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Costa Rica: Sticker Shock:
As they told me time and again before I came down: It all depends on how you live. Most of my groceries and new "gotta-haves." are as expensive as they were in the US. Some things more so and a few are less. God help you if you want to buy anything electronic. However, my rent is $550; my water is $6; my electricity is $20 and my phone/internet is $44. Try getting that in the US. I mostly ride the bus which costs less than $2 roundtrip from my small town to the city. And I walk a lot. I have no air conditioning/heating, car, dishwasher, dryer and don't feel the need for them. Well, maybe the car would be nice occasionally. I cook more as apposed to grabbing some fast food. There are motorcycles in my area but not as many as there are in other areas for which I am enormously thankful - Alejuela nearly drove me crazy the month I stayed there.
Bottom line is that no place I know of is like it was 10 or 15 years ago. I lived in Austin, TX for over 20 years. It has grown to the point that is unrecognizable from the mid-sized college town I moved to in the 1980s.
I realize that I am in what is considered the "honeymoon" phase of my life here but thus far it suits my needs. I did not expect paradise and I haven't found it. I miss Louisiana Hot Sauce, Hatch Enchilada Sauce, green chilies, plentiful pecans, Lowes/Home Depot, online billpay, definitive street addresses and numerous other things than I am either learning to live without or pay extra to get occasionally. I have found contentment, good neighbors and new experiences that more than counter the negatives for me.
Costa Rica: Anyone live in Heredia?:
I am a newby having been here only 3 1/2 months. I live near Heredia in San Jose de la Montana which is near Barva. Finding a rental should not be a problem. It is easier if you have a rental budget of $800 per month or more which I did not. My budget was $600 or less. It took me about a month to find a place and I was looking over a large area. I found my house on Encuentra24 but if you drive around you will see rental signs.
I ride the bus all the time. They run with regularity and are not expensive. I have a friend that occasionally takes me shopping for things that are difficult to transport. I have only talked to one expat in the area so far. I have made friends with a couple of my Tico neighbors and they have been enormously helpful in adjusting. If you are looking for a larger expat community, you might look elsewhere.
The Heredia area has a variety of climates. It is cooler where I live. 15 min. drive up the mountain from me, it is even cooler. You can buy whatever you need locally and it is a fairly short trip to San Jose (capitol) which has museums and other attractions. If you like nature, just up the mountains there are amazing the forests and parks such as Barva Volcan. I like it here but it would not be for everyone.
Costa Rica: Heredia area:
A few questions.
I am interested in being getting involved in the community. Are there any animal or pet rescue groups near here that would welcome a volunteer? Any expat groups that occasionally congregate? People who would welcome an out of shape hiker or bicyclist? General volunteer groups? I want to be involved with both Ticos and expats. And by the way, thanks to all those I have met so far, especially in the Atenas area, that have been a wealth of information.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica 1st Month:
After almost 30 days I have found a house. They are out there but not as easy to find what you want as one might think. Living in a cabina in someone's front yard is not where you want to be for a whole month no matter how much you like who your staying with!
Biggest myth on the internet: There are enough Costa Ricans who speech enough Spanish that you can easily get by. People are very helpful and friendly when I asked how to say things properly. I always planned to learn Spanish but lessons in the US were expensive so I am on a crash course now. I have been able to get around but it hasn't been easy. People do their best to be helpful and understand but many just don't know enough English to tell you much of anything. I guess this isn't such a bad thing because it has really motivated me to learn Spanish.
One thing no one mentioned: Motorcycles! They are the most annoying things I have found. They can be heard from miles away (Alajuela, where I have been temporarily staying). The riders think the roads are only for them and they all seem to have a death wishes.
Biggest surprises: (1) How neat and clean most supermarkets and ferias are. Having been to Belize and Nicaragua, I expected less. (2) There are actually some street signs. I can get where I am going some directions and sometimes a map.
My new neighborhood is definitely an all Tico one - no concentration of expats. I think I like it that way. I will get to know the culture better. My landlady and neighbors, many of which are in the same family, have been welcoming and friendly.
I just thought that all the maybe expats out there might like to know what a newbie gringa resident was experiencing.
Costa Rica: Rental Leads?:
Hi, everyone. Finally got myself to CR and am happy to be here. The only glitch I'm having is finding a rental. Yes, I have been checking encuentra24, craigslist and some of regional facebook classifieds (Atenas, Grecia, Lake Arenal). My preferences are mountain rrareas, privacy, space for 2 dogs and 2 cats, 2 bedrooms (would take 1 if there is storage space, not in large city, unfurnished/semi-furnish or furnished, if I have to, not too close to major roads, walking distance to bus stop and cheap. Willing to live Tico style. If you have any leads, I would love to hear from you.
Costa Rica: Help - Customs Broker needed:
I am bring my 2 cats on a plane. United is requiring that I use a customs broker. My English is not up to par yet. Does anyone know of a customs broker I could contact that could handle this?
Costa Rica: "Debbie Downer Does Costa Rica.... The 3 main complaints":
That's a good one. While I haven't live in Central America, my family moved around a lot. I quickly learned that complaining about the way locals did things was not the way to fit in. It took a lot of observation and compromise. Bottom line was that I learned to like every place we lived - even the one where I was a religious minority and there was a lot of prejudice against outsiders. It took a year for the local kids to accept me but they finally did.
Costa Rica: Coming to CR in June for 1st time:
I have heard a lot about how touristy Jaco is. Are there places between Jaco and Dominical that are not so touristy and have a few expats to get to know? I love the landscape but want a community of mixed expats and locals to associate with. I already know I don't want to be wading through tourists every time I go to town.
Costa Rica: my first visit to Costa Rica:
Just curious.... Are you confusing the island country of Dominica with the Dominical region?
Costa Rica: Woodworking in CR:
What woods are available through local hardware stores or lumber yards? I like to make things. Also do you think local furniture makers or craftsmen would be open to taking on apprentices? I would, of course, pay for the privilege if I can afford it.
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