Life in Costa Rica is NOTHING Like Back Home
Ten months ago my wife and I packed our bags and moved our four little girls down to the beautiful country of Costa Rica. We wanted to expose our children to a different language, a different culture and a different way of life. Well, we got exactly what we asked for: Different.
While we love our home, the natural scenery, the weather and many of the resort destinations, the day-to-day affairs of life seem to be the most challenging, The things that we as Americans have become accustomed to in the states have made living in a foreign country quite frustrating. In fact, 90% of our struggles can be summed up in one word: Utilities.
During our 10-month stay, we’ve had approximately five months worth of mediocre service. Our first home in Alajuela had no phone line or internet access. With an internet-based business that heavily relies on an American clientele, we suffered tremendously. With no ability to call, chat or email anyone for 180 days, we lost tens of thousands of dollars in business, existing clients as well as prospects.
With no steady stream of income, life in Costa Rica quickly became very tough. So, we packed our bags again and moved to Santa Ana. For several months we were in hog heaven. We actually had phone, cable and internet service and it actually worked. We felt like we won the lottery.
We were certain that our good fortune would follow us all the way to our dream home in Heredia. Big Mistake. Ever since we got here we’ve been double charged for service we’ve never received. We’ve been put on hold for hours just to be hung up on time and time again. And we’ve had our service suspended for nonpayment one week after paying for service we’ve never had.
We’re told that the national motto in Costa Rica is Pura Vida which means ‘Pure Life.’ The American Heritage College Dictionary defines Pure in many ways. One definition of pure is ‘simple.’
So, I often ask myself, “Is life in Costa Rica truly simple?” I guess that depends on who’s asking the question. For some, simplicity is desirable. However, for my family of six, this simple life has made our stay truly complex. But all hope is not lost. There is a silver lining in the clouds. A cable representative (who’s company shall remain nameless) has once again promised to come out and restore our service. In the meantime, the saga continues….
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Life in Costa Rica has truly stretched me in the area of my personal growth and development.
Short URL: http://www.costaricanewssite.com/?p=3969
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I’m thinking not.
I have a lot of empathy for you, and I understand your situation. “Hang in there” and things will improve. One thing we have to understand—-when we leave our familiar surroundings we hope we can expect the same service we used to have—-this will not happen and as soon as can accept “what is”, the simpler life becomes. We have to remember–Costa Rica used to be a 3rd world country not too long ago, and things are changing so fast, it can make your head spin. Even Ticos can not keep up with the changes. Believe in the “Pura Vida”—it works!!!!–if you can allow it. There is one word I love–”ATTITUDE”, and if we live our lives thinking this—WOW–what a beautiful world we live in. HANG IN THERE AND KEEP THE FAITH!!!!!.
Tico Mixto Duglas (Canadian) Perez Zeledon
Just curious if you took a few extended trips to CR before moving there? My husband and I have been there twice, once more to travel and narrow down potential areas to live and the second one we rented a home in Grecia for a month to see how we could get along. As someone who also makes a living online, having an already functioning internet connection was non negotiable, even for a month’s stay. Were you misled about this necessity?
As for the title of this article, of course Costa Rica is nothing like living back home. What would have made you think otherwise? I see signs that CR is being Americanized… ever notice how just about every food option in the San Jose airport is a US Fast Food company? Now THAT I’d happily like to leave behind
Responded in private to your email!
Well you should had done your research right before settle in one of those places I have been to the us and thing are no different I worked as customer service rep for know missing bell south and i used to get hundreds and hundreds of call from customers just like you living in the us in hi density areas like NY and Miami. hope you do better if not you should get a local advisor before you do anything.
What kind of family support net work do you have down there?