Does Costa Rica live up to hype and expectation?

[80skeys]

Originally Posted by reds37win

The only people we had any issues with - on this trip - were visiting Americans in touristy locations.

Obnoxious people?

I'd like to hear more about this, as well as your comment about the macho stuff you don't like.

[reds37win]

Originally Posted by 80skeys

Obnoxious people?

I'd like to hear more about this, as well as your comment about the macho stuff you don't like.

We spent a few days in Tamarindo around the first week in May, at the advice of a friend. What we didn't realize is how touristy the town is. Most of the restaurants were geared towards foreign visitors, with only a couple of sodas in the area. A majority of the tourists were kids likely fresh from college. They were there to blow off steam and there was plenty of it. I'm sure I was obnoxious when I was in college, as well, but the experience left a bad taste in our mouths.

We made quite a few connections while we were in Costa Rica. One was a couple from Canada who was living in the Guanacaste region and happened to be in Tamarindo for their Thursday Night Festival. They were vendors selling ice cream and I had a conversation with them for nearly an hour. Great couple, but they echo'd what I have said - most of the issues they have had are with expats moving to the country, not the locals.

At our last Airbnb, our host gave us his backstory and why he and his wife moved to Costa Rica. They originated from Quebec, but had worked with the nuns in Nicaragua and had enjoyed their time there. After scouting several locations in Central America, they settled in Atenas, described as their "sweet spot". He said the overall culture was different, as they didn't have a standing army and didn't have the macho mindset. There wasn't the competitiveness that is taught in the US, Canada and European nations. This was the type of culture he wanted to raise his son.

I've worked in a business atmosphere for more than 30 years. When you are "in the zone", the competitiveness isn't so bad - it becomes a way of life. But, when you are finally able to step back from it and slow things down a bit...let's just say I don't miss it.

[80skeys]

Yeah, that competitiveness has always rubbed me the wrong way. I continue to have to deal with it in Silicon Valley. I agree with you that you don't find it in Latin America. Competitiveness you see in Latin America is of a different variety.

[dmlandis]

I found Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to be very similar. Tons of wildflife and natural beauty and friendly people. Albeit the recent violence and bombings in Sri Lanka make me wary. But in my visit 4 years ago it was calm and I kept seeing comparisons between the two countries.

[Cmusic29]

Only place in Central America I have not been, the cost has always turned me off a bit. I have a friend who lives there and loves it though, makes amazing money but admits, ya, it is super expensive.

[reds37win]

Originally Posted by Cmusic29

Only place in Central America I have not been, the cost has always turned me off a bit. I have a friend who lives there and loves it though, makes amazing money but admits, ya, it is super expensive.

Which part does the friend find expensive?