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Au contraire, 2BNCR, Costa Rica is highly ranked for women’s equality worldwide, not just in Latin America. The standards that comprise this ranking are as follows: The right to own property independently and to inherit same, the right to own and operate business, free access to education, including universities, the right to divorce and retain property. The right to participate freely in the political process, both by voting and running for office.
Change occurs when the majority wish it. Subservience is not the natural or desired state of any sentient being. And, just because it isn’t “broke” for you doesn’t mean it isn’t broke for someone else.
Just a heads up.
OK, let me get this straight: I have not intention of asking Ticos to change their culture in any way. I will be living in their country but expect always to be a guest, irregardless of the length of my residency.
But you may be surprised to know that one of the reasons that Costa Rica is ranked so high in most “quality of life” studies is precisely because of the equality of Costa Rican women. In countries where women have social equality, birth rates are lower, education in the general population is higher, as is the average income.
Social mores are distinctly different but this small country is progressive in tremendous ways and I expect, as a progressive to be quite comfortable. I always find it amusing that conservatives like to label progressives as pushy and obnoxious. In the current political climate, that opinion is downright hilarious.
[quote=”2BNCR”]You don’t go to a school that teaches science if you want to be a farmer. You don’t go to school that teaches farming to be a scientist.
So I really don’t get the point here (if there is any).
Costa Rica schools do a good job of teaching social skills. Not all Costa Rica schools are the same. Some are strict (I assume) and some are not. One thing I can tell from my observations is that Ticos are very social and charming. Where they learn this charm and style is from a combination of variables and I am sure one of the variables in the equation is school since so much time is spent there.
I would love to see Costa Rican return to agriculture. Doubt if it will happen though, especially under the progressive leadership that champions free trade female equality etc etc.
So go to a local school if you want your kids to have traditional values and goals (agricultural). Most Tico parents I know would love to send their kids to private school. My kid goes to a private school that is 67% Tico and teaches in English.
So why is it 67% Tico? Changing values is why; Tradition is fading in Costa Rica. Catch it while you can, US values and ways are pouring through the crack in the green wall. Too bad…[/quote]
Gee Whiz! We sure don’t want any more of that pesky “female equality” pouring in through some crack in the “green wall”! And since when is “female equality” a product of (only) the United States?
Bradycarl: I am of two minds on your plans. Over six years, we have been to Costa Rica several times and visited many, many places. We are moving in August after three years of pretty directed planning.
That said, I met someone there a couple of years ago that said “You don’t select Costa Rica, Costa Rica selects you”. All of my life I have believed that it is important to take significant risks – even scare the heck out of yourself occasionally. I think this becomes more important as we get older. I personally don’t believe that “adventuring” should be reserved for the first third – or half – of one’s life. Did we plan….yep! But we are still going to “jump off the planet” and I think we will be the better for it. Find a good combination of both and good luck!
Here is a question….we will probably be transferring a BUNCH of money when we buy our house. The deposit funds (more than $10K) will go to our real estate attorney and then the balance on close of contract (WAY more than $10K) I assume will also go thru our attorney to the buyers. What was the “official form” that you completed and was that available from your bank, or……? Thx.
Vonder:
My deepest sympathy to you and your children on the loss of your husband. My husband and I are realizing our mutual dreams and are moving to Costa Rica this summer. I nearly lost him last year and your post really hit home.
I wish you well.
Hey Clayton! I am one of those progressives that you “Americans” are “coming for”! REALLY?! Well, I’m also one of “those Americans” who also have a very long family history of military service (including my only kid) and we put our money where our mouth is. As tired as I am of goofy right-wing conspiracy theories, I am more tired of having shots taken at my commitment to the U.S. taken by folks who can hide behind the anonymity of the internet. As my dad would have said, let’s take it outside, buddy. Otherwise, you might want to dial down the rhetoric.
Indeed! I have heard about this great place many times and we are looking forward to “wandering in”!
Ii think the current crop of new retirees is a very different animal from our parent’s generation. My husband and I are an avid mountain biker (him) and hiker/walker (me). Those activities are free for us in Costa Rica. However, we would welcome an opportunity for a good community “gathering” place that would include a really big English language library with an excellent coffee shop/bakery and access to occasional speakers. And we would be happy to pay a sizeable fee for access to that kind of amenity. I would be more interested n finding that “center” around a town square than as part of a gated community – which does not appeal to us.
Just another viewpoint.
So far, it looks as though both of our individual Blue Cross policies are going to cover our healthcare in Costa Rica and NOT just for emergency treatment. Re-payment is at a lower rate and we will have to use Costa Rican doctors that are covered by our plans AND we will be reimbursed by Blue Cross after we have paid the bills out of pocket.
I am right in the middle of getting this figured out and will post later when I have all the facts. We are in Arizona but moving to Costa Rica in July. My husband has a pre-existing condition, I do not.
Regarding Aerocasillas: We can have our prescriptions mailed to us thru our insurance company. We currently get 90 day supplies and they are very light, i.e. not exceeding one kilogram. Can we continue to have that done thru Aerocasillas and if so, how is duty determined?
What else can be mailed this way and is it the weight that triggers scrutiny or something else? How would they determine duty on mailed items? Thx!
Jeremy:
You can also give me more information through my WLCR profile, if you wish. Let me know what you are thinking.
Thanks, Sue
Thanks Carol and William:
Thanks for your reply.
Our corporation has been established for some months. Do you mean that your cellphone order was processed in three weeks after you presented your Ltda. paperwork? Thanks!
Maravilla: I too have noticed that you have a very negative view of the country. This impression has been formed over a very long period of time while reading your posts. I also noticed your solicitation for an article you are writing and it seemed to be particularly soliciting opinions where people where dissatisfied with their life in Costa Rica.
I am glad now to read that you actually DO love living there, because I think newcomers (or even “old-timers”) to the Forum would have a very different impression.
All of the issues you cite are certainly true, but I find just as many issues (albeit different) in our state, which is constantly touted as one of the “best places in the United States to retire”.
