Happy Retirement – Only in Costa Rica

Shortly after moving to Costa Rica, I purchased a used automobile. One of the points that the owner was most proud of when showing me the car was an elaborate alarm system on the car.

After purchase he spent a good deal of time explaining the complexities of the system.

I began to become disenchanted with the system as it never seemed to work properly, was very complicated, and would sound the alarm at times it should not, and could not be turned off easily per the directions I had been given.

I decided I wanted to take the alarm system off and get a Multi Lock which is simple and very secure. I began searching for someone who understood the alarm system and could remove it for me.

While looking for someone to do this, I decided to go to the Auto Mercado to get a few groceries. When I returned to my car in the Auto Mercado parking lot, the alarm began and with every effort made it would not shut off, and, of course, the car would not start. As I was reaching my frustration tolerance, a man asked if he could help.

I turned and saw the man was uniformed and carried a rather large handgun on his belt.

Across the lot was an armored car, this man was the driver. Then a second man from the armored car came up also to help. I wondered who was watching the money, but welcomed the help.

After some time, all we were able to do was completely disable the electrical system so the alarm would shut off. By then we had quite a crowd of interested observers and still no one seemed concerned about the armored car and its contents. Later I found the main “brain” had failed, and had the pesky alarm system removed.

After all of the disablement process, I realized that I would have to leave the car overnight until I could get an expert there in the morning as it was late. As I had no phone, the armored car driver offered the use of his cell phone to call a taxi, and the armored car crew then returned to their job.

Where, but Costa Rica would you find people so willing to help? Every day my opinion of the average Costa Rican is reinforced by some act of consideration and kindness. Although, I must admit this all changes the moment a Costa Rican gets into an automobile and goes through the Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde transition…

What a wonderful place to live.

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Written by long time VIP Member Dick Keim.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.