putting up the money to buy the police vehicles, computers, setting up a station just to give them the tools they require to effectively patrol their own area. These are people who didn’t take the head in the sand mentality.
Now grab the hand of your neighbor and sing a rousing chorus of Kumbaya!
I must have interpreted incorrectly about your relationship with your Tico family based on your posts… if so I apologize. I hope they treat you like family and truly embrace you.
You’ve read more into my post however… never said anything about wanting to be “Tico” and really don’t want to be “Tico” — thanks.
Like you say the issue brought up was crime and I guess we differ how one deals with it. Letting the “Ticos take care of the problem” is one approach.
Tourism remains big business in Costa Rica. Violent crime will kill the tourism industry and the jobs and economy associated with it.
Having to live with crime is a fact of life. When it escalates around you and affects you directly I’m sure the ticos will take care of the problem. I can always leave if it gets to that point. And the ticos can buy more guns, hire more guards and install more razor wire and all will be good again in Costa Rica.
The question on the table is “Do you scottbenson consider crime to be getting worse in Costa Rica and if so, do you think it demands attention and action or will it just work itself out?”
I think this discussion is somewhat important. You get some “insight” into the life of scottbenson. It doesn’t sound like he is all that welcome in that family… and that’s unfortunate. It also illustrates that some people believe you can’t work to make changes and that the people in this host country will be false in their friendships and statements. That’s a sad statement too.
I haven’t experienced my life down here to be like that… and thank goodness.
Not sure what you are talking about demonstrating for Gringo rights — yes that would probably be somewhat riduculous, but who stated that on this forum?
And about the safety of Costa Rica… did anyone say its more dangerous here than anywhere else?
Go ahead and walk around downtown long enough and that $100 hanging out of your pocket will disappear and we can hear about the latest Gringo getting robbed in San Jose. You wouldn’t be the first and you won’t be the last.
There’s people on this forum looking for how to make a life here and others who have learned how to make a life here. I fall into the latter and believe my experience may help others. If people with good intentions come here to build their lives, why would you go out of your way to discourage that and tell them that their opinions and actions for change don’t count? It’s important to have your eyes open and to learn the pitfalls and that’s the purpose of this forum. It is called “Costa Rica Living”.
Hi Editer, I think you missed my point.
I was commenting on the fact that if you live here, you have every right to complain or praise. Doesn’t matter if you you are an extranjero or not. Societies are made up with people with different experiences and that’s what makes living here interesting. You meet people from all over the world. And if you live here, your rights really shouldn’t differ from anyone else who lives here.
Trying to make changes for the better wherever you live should be encouraged.
Crime has gotten worse in that it is more violent. A pickpocket, most people can deal with. Getting heldup at gunpoint is something different entirely. It happens everywhere as everyone seems to acknowledge — but when it gets worse it becomes a slippery slope.
The poor state of the roads in Costa Rica ensures that not all land will be bought out by Gringos. While we like our SUVs, they are no match for some of the roads. Once jet-packs become the norm then you have something to worry about. Until then, tranquilo and pura vida.
So please everyone that comes to live in Costa Rica, bury your head in the sand and don’t voice your opinion whatsoever in order to appease the locals.
Puhh-leeeese
ICE SUCKS
The DEVELOPER should definitely cover the cost for a planned community.
I’m not an electrician, but I would think that if your house needs to draw a lot of power, then yes a transformer could be required just to service you. You being added onto the electricity grid in a certain area however shouldn’t be much of an impact.
BTW, uh note to ICE, you make money when more people use your services. If people gotta buy the poles, the transformers, the wires etc from you, then what’s the real point of having you guys around? Bring on CAFTA!
And next time when I call ICE about what the problem is with the power going out for the 5th time in one week, please give me a better answer than “Hay muchas cables”… sheeesh… did I mention ICE sucks?
Romance in Jaco… walking hand in hand on the beach with some crackhead asking you for money while you get a strange foot fungus from the ocean scum that washes over the black sand. Later, you discover a hyperdermic needle that’s been stuck in your sandle from your lovely walk. While winding down your day, you find yourself distracted by the numerous ladies of the evening as you and your gal try to enjoy a drink at the Beatle Bar.
Rf2cr,
There are some impressive things in CR. The beauty of the nature, the abundance of magnificent birds, butterflies and flora. The weather can be a nice plus, especially in the central valley. I enjoy some nice restaurants at good prices. Maid/gardener service is very affordable.The ugly side is your neighbors septic tank overflowing and creating a stench (there are no real sewer systems, never mind a single public sewage treatment plant in the country). The constant dog barking in the neighborhood and dogs running loose. The reams of garbage along side the roads and clogging the rivers. The belching of black smoke from 50% of the cars and trucks that I follow into San Jose nearly every day. The very inattentive drivers and bad road conditions that make for a ‘white knuckle’ comute.
If and when you do come here to live permanently, then I think your unfortunate experiences near Palm Springs, California, in the great ole U S of A will benefit you tremendously.
And if you decide to leave, I know a guy who makes his business buying the household stuff of expats who couldn’t take it anymore.
I brought some artwork down. I’d had to get a few pieces rematted, but most have held up. Mold can be a big problem, though for hanging art, I don’t have a solution.
Ceiling fans/airflow seem to help lessen the problem. In closed areas/closets I’ve used heater bars that I bought from Cemaco. You plug them in and they give off a little heat to combat the mold and humidity.
De-humidifiers work too, but generally I only use them in closed spaces.
One reason is that the FBI finally caught up with them…
But seriously, living here is not like living in North America. Getting things done can be a big pain. Infrastructure like roads, steady power, phone, Internet, water is hit and miss. I have a business here and depend on these things.
Today and tomorrow (Oct 22 and Oct 23) there is a essentially a protest that will clog up streets and the downtown area. These essentially shut down the phone/electric/Internet companies (they say except for emergencies), but that’s a crock.
If I was to retire here, then I wouldn’t necessarily need to be so uptight about those things. But I work and employ people here, and everyday its something. That tends to grind on you after a while.
He doesn’t have a store. He contacts his distributors to ensure the items are in stock and deliverable. If you contact him, you can tell him the brand/model you are interested in. The thing with David are that his prices and service are great. His selection varies, but generally covers those items that are available in the country at the various appliance stores.
For selection, you can visit the new Importadora Monge Max which is across from Cemaco near the rotunda in Zapote. Find it there, then contact David for the better price.
Edited on Sep 25, 2006 13:31
