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The Costa Rica No One Talks About: Book Review

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RandL
  8/16/2016 17:06 EST

I need to preface this review by saying that we are an older couple who have only spent three weeks in Costa Rica. We are planning to move there in the next 2 to 3 years. Stating the obvious, we each bring our own perspective to the world as we experience it and I'm fairly certain the Author's perspective is very different from mine and from my wife's. But this does not reduce the value to us of what is there to learn.
This rather short book is in a somewhat informal tone, primarily structured around a string of anecdotes whose sequence is intended to show (in reverse order) how corruption seeps down from the top. Anecdotal evidence is also used support assertions regarding the level of violent crime and the demographics of perpetrators and victims. The author provides 22 web linked references that support the text's various presentations of the anecdotes. Let me be clear that I am not questioning the facts of the anecdotes. But, anecdotes do not provide a basis for more general assertions made about conditions in the country. For that one must have rigorous statistical evidence. The author explains a lack of such evidence by asserting either there is none available or that which is available is too flawed to consider. Still, the evidence presented does not necessarily imply the more general conclusions. Again, I am not asserting they are false, only that the evidence is weak in an analytic sense. NOTE: Thus far I have followed/read only two of the 22 reference links and found no corroborating statistical data. If any do provide such evidence I apologize and retract this caveat.
Though much of what is in the book can be gotten through web searches, here it is all in one place. That alone makes it worth the price and there is much of value in the book that I haven't found on line. So the book gets a definite buy recommendation from me at $3.99 (Kindle). However I will end with two examples from the book that I hope will convey the author's perspective on Costa Rica and approach to the world. Depending on how well yours fits theirs the book's value to you may vary.

Example 1:

The author establishes that a Gringo dealing with the bureaucracy of CR must not show impatience lest he be intentionally run through all manner of bureaucratic hell. He then observes that the Ticos dealing with bureaucrats chat with them in a friendly and informal manner and get much better service. The author finds the lost-time/inefficiency, inherent in the Tico transactional style extremely objectionable. But he concludes that it is better and quicker to adapt and go along than to be slowly dragged through hell.

“I always carried a small flask of rum with me and had a sip of rum before dealing with the Costa Rican bureaucracy order to remain calm.”

From its context in the book it was not at all clear that was meant entirely as humor.

Example 2:

The author first establishes that, for tourists, the price of entry to the national parks had been raised, in one fell swoop, by 1000% to ~$15.00.

“Imagine being a foreigner at the entrance of the park and discovering that the locals paid only US $1.50. How would that make you feel?”

Given the text preceding this quote it is clear the author assumes one will experience rather negative feelings. My wife and I were in that same situation on our first trip to CR last June and I did take note of it. However, having seen the poverty in the country, we had good feelings about it. Truly, one person's poison is another's medicine.

CdnRugger
  8/16/2016 18:18 EST

Clear , concise, considerate and professional...thanks....I can infer from this review one might extrapolate the same for many of the books and helpful videos online '

cheers

Stew

Canada/costa rica

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Kohl
  8/16/2016 18:39 EST

RandL, getting used to the 2 tiered pricing structure, will soon grate on your nerves, but you will have to accept that you WILL be paying the 'gringo tax'.

RandL
  8/16/2016 19:12 EST

Kohl:
"RandL, getting used to the 2 tiered pricing structure, will soon grate on your nerves, but you will have to accept that you WILL be paying the 'gringo tax'."

I appreciate the warning. Knowing it's there will make it easier to adapt to both psychologically and tactically. BTW The author suggests a number of techniques to avoid it. ( If only one of them works sporadically the book would have more than paid for itself.)

In any case, I'm going to try to make getting around it a game so I can feel good natured respect for my "opponent" when I loose.

I thank you again. It really is the kind of think one needs to have prepared for.

R

Fheyr13
  8/17/2016 20:42 EST

I bought the book and read it in an hour. I didn't even bother checking the references. This book is clearly garbage. It's some guy who is full of himself and telling stories. I gained very little usable information from this book.

RandL
  8/18/2016 10:35 EST

I apologize if my review led you to wast your money/time. It should have stressed the importance of a perspective consistent with the author's. As one who does not share that perspective I found it informative not only about CR but also how it is that some expats feel the way they do about it. However I am something of a recluse and have probably lived a more sheltered life than most in that regard.

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Kohl
  8/18/2016 11:02 EST

Possibly, someone who has/is actually living here could tell us of their 'opinion' of the book.

alaskamusher
  8/18/2016 17:40 EST

My wife and I will be making our final recon trip to CR. We have a target move of October 2017. I consider myself reasonably knowledgeable on CR. The book is written by a self important, sad little person. I read it mostly to get another point of view, not anticipating a temper tantrum (I swear you'd think the author was from the USA, not Canada). But I will agree that within this 22 page tome are some kernels of truth. But over all the book is a pompous oration filled with "I knew a guy" & "I heard about a guy" that this happened to. What is most laughable is his failure to grasp that he needs to adjust to Tico culture not them to his. He mentions Tico approach to dealing with government in a jovial & friendly manner and how awful this approach is. But that is Costa Rica. That is the culture he has invaded. His approach is probably pretty successful in New York or Montreal. Most telling about the book, aside from the lack of actual facts, is the author's belief that heads of state will read his book and convince CR to change its ways; politics, societal, cultural and economic. I wasted $3.99 on a Kindle version of this book. At least with a paperback version I could use it to light my fireplace.

Kohl
  8/18/2016 19:59 EST

Thanks!!!

CdnRugger
  8/18/2016 21:27 EST

Bingo...the slant is much like a number of people on these forms....slightly cynical with the guise of being helpful....one thing I can say...do / or think almost the opposite with regards to the general advice will find online with regards to CR and you will more likely find success and elavated awareness........at least that has been my experience todate ......polite and to the point...cheers

RandL
  8/19/2016 09:46 EST

“I wasted $3.99 on a Kindle version of this book. At least with a paperback version I could use it to light my fireplace.”

I'm beginning to feel I should go out to the back 40 and find some fat-lighter to send to people so they won't feel cheated. Essentially I am in agreement with your opinion and intended my report to say essentially the same thing except I found $4 value in being made clearly aware of such attitudes among expats.

Again, sorry.

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RandL
  8/19/2016 09:46 EST

“I wasted $3.99 on a Kindle version of this book. At least with a paperback version I could use it to light my fireplace.”

I'm beginning to feel I should go out to the back 40 and find some fat-lighter to send to people so they won't feel cheated. Essentially I am in agreement with your opinion and intended my report to say essentially the same thing except I found $4 value in being made clearly aware of such attitudes among expats.

Again, sorry.

ILuvCR
  8/19/2016 09:57 EST

Randl, amigo don't worry about it and thanks for sharing!

Pura Vida!

guestuser
  8/19/2016 10:52 EST

Wherever you go--there you are. This is the reason for the sour grape American attitude we hear so often. They are miserable where they are now and think by a geographical move they will become happy people! My book was written to enlighten people on what the Caribbean of Costa Rica is about based on my first hand experience over the last decade. It is on Amazon as well but I gladly share it with folks. Just send me your email and I will forward and ecopy. The book is entitled "The Caribbean of Costa Rica Live and Invest on the Last Frontier" Times are changing for sure but the book still highlights why the Caribbean is a great option for those thinking of investing in Costa Rica.

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com
[email protected]

mzseptember
  8/19/2016 11:06 EST

When I first started thinking about moving to Costa Rica, I met a lot of people who had been there. I heard nothing but good things from everyone except one couple who said they hated Costa Rica because no one spoke english. I asked them didn't they know it was a Spanish-speaking country and they said yes but all civilized people speak english. Dumb.

guestuser
  8/19/2016 11:48 EST

Out of the hundreds of people I have gone on tours with only 2 or 3 did not like Costa Rica. And the language was the issue. Plus---these people were looking to escape the US and the politics they hate. Seems they expected to find a mirror of the USA--only cheaper. But as we all know that is not realistic. If a dummy like me can learn to speak Spanish anyone can--

Gill Phelan
www.gvecr.com

CdnRugger
  8/19/2016 12:19 EST

All over the world , almost everyone I speak to , says the problem with America is American mind set and attitudes- very few exceptions accept from Canadians who meet many more Americans

100 years as super power had made them super stupid. The do not comprehend the world / people outside their own backyard .

escapefromnyc004
  8/19/2016 12:24 EST

Where did the author live? If Guanacaste I may give it a read.

escapefromnyc004
  8/19/2016 12:33 EST

Guys, the author is Canadian. Let's maybe not bash America for 1 thread?

ILuvCR
  8/19/2016 14:25 EST

cdnrugger

what a inane comment, bite me!

Kohl
  8/20/2016 11:18 EST

Not everyone who moves here will like it, for a variety of reasons...but for those who have responded to this book and who have only visited for a short time, know that it is VERY different living here, full time. You will hear for yourselves, firsthand 'stories' that seem made up....

As mentioned many times, 'it is said' that 50-60% of the expats who have moved here, return 'home' within 2-3 years.

Many Canadians are moving back as they can no longer afford to live here with losing so much on the Canadian $$$. Unfortunately, some can't do so, as they are unable to sell their homes.

RandL
  8/20/2016 11:52 EST

Inane : lacking sense, significance, or ideas

Given that the author is Canadian, “inane” does seem to apply. But, as an "American," I confess to recognizing CndRugger's description as fitting many of my compatriots who subscribe to the doctrine of “American Exceptionalism”. In fact the fit was so good I too wondered if the author was actually a US citizen.

In any case, unless it is just banter among friends, “bite me” is not constructive and makes any meaningful exchange of ideas difficult. As I get older I am inclined to value such exchange more than a quick reposte.

RandL
  8/20/2016 13:23 EST

“As mentioned many times, 'it is said' that 50-60% of the expats who have moved here, return 'home' within 2-3 years.”

I have been doing extensive real estate searches for available homes for sail and their numbers very much support the idea that there are a lot of people leaving. Not from experience but only from reading etc. I have to say this is no surprise given all the various changes that haft to be accomplished. A couple of guys who do a video blog said it was 80% who return eventually. Still believable. It would be very interesting to see the results of rigorous surveys to find what portions for what reasons.

Myself, I'm worried about learning Spanish after 70.

CdnRugger
  8/20/2016 13:38 EST

Like some have said take everything like a grain of salt....just like my undergrad...we were told look to your left and right...one person wont be in 2nd yr next year...program -cut in half......you are right get the data first....because as you equate trends from the past one must account new trends in the future....in the last year American's given up there citizen ship rose 1000% percent compared with all 10 yrs before. New agreements are being reached in Costa rica and European nations.....I hate to say but the data of old will little reference to the trends that are about to unfold...yes people come and go for all kinds of reasons / nearly everywhere.....Realestate trends, aging boomers, dealth in families forcing people to sell....taxes, capital gains,,,China , canal projects, industy investment in CR, North American Politics-not just US.....those that have an investment with double it and if the right type of property will be able to sell with little difficulty ,,,in the future of CR that lies ahead........BUT more important....do your will....you come into life with nothing and leave with nothing...enjoy the in between......don't follow the crowd these days.......Pura Vida

Kohl
  8/20/2016 14:15 EST

Rent until you are sure that this country is for you...and even then, decide whether you would be better to continue renting, so if there is a death, and the survivor is left to try and sell a property for 3+ years. Or if you want to check out other,areas, pack up and move.

We have owned property here in the past, but have rented for the past 4 years.

Some Canadian friends decided that they would try to sell their lovely home, and we said 'don't wait until you have to,' start advertising now. Four years later, they have had only two 'sort of interested parties' check it out....but still no offers.

Prime property at the beaches will usually sell faster than those in rural areas.

Those with less available funds will usually look at rural areas, both to buy and to rent.

Lisapuravida
  8/22/2016 16:24 EST

There is so much chatter about "Gringo pricing" and after 15 years I cannot say I haven't experienced it. However if you establishing a business relationship with a pescaderia/carniceria etc local businesses, I always get the Tico price. Having a good relationship with a local business person (Even your car mechanic) pays off big!

ILuvCR
  8/22/2016 18:05 EST

me too!

homecoming
  9/2/2016 19:02 EST

IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK TO SPEAK SPANISH. EVEN AT A LATER STAGE IN LIFE. LOOK AND LISTEN AND YOU WILL FIND MANY AND I MEAN MANY SIMILARITIES TO WHAT IS VOCABULARY IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH. COLLECT THOSE WORDS AND YOU HAVE A GOOD FOUNDATION, EVEN ENCOURAGIING TO CONTINUE WITH BETTER OPTIMISM. ENJOY.

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