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View Full Version : Anyone been to Costa Rica



Darrell
11-12-2002, 09:04 AM
Going on a much needed vacation next week to Los Suenos, Costa Rica. They have Ted Robinson design golf course, casino, and a 250 slip marina. (I will be checking for Donzi's). Any input on things to do, or things to avoid would be helpful. I would love to hear form anyone that has been there.

Darrell alias Beach Boy

Steven Cohn
11-12-2002, 11:58 AM
Beach Boy,
I visit Panama once a year for work. A couple of years ago I decided detoured into Costa Rica for a week. Here's a list of my observations.

a. DON'T drink the water.
b. Drink lots of water.
c. Hold onto your wallet.
d. The coffee is great.
e. The national parks are nice (esp. Montezuma).
f. Use a bank to exchange money. The Black Market may give good rates, but it's bad for the already depressed economy.
g. Many prices are negotiable.
h. Brush-up on your spanish.
i. Be aware there are CR prices and tourist prices.
j. It's always hot.
k. CR like Americans, but realize CR don't enjoy the standard of living you do. If you spot any Donzis there most likely it will be owned by an ex-patriot.

MOP
11-12-2002, 12:10 PM
Yup I own land down there been going down for years, my other half's son married a Costa Rican girl so we have family down there. If I went down there in my 30's I would never have come home. Tons of beautiful women down there. Anyway on to other things, Mt Arenal the volcano is great on a day when the peak is not clouded over, the church in Sazero is one thing not to miss with its wooden chapel and bushes trimmed to look like many different objects (animals, flowers, motorcycles, elephants etc.). The rain forest in Monte Verde is good early in the day to see hundreds of beautiful birds, you can do the cable bridges or fly through the tree tops on a cable system. The Pacific coast has Conga, a very large monkey that sounds like a lion roaring. Also when along the coasts be sure to carry bug repellent. That's why I bought mountain property. Also stay out of the bush along the coast unless you have a good guide. Not so much for getting lost but for the few very poisioness snakes. One is worse than the infamous Two Step from Nam. The people inland away from the shores are very nice and from my dealings pretty darn trustworthy. San Remon is a great place to go shopping, $150 sneakers for $60 and women's shoes from Brazil 1/4-1/3 US prices, Jeans 40-50% less etc. The capital should be avoided, crime high, many hookers in its a major hustle bustle area. The roads in most areas are very good, the drivers will drive you crazy at first but soon you learn to go with the flow. They drive crazy but are not aggresive in nature. I could go on and on, if you like mail me questions. If I can't answer them I will ask in your behalf.

Darrell
11-12-2002, 01:25 PM
Steven and M.O.P.

Thanks for the info on Costa Rica,

M.O.P. you got my wife's attn. when you talked about shopping at San Remon (thanks buddy), Janet is looking to see where it is on the map as I type this.

I will keep the good info in mind, and thanks again for your imput.

Darrell alias "now watching for snakes Beach Boy"

MOP
11-12-2002, 03:18 PM
Curious what is Altus like these days? My memories = First time Fried Okra YUCK! First time Japaleno's I Near died. Two quarts of milk later I could speak. Flew all over looking for my buddies stray Prize Bull in a canvas Piper. That was back in 58, town was tall hats and spurs not much different from a 100 others down that way. Lots of cattle and alot of oil wells. My guy had about 30 of the rocker pumps scattered around his place. I did alot of roaming around the south / south west in the 50's kind of interesting to see how things have changed.

P.S. The water in Costa Rica is probably the best in the world, they have so much its nuts. They produce 90% of the electric via hydro. Restaurants in the smaller towns are good and unbelievably cheap. They are super believers in natural foods that don't have junk(chemicals like ours). Treat yourself to Cheecharony high in cholestorol but great in taste. I am in the process of planning my retirement home up in the mountains where there are No Bugs and No Snakes.

Darrell
11-12-2002, 04:51 PM
M.O.P.

Things are no much different now, Don't see many cowboy hats these days (except for rodeo week, I thinks it's some kinda law). Altus AFB home of C17 and C5 training group. It is the fuel for our economy, and also farming. We have a meat prossing plant and the city is in a joint venture with a emerging aircraft builder Luscome airplanes (still working FAA stuff, we'll see if that comes to be.) We have a population of @ 30,000. The Lugart lake still is the one place that makes this hot country worth it. It is the only lake that has granite washed sand for miles around. We go up there ever chance we get. I guess there are better places to live, but my daughter is a 5th generation S.W. Oklahoman. and I just know any other way.

Darrell

MOP
11-13-2002, 07:26 AM
Was alot of good people there back then I think it more than likely stayed that way.