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Seibu · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 65

As I've stated before, I've yet to step foot in Costa Rica and am a bit intrigued by all the negative feelings regarding San Jose.

What's the deal? I haven't read a single positive post or comment about living and working in the capital.

I can understand if teachers find it a bit overcrowded, polluted, etc. I'm just curious if these folks have traveled to other major cities.

How does San Jose compare with Phnom Penh or Bombay or Ulan Bator?

I spent a year in Phnom Penh and didn't think it was that bad. Can San Jose honestly be that much worse? Are these SJ haters just travel lightweights?

Thoughts?

OleLarssen · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 337

I don't think I've ever said a bad thing about San Jose without saying two good things. San Jose is dirty and strange to be sure, but I enjoy living here. It just takes a little while for you to get under the surface and find the nice stuff. Lots of people complain about crime which I don't understand, but then, I lived in Cape Town for a year and that was pretty hardcore. I've never even been close to getting into trouble and I'm not particularly careful except for not carrying valuables unless I must. The bus system is somewhat odd but it works very well once you get the hang of it, it's dirt cheap and relatively fast outside rush hour. Definitively better than the bus system in certain Norwegian cities I've been in, and don't even get me started on Zambia or Mozambique.

MOD EDIT

dan_lawrence · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 50 Location: FLORIDA USA

First-timer in CR leaving tomorrow back to Florida after just 5 days vacation -- I like it just fine here -- i�ve visited and lived in many countries over the last 40 years and there�s good bad and ugly everywhere -- most negativity is a mental choice of attitude -- i�ve met many fine warm people here in San Jose including Ole! -- just my 2 centavos opinion -- Dan

rpbagwell · Posted: Sun Sep 02, 2007 11:15 pm Post subject:

I think Ole was absolutely correct, it is a matter of perspective. Those who have travelled little outside of the U.S. would likely see San Jose differently than those (like yourself) that have experienced other cultures and countries. I've been there several times and I have no problem with San Jose. Yes, it's different than Nashville, Tennessee, but the point is to appreciate the differences, not to try to compare the lack of similarities.

Matt_22 · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 193

Seibu · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 65

Ole....

Thanks for the responses.

Let me ask you guys this....I'm getting the impression Costa Rica is swamped with Americans....particularly young ones. Is this the case?

I don't care either way, but one thing I've liked about Asia is the pretty even mix in the ex-pat community of Aussies, Brits, Swedes, Canucks, Yanks, Koreans, etc.

Not too keen on living in a mini-San Jose, California.

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject:

I've just deleted or edited several postings for flaming and otherwise being off-topic and inappropriate.

Should there be repeats on this thread if and when it is unlocked, there will be sanctions.

Sanctions can include banning.

If your goal is to insult people, individually or collectively, go elsewhere. It is not acceptable here and a member who becomes involved in this kind of activity can quickly find oneself in the category of "ex-member."

Members are encouraged to utilize the Report Post mode to report inappropriate postings as soon as they occur.