Aug 6, 2007 | Cost of Living, Crime, Culture Shock
Our first few months in Costa Rica, we were taken aback by the intense security around homes: high gates, electric fences, massive bars covering every window and door. Many subdivisions (and some private homes) have guards, from casually dressed bicycle guards to...
Jul 31, 2007 | Accommodations, Caribbean, Crime, Culture Shock, Parismina, Travel Tips, Turtles, Volunteering
Our little Royal Family was not happy in Parismina and we left as soon as humanly possible. The day after our forced march, we were so exhausted that doing a patrol that night was out of the question. And this first day, our only full day there, we were stolen from...
Jul 31, 2007 | Caribbean, Crime, Culture Shock, Parismina, Pueto Viejo, Travel Tips
Hal spent a year in Germany in his youth. During that year, he traveled all over Europe. He said in every country but France, you could hold out your hand with money in it to pay for something and get back the right change. They’d count it out so you’d...
Jul 3, 2007 | Communications, Culture Shock, Living-In, Moving-To, Utilities
I am posting this morning via my new hi-speed internet service from Amnet, one of the two cable companies here. YAHOO!!!! We have been using WiMAX, a wireless signal shot from a huge tower on the mountain behind us. The plan is to provide WiMAX to the entire country,...
Jun 11, 2007 | Banking, Crime, Culture Shock, Jaco, Money
I went to the ATM last Thursday with my mom. You put your card in, you punch in your code, select ENGLISH or SPANISH, DOLLARS or COLONES (get colones, it’s easier), punch in the amount… wait while the machine whirrs and counts. Then take your cash, receipt...
May 21, 2007 | Culture Shock, Expat
"Life is too strange."So says Jen from Dominica. No kidding. Here’s what else she said: "I am an expat living on the island of Dominica and I found your blog because I recently wrote an article for Escape Artist on Expat Culture Shock.Anyway, I...
May 20, 2007 | Culture Shock, Expat, Key West, Living-In
This past weekend I had occasion to be with four good buddies, formerly of Key West, now of Costa Rica. New expats all. Meet Dean, Perry, Jack and Kiki. I’ve known Dean and Perry for almost 20 years. Kiki I’ve known for a little over four. I’m pretty...
Apr 12, 2007 | Culture Shock, Expat, Living-In
If there is one thing we are lacking, it’s community. Poco a poco, we are building one. The truth is, we aren’t that far from our old community. We still visit, Vonage and Skype make constant contact affordable and fun. Friends come here to visit. Plenty...
