Last evening had an unannounced visit from the owner of Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge.

He’s a nice Costa Rican man of about 60 years of age and I was surprised as it was the first time in 2 years that he had visited the house. He’s that wonderful simple kind of self made, self effacing man, who began life as a cacao farmer and converted the finca into a successful boutique resort of 7 cabinas.

I knew there was a reason for the visit but in true Tico style we spoke about the weather, the cows in the back pasture, whether red bananas tasted different than yellow ones. The days here have 24 hours in them, so why be in a hurry to “get to the point”.

I brewed up a pot of coffee and as we drank on the porch and watched the sun go down on Arenal he came to the reason for his visit. He asked very straight forwardly: “Why are you so different than the other Gringos here?”

I laughed which made him laugh. I think he may have been a bit embarrassed by his own audacity, but when I laughed he realized that no offense had been taken and, none was intended.

It made me think fast. A simple direct question deserved an honest answer so I spoke from the heart.

The single most important part of ‘fitting in” is language. I’ve made an effort to speak Spanish. Even if your Spanish is terrible, if you go an inch the Ticos will go a mile. Take a course or get the Rosetta Stone disks and put some effort into it. I promise your efforts will be rewarded.

Another thing is, we all have ‘baggage’, that’s life! Keep your baggage light, “carry on only”. If you’re not happy, where you are, or who you are, what makes you think that some magic will occur with a change in venue?

Check your issues in with customs and look at Costa Rica as a new beginning, an exciting adventure.

If you’re not happy with yourself you’re only bringing your worst enemy with you and the culture shock will only make you more unhappy.

Simplicity! Gringos are always figuring the angles. Everyone here is not trying to take advantage of you. Yes! Sometime there are Tico prices and Gringo prices, but you can always walk away.

There is a direct correlation that if you do business in English with a Tico who is fluent in the language, you may pay more. Look at it as an ad valorem tax!

You will pay for his effort in learning English. If you live simply half Gringo, half Tico it costs about half to a third of what it costs in the U.S. No lie! My monthly bills amount to about US$800.

If the stress in your life is purely financial Costa Rica may be a viable option.

In summary you get out of life what effort you put into it, make youself a part of the community and you will reap what you sow.

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Written by VIP Member William Patterson. Bill is a self taught artist, born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Miami, Florida. He practiced medicine for 30 years and has always been interested and involved in conservation efforts involving wildlife and the environment. Bill now lives in a unique log home at the base of Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

You can enjoy William Patterson’s artwork here.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.