Friday, May 16, 2008

Cultural Quiz 101

Situation 3

You meet a Tico at a party, hit it off right away and swap phone numbers. You call your new friend shortly afterwards to ask him to dinner a few days in advance. He gladly accepts - but on the night in question never turns up. Next time you bump into him, he offers no apology or explanation. Do you:

A. Feel insulted and resolve to reduce your circle of friends to those who take social engagements seriously.
B. Decide, next time, to only ask him out on the spur of the moment when there's no chance for forgetfulness or mind-changing.
C. Invite him to dinner again in a week's time.


If you answered A, there's no point taking it to heart or feeling paranoid- Ticos are just notoriously incumplidos. To you, simple forgetting about an arrangement, or turning up two hours late may seem tantamount to rudeness, but if you confine yourself to friends who share your attitudes about time, you will probably find yourself with a rather small social circle. Answer C will probably see you being stood up again. B is probably the best answer. Call up one evening and ask what your friend is doing. If he's going out, he'll probably invite you along. If he has no plans, suggest meeting up.

A single humor post from Costa Rica real estate.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Cultural Quiz 101

Situation 2

You're in a small town and need to catch a bus back to San Jose. Your taxi to the bus stop has to stop to allow a large herd of cows to pass on the road, and you arrive 20 minutes after the bus has left. Do you:

A. Sit down with a coffee and wait , fuming with frustration, for the five hours until the next bus leaves.
B. Hire a taxi to drive you the 150 miles back to San Jose.
C. Think laterally. Hail a passing taxi or pick-up and ask the driver to chase down the bus.


A
is a possibility if you have time on your hands and a good novel to read, or something else to do in a one-horse town. B is another option if your budget stretches to it, but if you answered C, you're thinking like a Tico. The driver will go like a bat out of hell to run down that bus in record time. When you overtake it, horn honking, both of you and the driver should lean out of the windows waving furiously until the bus stops to let you aboard.


A single humor post from Costa Rica real estate.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Cultural Quiz 101

Situation 1

During a break at a roadside cafe during a long bus ride, a friendly older male passenger holds the door open for you, calling you my queen and offers to buy you a drink. Do you:

A. Snort in disgust at his sexism and walk off.
B. Insist on your buying him a drink instead (after all, you probably earn four times more than him).
C. Accept and thank him, but say that next time you meet (which you both know will probably be never), you will buy him a drink.

If you answered A, you're going to end up very irritated, very quickly, and possibly rather lonely, in Costa Rica. Try to accept the omnipresent chivalry with a sense of humor - you will get on a lot better, and probably meet a lot of interesting people along the way.
B would injure your friend's pride and embarrass him in front of anyone watching - a Costa Rican caballero. Never lets a lady buy him a drink, and definitely not a first drink.
C is ideal. Everyone is happy and now you can sit back for a chat.

A single humor post from Costa Rica real estate.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

My Top Five Favorite Dishes In Costa Rica

Costa Rican food is based on two main ingredients : black beans and rice. In most homes, especially in the country, these will crop up in every meal in every meal of the day masquerading under various names , and in some places rice and beans are even thrown on newlyweds like confetti.

Right now, I have listed my top five favorite dishes in Costa Rica. Experience a Costa Rican cuisine!

Picadillo. This is usually made from chayote, plantain, or potato, this is a kind of chopped vegetable stew, often with a little meat or egg, and flavored with spices.

Tamales. Steamed maize dough wrapped up in a corn or banana leaf with meat in the middle.

Gallos. A small serving of meat or chicken with tortillas.

Ceviche. This traditionally Peruvian dish is a firm favorite in Costa Rica. This is either white fish or seafood marinated in lime juice and spiced up with some onion, garlic, red peppers, and coriander.

And the last, but not the least is:

Empanadas. These can be savory ; made from deep with meat, cheese, potato or beans, or sweet; made from baked wheat flour and stuffed with fruit
preserves usually pineapple, guava or melon.


So next time you'll get there, try to taste these yummy and delicious dishes of the Ticos while enjoying your beautiful beach house in Costa Rica real estate.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Indigenous People In Modern Costa Rica

Today you won't see much evidence of native traditions in Costa Rica. Only about 1% of the country's population is of aboriginal extraction , and the dispersion of the various groups ensures that they frequently do not share the same concerns and agendas. Contact between them, apart from through bodies such as CONAI - the national indigenous affairs organization is minimal.

Although a system of indigenous reserves was set up by the Costa Rican administration in 1977, giving aboriginal people the right to remain in self-governing communities, titles to the reserve lands were withheld, so that while the communities may live on the land, they do not actually own it. This has led to government contracts being handed out to mining operations in the Talamanca area, leading to infringements on the communities themselves, which are further hampered by the presence of missionaries in settlements like Amubri and San Jose Cabecar. The twelve "Indian reserves" scattered around the country are viewed by their inhabitants with some ambivalence. As in North America, establishing a reservation system has led in many cases to a banishing of indigenous people to poor quality land where enclaves of poverty soon develop.

Although the persecution of native people in Costa Rica is nothing like as bad as in Guatemala, in recent years there have been a number of disturbing indigenous rights violations, many of them documented. At the same time there is growing recognition of the importance of preserving indigenous culture and of providing reserves with increased services and self-sufficiency. In addition, indigenous groups from around the country, realizing that they need a cohesive voice and common agenda, have banded together to rent a Costa Rica real estate housing or building San Jose to be used as the headquarters for a united movement.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Finding Your Way Around Costa Rican Towns

In Costa Rica there is only one vision of urban planning: the grid system. However, there are a number of peculiarities that are essential to come to grips with if you want to find your way around with the ease. Getting around in Costa Rica towns especially if you are planning to have a Costa Rica real estate is essential. The following rules apply to all cities except Limon.

Typically, you'll see addresses written as follows: Bar Esmeralda, AV 2, C 5/7. This means that Bar Esmeralda is on Avenida 2, between Calles 5 and 7. Bar Lotto, C 5, Av 2, on the other hand, is on the corner of calle 5 and Avenida 2. Apartado (Aptdo) means "postbox", and bis means, technically, "encore": If you see "AV 6 bis" in an address it refers to another Avenida 6, right next to the original one.

Many directions, in both written and verbal form, are given in terms of meters rather than blocks. In general, one block is equivalent to 100m. Thus, "de la Escuela Presidente Vargas, 125 metros al sur, cincuenta metros al oeste", translates as "from the Presidente Vargas School, 125 meters south and 50 west". More confusingly, verbal directions are commonly given in relation to landmarks which everyone - except the visitor - knows and recognizes. Frustratingly, too, some of these landmarks may not even exist any longer. This is something to get the hang of fast: taxi drivers will often look completely bewildered if given street directions, but as soon you come up with a landmark, the proverbial light bulb goes on.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Car Safety In Costa Rica


The road traffic accident rate in Costa Rica is phenomenal - and rising. Most tourists see at least one accident on the roads during their time in the country, and though Costa Ricans blame bad road conditions, the real cause is more often poor driving - you're advised to drive extremely defensively. Sections of washed out, unmarked or unlit road add to the hazards, as do mechanically unsound buses and big trans-isthmus trucks.

Another hazard of driving in Costa Rica involves car crime. A recent scam involves thieves entering car rental companies' parking lots and making slow punctures in the tires of hire cars. Unsuspecting
drivers then take these cars out onto the road until the puncture eventually forces them to pull over, at which point the thieves stop to offer help before robbing you on the roadway or hard shoulder. Drive to the nearest public area and call the police.

  • Keep your doors locked and windows shut, especially in San Jose.
  • If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, blow your horn.
  • Do not pull over for flashing headlights. Note that an emergency or police vehicle has red or blue flashing headlights.
  • If you become lost, find a public place, like a service station, to consult your map or ask for directions.
  • If someone tells you something is wrong with your vehicle do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or other well-lit public area.
  • Keep valuables in the trunk or out of sight, and your car locked at all times.
  • Do not pick up hitchhikers.
  • Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor running when you stop to fill up.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest well-lit public area and call the police.
  • In case of emergency call 911.
For extensive information about car rental in Costa Rica, visit Costa Rica real estate.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Look At San Jose

Ringed by the jagged silhouettes of soaring mountains, San Jose landscape would surely leave tourists in beguile. The capital and largest city of Costa Rica, it holds the seat of the government and is the center of political and economic activity. A very cosmopolitan capital with many welcoming qualities and buildings boosting a unique Caribbean, Victorian architecture, San Jose has attracted number of tourists, expatriates and investors interested in San Jose real estate.

The home of the Teatro Nacional, a lot of tourists drop by San Jose just to see Central America's grandest theatre. The exemplary Museo de Oro Precolombino that has 2000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold and Museo de Jade, America's largest collection of the precious stone are all situated in the city of San Jose. A colorful arrangement of fruits and vegetables and an array of beef and chicharrones (deep fried pork skins) are just some of the things you�ll find when you come to San Jose's Mercado Central. If you're looking for drinking and nightlife, the trail of bars and clubs in San Jose is a good destination.

The eternal spring weather and climate in the Central Valley is another reason why San Jose is one of the most viable destinations for Costa Rica real estate investors. If retirement is on your mind, and you are thinking of buying a second or a retirement home you might consider Costa Rica's affordable offers. A land of natural wonders and countless splendors, Costa Rica is really a worth-seeing Caribbean haven.

Monday, April 14, 2008

...and thou shalt know all these things


  1. Thou shall learn to love eating black beans and rice three times a day.
  2. Thou shall expect to hear mi amor (my love), mi vida (my life), mi corazón (my heart), and te quiero or tea mo (I love you) a lot. Don’t get freaked out – people use these terms a lot more glibly than they might where you are from.
  3. Thou shall do plenty of research before starting up any property or land investment in Costa Rica real estate.
  4. Thou shall buy fruit and vegetables at the local weekend feria rather than in the supermarket – much more fun!
  5. Thou shall shout “Upe” when arriving at someone’s house rather than knocking on the door.
  6. Thou shall not overstay your visa. You could be deported, and the Tico immigration police don’t seem to share the famed friendliness of the general public.
  7. Thou shall not be flashy and ostentatious – Ticos hate such behavior,and much prefer people who are humilde (humble).
  8. Thou shall not give alcohol as a gift when visiting a Tico’s home. A family member may be a recovering alcoholic, or the family may be teetotal.
  9. Thou shall not shout at people or employees, no matter how frustrated you are, and especially not in public. Ticos take offense easily, and this will cause you more trouble than what the momentary relief was worth.
  10. Thou shall not expect to get straight down to business. Personal contact is very important in Costa Rica-expect a fair amount of good-natured banter and chit-chat before the serious business begins.




Thursday, April 10, 2008

Dance Like Latinos


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MmTNM5sbAs

Costa Ricans love to dance, and it's common to see children who have barely learned to stand up grooving and bopping, much encouraged by their parents. Consequently, there are many good discos, mainly in San Jose. And one of the best ways to meet people and to prepare yourself for San Jose nightlife is to take a few salsa lessons at one of the city's many academias de baile. You don't necessarily need a partner, and you can go with a friend or in a group. Your popularity at discos or house parties will have something to do with how well you can dance. If you are really keen you might want to take salsa and merengue lessons before you come. Fitting in at a disco is easier for women, who simply wait to be asked to dance. Men,however, are not only expected to go out and hunt down female dance partners, but also to lead, which means they actually have to know what they're doing.

The truth is, Costa Rica literally has something to offer everyone. It is a hot spot for foreign investors, retirees from the US and Europe who want a better lifestyle and own a beautiful house from Costa Rica real estate, adventure touring, hiking, surfing, rafting, fishing and much more. If you haven’t been here yet, you clearly should look into it, you won’t regret it!

Now, are you ready to dance?

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The America’s Next Top Surfing Destination.

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Beautiful sandy beaches, high investment with low risk Costa Rica real estate, lush rainforests, and volcanoes can all be discovered here. It is breathtakingly beautiful and is meant to be explored!Numerous rivers offer quality sandbar rivermouth breaks, particularly on the Pacific coast. Now it has become, for many, a passion.

Costa Rica has indeed become a favorite surfer hangout, especially for those who want to take on some of the more challenging waves found on the planet.Bringing too many boards can limit your mobility, plus getting around with many surf boards can be very challenging. Be very careful, however. Costa Rica also has an unusual strategic position that within just a few hours you can surf at sunrise at the Caribbean coast, and later in the day, watch the sunset over on the pacific side, catching a different set of waves.

Surfers, like Ticos are polite and hate confrontations- they are holistic when it comes to surf etiquette. Gringo surfers have a bad setting, and the locals will not take kindly to you stealing their wave (although they probably wont say anything to your face).

And though some of the surfer beaches maybe kind of hard to reach, due to poor road conditions, they are well worth the trip as the waves here are good all year round.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Getting The Best Value Out Of Your Real Estate Investment.

Bothered by the distressing notion that your assets might get you into financial trouble instead of it giving you the peace of mind and financial security you need from owning one? Does your property investment earn you with added profit? Do you get “cash value” out of it on a regular basis without having to wait for certain period to sell it?

If you have a property that’s been unoccupied for a long time now and you can’t think of any worthwhile present use, it might just be a good idea to use it as collateral to get a loan to perhaps purchase another piece of property and make it to work for you to produce stable income.. Unlike insurance and pension plans, real estate is a fixed asset, thus, it is a safe investment. The concept here is to create other opportunity out of your property’s value and make it earn interest for you while paying for monthly installments.

Check on regularly your monthly financial statement and evaluate your monthly cash flow. For example, you may want to take a closer look on how much your monthly mortgage installment payments contribute to your outgoings in your cash flow statement. So instead of shelling out money contributing to more pension plans and insurance policies, why not double your own mortgage installment payments if you can afford it? This means practically that you get to own your own or you can have another property in double the time.

Whether the need for extra savings is sooner or perhaps a little later, the idea always work to the advantage of real estate property owners who act on it even before a pressing financial problem arises.

To venture for more safe and stable real estate, please visit Costa Rica real estate.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

For The Love Of The Beach

Say goodbye to the hassles and the bustles of the city, embrace the quiet and peaceful life by the Costa Rican beaches. If you love the sea, beach front properties are the best buys. A range of small and large properties that are more suitable for development are available for you. More and more people are discovering the natural beauty and the numerous investment growth potential in Costa Rica. We will help you find the best deal and purchase the right property for you.

If you dream of having a beach front property in tropical Costa Rica, Costa Rica real estate can help to make your dreams come true. Enjoy the most amazing beach view from your own terrace or balcony and see how beautiful Costa Rica is.If you want to build the perfect beach house, then Costa Rica’s tropical setting would make it the best location.

Anyone considering investing in real estate in Costa Rica and moving to live in the country full time can potentially benefit from tax break incentives available to investors. An upscale lifestyle in a unique community by the beach is what Costa Rica Real Estate has prepared for you.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Things To Remember In Buying A Costa Rican Property .

With the recent downfall of the US housing market, Costa Rica presents an excellent alternative for those seeking land investments. Costa Rica real estate allows investors to enjoy affordable luxury in a country of breath-taking sceneries and views. Costa Rican properties have low downside volatility and good liquidity which allow an easier buying and selling.

Today, Costa Rica sees a number of Americans and other nationalities coming in to look for second or retirement homes. With a more affordable and better lifestyle, you can enjoy a comfortable living without running out of cash. In finding and buying a property, be sure to avoid lands with zoning issues, title problems and other scams.

For considering and closing property deals, always ensure that your purchase is setup correctly under Costa Rican laws. Don’t invest in any property touted having unbelievably returns or housing that you haven’t thoroughly checked out. Let a knowledgeable and experienced consultant from a reputable Costa Rica real estate company guide you in every phase of the deal.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Spanish Grammar

Spanish has two verbs 'to be': ser and estar. Ser refers to a permanent state, and estar to a temporary state or location. For example, el perro es gris (ser) = 'the dog is grey' - permanent state, but el perro esta afuera (estar) = 'the dog is outside' - location. Es aburido (ser) means 'he is boring', esta aburrido (estar) means 'he is bored'.

Unlike English, adjectives nearly always follow the noun, for example, un programa interesante is 'an interesting program'. They also agree in gender and number with the noun, for example, el gato negro is 'the black cat', but las vacas blancas is 'the white cows'.

In Spanish, nouns are either masculine (mostly ending in 'o') or feminine (mostly ending in 'a'), for example, la muchacha (the girl), el muchacho (the boy). There are exceptions like el programa, el planeta, el problema, and la mano (hand), la foto and la dinamo.
Nouns ending in 'ion' or 'dad' are also feminine, for example, la organizacion and la unidad. Those ending in any other letter simply have to be learned, for example, la piel (skin), but el nivel (level), and la mujer (woman), but el amor (love).

Universities which offer study abroad courses and Costa Rica real estate forums or anything related to Latin America are good source of information for learning Spanish

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Costa Rica: The Business Environment

The Costa Rican economy is changing rapidly, with agriculture being downgraded and clothing factories declining in the face of cheaper competition from Asia. The country is now trying to remodel itself as a suitable location for high technology industries, Costa Rica real estate, foreign companies operation centers for human resources, call centers, conferences, and conventions.

Costa Rica is a very business card-oriented culture, and everyone from your taxi driver to a company president will whip out a card at the slightest opportunity. Costa Ricans, however, set a great deal less store on formality than many other Latin countries. While many of these cards will show the person's educational status, for example a graduate or doctor, this is not the norm, and you are not expected to greet anyone in a business setting in this fashion as you would do elsewhere in Latin America.

Personal relationships and conversation are still valued more highly than punctuality, and there is usually quite a bit friendly chitchat before meetings get seriously started. There are few topics off-limits when talking with Ticos, but don't waste the opportunity to strengthen your new business relationships by moaning about their country, bureaucracy, or government. Ticos may well do this themselves, but if a foreigner starts carping too much they may take offense.

As with everything else in tiny Costa Rica, networking is the key, so you should have a good people skills. Although many Ticos, especially in the business community, have been educated abroad and speak excellent English, any effort to speak some Spanish on your part will definitely be appreciated. You should try to learn at least enough to be polite.