Debbie Downer Does Costa Rica: The Three Main Complaints We Hear From Expats
- Dennis J. Easters
- Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
- +506-8854-7721
Taking in the view from where I sit, high in the mountains above the village of Atenas, I know I have everything I could ask for. To the west, I have a view of the Pacific Ocean. To the east are San José and the Central Valley. Directly in front of me, there are miles of lush green, forest-covered mountains. The temperature is perfect, the breeze is gentle and cool.
In the distance, a rooster crows. The cicadas perform in unison, creating a natural philharmonic orchestra. My neighbors, both biped and quadruped, are warm and friendly. The earth provides a bounty of luscious fresh fruits and crisp green vegetables for me and my family to eat on a daily basis.
After an introduction like that, can you imagine that paradise is less than perfect? Well, life is all a matter of perspective, perception, and choice. If you look for the beauty that surrounds you, you’ll see it. Are things perfect in Costa Rica? Of course not, but all things considered, they’re pretty damn close!
During my 51+ years on this Earth, I’ve discovered that if you focus on the molehill that irritates you, it will soon become Mount Everest
After a quick visit to any of the local expat hangouts in Costa Rica or by perusing the plethora of online expat forums and blogs, you’ll hear or read about the good, the bad, and the ugly of living in paradise.
Unfortunately, the Debbie Downers’ of the world are the ones that have the loudest voices regarding life in Costa Rica, irritating everyone else in the process. Recently, I was discussing this very subject with my neighbors, John and Gay, who happen to be wonderful friends. I asked them if they would put some time and a little thought into what they hear people saying about their experiences of living in Costa Rica.
What follows are some of John and Gay’s personal observations over the past ten years of living in Atenas. Time and time again, people visit Costa Rica, fall in love with the country and its people, and decide to move here. Once they arrive, some folks invariably start complaining about the very things that make Costa Rica unique; the slower pace of life, the country’s different approach towards bureaucracy and getting things done, and the attitudes of the Costa Rican people themselves. Do some things in Costa Rica irritate me? Absolutely—but when they do, I take a moment and remind myself of why I moved here, keeping my eye on the prize; a peaceful, laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle!
Complaint #1: How long it takes to get things done; from getting residency to receiving a driver’s license or setting up a bank account.
Interestingly enough, the “slower pace of life” is one of the biggest reasons folks fall in love with Costa Rica. Then, once here, that slower pace of life turns into a major inconvenience. The Ticos, as the locals refer to themselves, have their own way of doing things which has evolved over time to suit their needs. It may take several visits or more time to accomplish things here that were achieved in one fell swoop back where you came from. But, after all is said and done, it will get done, but on Tico-time.
As one Costa Rican gentleman told one of my friends, “We didn’t exactly invite you folks down here to change the way we do things.”
As the Rolling Stones song says, “Old habits die hard.” Expats should keep that lyric in mind and move to Costa Rica for a new experience, not for the same old routine.
Complaint #2: Getting workers to show up or to complete jobs when they say they will.
We know a gentleman who makes beautiful custom cabinetry which will always be “ready on Friday”. He does not mention exactly which Friday, but once he does show up, weeks or a month later, it is a Friday!
Ticos are famous for saying, “I’ll finish that mañana.” Gringos need to keep in mind that tomorrow may or may not come, as we are always living in the here and now of today.
When all else fails, think of Scarlet O’Hara when she famously said in Gone with the Wind, “I’ll think about that tomorrow!”. Costa Ricans have the same philosophy as Scarlet, “we’ll think about that tomorrow”, “siempre mañana”.
Complaint #3: Ticos will always say “yes” even if something is an impossibility.
Having a kind nature, the Costa Rican people do not want to disappoint others. After all, they have the expression that only two things in life are impossible; that a river returns to its source, and that a parakeet can suck. Ticos always want to ‘quedar bien’ or be seen in a good light.
That should remain in the forefront of your mind. Realize that the locals may over-promise, but under-deliver. They just don’t want to disappoint you by saying “No, I can’t do that.”!
The bottom line is that not everyone was meant to live in Costa Rica and that’s OK!
f you are bringing baggage with you, and I’m not talking about Samsonite, or if you arrive with the intent of making this country the “way it was back home”, then you may want to reassess just WHY you wanted to move here in the first place, and then strongly reconsider.
At the end of the day, your life is what you make of it, whether you are in Costa Rica or not. It’s important to remember the old adage, “Wherever you go, there YOU are.” If you are honest with yourself about the reasons for wanting to move to Costa Rica and you stay focused on those reasons, as with life in general, the experience you will have in this tropical paradise will far exceed your expectations!
Are you ready to find your luxury home in Atenas today?
Since 2007, Gerardo and I have selectively curated only the BEST properties that Atenas has to offer. That’s our job. Your job is to sit back, relax and start living the “pura vida” in Atenas, Costa Rica!
Ready to take the next step?
Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Dennis Easters
Real Estate Broker
+506-8854-7721
Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
