[tracymartin]

Thanks for that info, I do agree I should get out of my Vangaurd, even though it is one of the most conservative funds-I still think UStreasuries will be on the foreign hit list, once our $ really starts to plummet. Is it even possible to buy foreign property in a self-directed account and couldnt I just keep it “rented” how would anyone know if I were the renter?
I do have a small (70oz) position in physical gold-stashed at home, I bought at 680, I used California numismatics, I just couldnt trust putting it somewhre else.
I hate to even say this but I dont know if I could sell my house if I had to-there are 8 houses for sale now in my small neighborhood and there’s no one looking in this price range. But I agree, I think it’s going to get much worse. (great advise on the staging).

[tracymartin]

Both parties serve the same Gods-I am merely saying these 3 items were huge, “allowing” capitalism to run amok and dont forget it was Clinton who signed off on NAFTA, turning Americans into Wal mart minimum wage slaves and bartenders. For 20 years our entire economy has been based on our spending, we dont make anything, dont save anything and have borrowed our way into the abyss.
I am happy to at least see some tea being thrown overboard-the people woke up long enough to realize that this bailout was wrong.

[tracymartin]

Scott, you are so right-it’s a bandaide on a sucking chest wound, the only bounce I hope for would be a very temporary psychological one. I am fairly certain no one has mentioned the credit default swap numbers out of shear terror. which is why I’m very worried about US treasuries (the safest haven on earth-ha) blowing up next.
Sprite I’ll look up some links, but you can start by looking up Nouriel Roubini’s site-they call him Dr.Doom, but he’s a brilliant economist. “the smirking chimp” is another site that has tons of articles and links to everything from huffington post to bloombergs. the only real money (and I say that loosely and fiatly) is what’s left in American’s savings accounts and retirement accounts and I am fairly confident the Fed and Treasury is about to be able to grab access to that.I guess that makes me Mrs. Dr. Doom.

[tracymartin]

I have been doing okay with the money transactions, just rounding around 10k = a 20 etc. I went to an ATM machine and (just like you guys said) was so easy.
I did spend the day touring around Potrero and Flamingo yesterday. Flamingo is very expensive, but I understand why with the beaches and very delux resorts and homes etc.
I just cant get over how cool this hotel is! The restaurant is fabulous and the same staff is here all the time to assist and some speak a lot of English!
I have to add, because of all the imput from you guys, I am very prepared, thanks again!

[tracymartin]

you guys kindda scared me about renting a car, either my stuff would get stolen out of it or the other drivers were nuts and roads were horrible or a scam with poking holes in the tires, so I was planning on getting around by cab. I am traveling alone, so I am trying to be cautious. I did not realize Flamingo Beach had much in the way of banks etc

[tracymartin]

Thanks for all the tips, I think i read on here too, to use my credit card when I can and my bank deals with the exchange. Is Tamarindo the closet town with an atm machine? I’m staying at Sugar Beach hotel.

[tracymartin]

So do you need a wheelbarrow to cart around that many colones? what are the bill denominations?!

[tracymartin]

So if I have a $20 and I exchange it for colones, how many will that be, I’ll be flying in to Liberia on Saturday?

[tracymartin]

so I dial: 011-506-654-4242 ??

[tracymartin]

Great info guys! I know looking like a dumb tourist can invite trouble! I read on this site to carry around a copy of my passport, not my actual passport. I will be staying at a Flamingo beach hotel and I will be checking out some of the developments around that area. I plan to book the trips to and from the airport with the “ecotran”, thru the hotel. I may have missed it somewhere on the site but what’s the tipping policy?

[tracymartin]

Interesting, it’s a goofy hobby, but I watch the USGS site everyday and I bet few realize how active the Pacific rim regions are. So, if looking at homes to buy in CR would I be able to look at construction and the materials to gauge its earthquake worthiness, in your opinion?

[tracymartin]

Yes X, Surfside is one of the communities I am looking into. Again, looking at a map, all these communities appear closer together, which is a point of confusion. I hope to visit a number of them to see where I want to buy. I have been reading about Potrero and it seems it is an up and coming area, where prices are not as high as in some beach areas, but I want to have a plan of action for viewing a number of spots, again-“pretty beach” is the basic criteria. So rent a car or taxi? Thanks to all for the input.

[tracymartin]

Okay, I’m blond and do confuse easily so go slow, my question is: I want to live close to the prettiest, white-sandy beach, in a safe community-so for my visit to hunt for my house, where is the closest, safest hotel/resort that you recommend? Any input from Playa Grande folk and Potrero and Sugar Beach folk is welcomed.
To be honest, looking at a map, these places would appear only a few minutes apart, if dealing with flying crows! (hotel bulabula sounds good too, but again: address the blond).

[tracymartin]

Thanks, not to sound paranoid from reading all the WLCR crime data thread!-But I will be traveling alone, I don’t want to be too isolated or in an un-safe area, should I rent a car or is there taxi service available from this hotel? I checked out the site and the hotel looks wonderful, plus the onsite restaurant!hanks, Tracy

Edited on May 27, 2008 18:26

[tracymartin]

Thanks VB, you are in the exact area where I plan to look for a home, I’m just going to print your reply, for my complete reference! Do you have any recommendation for a hotel in the area, so I can be close to where I am looking? I have heard Playa Grande has the best beaches-any other thoughts?

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