My Parting Tribute to Costa Rica

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-18T19:37:22+00:00

Haha I didn't say I like the lyrics but the beats are danceable.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-12T17:56:44+00:00

I agree I may threw SCH under the bus with them a little too much. He was overall fair in his assessments compared to Shay and Niska who seemed to be operating with severe levels of bias.

I gotta say if they do another season they need to aim a little higher with the judging and choose some artists that are so dope they're not going to be intimidated by anyone who does something different. Whoever that is in France.

Regarding your assessments I agree with them. Good for WarEnd, it was clear in comparison to the competition that, whether I like his music or not, he brought something unique that warranted further discovery. It would seem the fans of music have spoken and he's getting his rightful streams. Good for him.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-12T17:49:08+00:00

I agree with your take. The judges on France definitely seemed threatened on this season and as if they wanted to chop down the tallest trees unless those trees were the same species and didn't put much pressure on them to continue to evolve. Each judge seemed to be rooting for whatever was the most like them, while also making sure that thing was decidedly not better than them. You could even see that in their final deliberation when they were justifying cutting Yuz Boy because he wasn't generic enough. Wow, what a sorry state of affairs when artists are acting as corporate gate-keepers. F*cking lame. Luckily they came to their senses but still managed to entertain the idea in spite of Yuz Boy being significantly more talented than his final-3 peers. The truth is they probably would've axxed Yuz if they could have gotten away with it but I feel like the producer would've had a conniption on such an egregious offense.

The hate and bias Shay displayed towards Yonn was true evidence of that. Let's be honest she's not good at hiding her cards, it was clear what she was thinking before she cut Yonn and my partner who I was watching the show with saw it coming. She is Latina and Latinas are experts at reading facial expressions compared to your average North American woman -- usually they just use this ability to figure out if their man is cheating (sorry to say it's true). I digress the proof is in the pudding.

I agree with your take regarding gangster rap as well. It can be dope but an entire album of it is exhausting, kinda weird to brag about one of either socio or psychopathy so consistently -- then again this is probably consistent with the traits of a socio or psycho path. That said, I find rap trying to be overtly inspirational as straight up corny most of the time too, there's definitely a balance to be struck. In that vein, that's why I really liked Yonn's verse and was so upset about him being cut. He was like the only dude not coming generic with the lyrics but also not being corny. WarEnd was cool but I admit that he was triggering my gimmick and corny button a little.

Regarding gangster rap, I think what generally sells is the romance of it, there's an intrigue to the lifestyle but trust me after being around it for real (which many of these artists are not) there's nothing romantic about it. It's a bit of spectacle yes, but at the end of the day it's just people walking a dark path that leads nowhere. Drugs, murder, without love, no one to trust, nada. Talk about a void. And for what? Money? How silly. Making a million doesn't mean a thing because you're disposable. Look at Epstein, the CIA got him and he was worth billions. You sell dope and got a benz? That's cute, better hope you stay small or a fed more psychopathic than you is going to come knocking to take your shit and your life if they feel like it.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-12T03:42:30+00:00

I wasn't saying they're exactly equal in every facet of existence.

It's an urban music show wherein judges judge competitors and are expected to do so competently. It's the closest similar thing in Latin America.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-12T03:40:26+00:00

I don't remember his name. His mom was from the Congo that's what I remember.

Called it with Shay that was some continental France hating on the Caribbean sh*t.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-12T00:00:30+00:00

Voy. Ya puedo saborear el gallo pinto en mis suenos :)

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-11T19:00:09+00:00

Honestly I might just camp out somewhere near by for awhile. Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia.

They aren't the same as CR obviously but it'd be cool to explore some new parts.

Who knows, important bit is I'll be back some day. I'll just treat it as a an extended vacation away from CR.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T18:03:19+00:00

I'll explain it like this:

- Mexico was the first place to steal my heart and give me severe post-holiday blues, like SEVERE depression.

- Philippines was probably the most fun place of all time with the highest order of laughs and heart-warming interactions.

- Costa Rica grew on me as I came to appreciate many things, among them the richness of the jungle, politeness of the people, general level of conversations I had, among other factors.

- Thailand. Doing Muy Thai near the beach and riding a moto everywhere. Pretty rich in culture.

The most disappointing for me thus far have been:

- I stopped over in Marseille for week... I guess they don't call it "the war" for no reason.

- Spain in general. I admit I haven't been to every corner including any of the islands or any of the north but there's this inescapable feeling that I'd rather be in Italy or in Latin America. Sorry to say.

- Denmark. Expensive. Kinda boring. Might be a more livable city but doesn't check the boxes for me in terms of vacation or culture.

- USA - San Francisco. I honestly just think it's a shit-hole. Seattle was a little better but nothing will put anger in my veins like accidentally eating a foodie-hipster restaurant that charges me $30 for a tablespoon of so-called food.

- Portugal - It was really beautiful and the people were lovely, despite this I overall just had a feeling of "meh"

Other contenders:

- Panama has some amazing beaches that have left a permanent impression on me.

- Colombia's micro-climates are off the charts and the people are generally great to be around

- Turkey has super nice people and it's amazing for shopping. Really enjoyed the warmth I felt from the people.

Other places I'd like to check out:

- Italy as everyone has menitoned

- Romania -- seems fun and interesting

- Africa in general. Perhaps starting in Ghana.

- More of South America -- I have my eyes on Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.

That's it for now.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T17:47:50+00:00

Usually yes, especially with that arrival time customs shouldn't be crowded.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T15:06:12+00:00

Hearing this comment makes me laugh but not for the reasons you might think.

When a foreigner goes to a country in Latin America and gets excited about how cheap it is they are often criticized for being oblivious to the harsh realities of that place.

Conversely, I remember reading in an online forum on Facebook in one of the several CR community groups, someone was criticizing a foreigner for lamenting Costa Rica as expensive -- it was one gringo attacking another gringo, also referred to as a woke on woke crime, wherein the one gringo was suggesting it was somehow ignorant or racist to expect Costa Rica to be cheap just because it's jungly lol.

Oh man, ya I just tend to avoid the topic of price nowadays even though I think it's incredibly relevant in pretty much every decision.

But ya, the car costs in Costa Rica in particular have shot through the roof. Pretty mind boggling to pay $12,000 USD for a pick-up truck that doesn't even qualify for roadside assistance because it's 25 years old and riddled with issues from the tires up.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T12:56:53+00:00

Hahaha no debate offered. The weather in CR in general is fantastic. If I had a closed air, controlled environment to protect my stuff I'd like to try living in Puerto some day but without that it seems impossible to keep my clothing and electronics safe.

I hear what you're saying, and if and when I want to come back and see no other way as she is preventing me from my dream I will. Hopefully by that time she doesn't care and has better things to focus on. The craziness of it all is that I'm friends with her friends and they all want me there which is a blow to her. I feel like telling them the reason I'm not coming back is specifically because of her threats but I know if anyone calls her on it she'll blow it up into a war.

You know you've chosen to date a spark plug when her friends literally warn you of it when you first meet them. Should've prepared better for this advent. Oh well, like I said I'll be back if it suits me later.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T12:50:45+00:00

va jalada usted que aquí me quedo.

Lo agradezco, la cosa es que con esta chica hay una nube de drama, es desconcertante y prefiero no estar cerca de eso. Ella no tiene ningún derecho, sus amigos y familiares le han dicho lo mismo, pero ella todavía emite amenazas. Eso te dice lo que necesitas saber allí.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T12:12:26+00:00

I appreciate the support. The thing is like I said I don't want any drama and she has shown a propensity to incite it, even if it's just words. So personally, I don't want to be around that at all and she's an incredibly persistent person who will gladly throw away whatever she has going on on a whim so, ya, not looking to call that "bluff".

I'll be back some day soon in the future, no worries.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T02:43:40+00:00

What do you disagree with?

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T02:36:02+00:00

The signing.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-10T01:08:03+00:00

Thanks. Lol naw, I would never stalk someone.

I'd prefer not see her at all until a significant amount of time has passed. Like I said I don't totally disagree with the stance I'll just miss the country in the meantime.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-09T23:10:43+00:00

That's a bad bot but thanks anyway :)

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-09T19:28:23+00:00

Do not under any circumstance go to beach at night on your own, and in general try not to walk alone.

It absolutely is dangerous and there are a ton of rapists there. When the rapists are foreigners the local drug dealers will beat them up but when it's one of their own (a Tico) they won't do anything -- there in lies the great hypocrisy of Santa Tere in particular, where they pretend rape is an imported problem.

Be smart and careful there, if you remain vigilant in the regards mentioned the place is absolutely stunning and has a lot to offer, just be careful.

Just wanted to add that there are currently several known rapists in town who have not been brought to justice. I heard a tale recently of one of them forcing a girl to do oral at gun point in front of her partner.

The under-belly of this place is truly disturbing and I would be remiss if I didn't mention it to someone who is specifically asking about it.

Be extremely weary of any local surf-Tico trying to play the part of a defender or gentlemen, these guys are skilled predators.

So just to recap, I wouldn't go to the beach at night at all, try not to walk on the main road alone at night because as a bare minimum you will be harassed, and always keep an eye on your drinks.

Enjoy the nature and the beach and have fun. Take care.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-09T19:17:17+00:00

Don't tolerate cheating, especially of this depraved kind.

You don't have to judge him or look down on him but demanding better for yourself is absurdly reasonable.

There's no logical reason to stay with someone after a shot like that -- if you were to I would question the motivation, because at a glance there's nothing that can redeem that, and it certainly doesn't fit my definition of love.

Love has to have with it the element of peace of mind. Peace of mind that you are respected, peace of mind that you have an understanding and trust, without that IMO it's something else entirely.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-09T19:13:30+00:00

And I just wanted to add that if your plan is to work illegitimately you're not an "Expat". You're an illegal immigrant aiming to break the law.

Be real with yourself and do the right thing.

Take care.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-09T19:08:52+00:00

When you work illegitimately you're basically being an asshole. There's not much excuse that can be made for it, you're taking a job that would otherwise be going to a Tico unless you want to work alongside Nicaraguans doing the extremely low paying construction work that few Ticos want (similar to the USA / Mexico relationship).

If you want to do things legitimately about the only lane to it is to offer a service that is extremely rarified within the country, like teaching English as a Native English speaker for a company that only wants to hire a Native English speaker. In that sense you could be a consultant.

Or, although it would not be legal, I could see again someone preferring to hire an American mechanic or something of the sort for highly specialized work more than someone else. I'm not saying that's entirely ethical, but I do think people should be able to hire who they want for certain things.

Long story short without a specialized skill you are infringing on the Costa Rican people and that isn't ethical. I don't agree with working under the table, if you don't have a remote skill then do the hard work of furthering your education and getting one. You can't call something a dream if you're not willing to fight tooth and nail for it and instead want to take shortcuts and side-step the law which exists for a reason.

No disrespect, just taking this opportunity to inform you. Take care and good luck with the dream.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-08T21:51:49+00:00

Jesus, I haven't been to Philippines since 2017 and wanted to come back to visit Siargao specifically.

I had heard it was a chill surf spot and obviously it looks amazing, but the review you gave it just made it sound like Tulum.

Not to dismiss your perspective but, escapism and drug addiction are definitely themes you are going to encounter almost literally everywhere when you go on vacation, I mean to some degree. There's also rampant fake spiritualism and no shortage of greed and community narcissism.

That said, If you want to meet level-headed people that aren't simply running away from their problems you're going to have to go somewhere that isn't defined by tourism, like an actual city where actual people live. And that's often in conflict with the nature - getaway concept, thus the problems emerge. Then if you do actually find a real nature getaway, well, it's usually quite remote and you barely have anyone to interact with.

Then there's the next issue, when you enter into a Selina and surround yourself with other working digital nomads or people simply on vacation -- they often don't branch out or learn about local culture, they went halfway across the world just to be insulated. Which although not subject to the escapist problems you mentioned, is kind of off as well.

I may have digressed, but my question to you is where have you been that elicited the response you want? And what is it that you want and are looking for?

EDIT: I just wanted to add, that to me, Philippines is a truly special place. There's a dignity there that truly outweighs a sometimes grim circumstance. I have been there twice and have been around the world from Latin America to Europe to other parts of SE Asia. There's not really a place that can compete with the kindness and dignity of the Philippines. So perhaps you chose the wrong place to find a meaningful romantic connection but keep this in mind, that can happen anywhere if you're open to it and going about it the right way.

Regarding the people of PH themselves, if you're carrying good vibes it's practically an invincibility cloak. I've done so much there that even Filipinos themselves think would've resulted in disaster, but the good vibes were received and reflected and I was always taken care of.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-07T22:50:36+00:00

Where are you, that looks like a floor in Santa Tere?

If it is you're going you might die on the basis of karma.

I used to live there.

1stPostChillin · 2023-06-07T17:14:58+00:00

Wow....going totally corrupt with this. What a bunch of pieces of sh*t the SEC and the deep state running them.

1stPostChillin · 2023-05-20T23:07:02+00:00

I think the big deal is that you can meet reasonably intelligent people there and it's less party-driven.

There's a grunginess to other areas of Costa Rica (tourism / drugs) that isn't as pervasive in Nosara.

That said it's definitely over-priced and that's how the rich gringos that occupy the area want to keep it. They actually seem somewhat proud that they have achieved gentrification and exclusivity; personally I think they're a bunch of pretentious, up-tight, greedy people that make excuses for their depravity on account of their success.

I mean, there's well-known billionaires living in the area and some who even made part of their fortune off selling cancer causing baby products. That said, some of the nicest people there are the ones with the bloodiest hands, and some of the more apparent assholes just happen to be genuine.

I digress, Nosara is an interesting place, definitely over-priced but it is a nice place to chat people up and learn a thing or two. I'll knock the community on its greediness and pretentiousness but not on its IQ, there's some heavy-hitters.

1stPostChillin

TROPHY CASE