Today, Saturday January 7^th 2006, is the sixth day I have been in CR.  This morning Isabel made coffee with warm milk.  Later in the afternoon she cooked a delicious dish with rice, frijoles, plantains, and omelets with green beans.  I cleaned up afterward while she took a nap on the couch.  After lunch I called my family in the states to tell them of my adventures picking coffee yesterday. 

It all started two nights ago when we slept at Isabel’s mother’s home to catch the early bus to the coffee fields located in the mountains.  Her dad was the first to wake up at 3:30 a.m. and he woke us up by banging on the tin siding that is the wall to the room we slept in.  By about 4:20 a.m. we were first at the bus stop with Isabel’s dad, his wife, her sister, Isabel’s sister and Isabel’s two nieces.  Other’s soon arrived and placed their items along the curb behind ours.  Everyone chatted while waiting and was in good spirits.

At around 4:45 a.m. the bus arrived and we all rushed in to find a seat.  Isabel and I sat in the back of the bus ready for our adventure.  As we drove toward our destination the driver blasted Spanish music.  I suppose he wanted to wake everyone up or possibly himself. 

Once we arrived at the farm we were given a plastic bin resembling a laundry hopper.  Then, we were assigned a row of coffee plants and began picking.  The first half hour was great as it was brisk and cool with spectacular views of the mountains in the background.  I also noticed the other workers who brought their young children and dog’s with them. 

I took a few pictures and pulled my first beans off the vine.  The beans were bursting with colors of green, red, yellow and black.  Once I picked a few trees I began to tire.  I asked Isabel where the bathrooms were when she pointed into an open field of coffee plants.  I thought to myself, you have to be kidding, but she wasn’t.  Great, no bathrooms!  Well I finally found a deserted area, did my business and got back to work.  At 7:45 a.m. everyone took a break to eat for about 30 minutes.  We brought several items with us and I had fresh baked bread with some type of sour cream and a coke. 

Once we started working again I began to question whether I would be able to make it the whole day picking coffee and not having a real bathroom.  At 11 a.m. we hauled all of our sacks of beans to the tractor that waited to take us to another field on the other side of the farm.  One by one we piled into the trailer behind the tractor with our belongings.  It definitely had too many people in it and I felt tightly squeezed by everyone and their sacks of beans that continued to shift during our transport.  I helped protect Isabel’s niece from suffocating by making a barrier around her. 

At our new area the plants were much taller, at about 6-8 feet.  The plants earlier in the day were only about 3-5 feet.  Again, we picked and picked, and picked some more.  Then unexpectedly I felt the worst pain in my right hand.  It felt like 15 hornets had just stung me.  When I investigated what happened I found a fluorescent green caterpillar.  My hand swelled immediately and I began to question whether I needed medical attention.  I poured water on it and Isabel rubbed it for me.  Her dad assured me it was no problem as he was stung also.  He suggested I just spit on it but I figured water was better. 

As time went on I attempted to talk Isabel into leaving early, as I was tired and sore.  She said no and then got back to work with a smile on her face.  At 2:00 p.m. I finally stopped picking and walked 20 minutes to a local store for a cold drink.  I also bought some snacks and drinks for Isabel’s family. 

After walking back we got in line to turn in our beans and collect our money.  Everyone was pushing and shoving to get their baskets of beans to the trailer.  You had to hold your basket high in the air so the men in the trailer could take it.  In turn, they measured how much you had and threw money in your empty basket before handing it back to you.  Everyone then ran back to their sacks and filled their basket again before getting back in line. 

 At the end of the day I was excited to know how much I had made.  However, when Isabel told me I almost passed out.  The amount was ONLY $2.50.  Yep, a whopping two dollars and fifty cents for all of that hard work.  I thought this must be a joke, but it wasn’t.  I did this for the experience and I didn’t keep any of the money as I donated it to Isabel’s father.  But, I felt very sorry for those who needed the money very badly. 

Many of the workers had big families to help pick the beans and others had only a few.  I witnessed a single mother with her son who appeared to be about 11, carry around a huge sack of beans that must have weighed at least 70 lbs.  The exhausted look on her face said it all. 

At around 5:30 p.m. the first vehicle arrived to pick us up for home.  Isabel, her sister and I jumped into the van along with fourteen other people.  I think sardines have more room in a tin can than we had.  All I could think of is how terrible this would be if I had to do it every day as many of these people do.  They worked their butt’s off for peanuts and then are herded around like cattle.  Now I understand why many people flee to the U.S. for a better life.  I have a new appreciation for how hard people work that have limited opportunities. 

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. is a success coach, organizational consultant, motivational speaker, behavior expert and author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  To learn more about Dr. Laskis, his book or his services, visit www.lex-t.com or www.findingyourcostarica.com.

Watch Isabel and I on the Sabado Gigante Show. My Spanish is terrible and the host makes fun of me. Click on the Costa Rica Love Story link below. Enjoy!

Costa Rica Love Story! from T. Las on Vimeo.

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. is the author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  www.findingyourcostarica.com

We want to thank Bob Bitchin at Latitudes & Attitudes for showcasing Finding Your Costa Rica.  This is a magazine dedicated to the cruisers lifestyle including all the newest products for the open sea.  Whether you are a dreamer or a current sailor, this is the mag to read.  Be sure and pick up a copy at your local bookstore or visit his website at www.seafaring.com.   

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  www.findingyourcostarica.com.

With all the trouble going on in the world, we need more Jimmy Buffett concerts.  Jimmy Buffett therapy has been known to cure all ailments.  Here’s to you Jimmy, thanks for another year of great shows.

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success. www.findingyourcostarica.com.

Now is the time to start planning a new career or build a company.  Colleges and trade schools have a record number of students.  Bad economic times closes a lot of doors, but it opens others.  Are you going to sit around and pray you don’t lose your job?  Or, are you going to take matters into your own hands? 

With all the doom and gloom in the news, take a moment to look for opportunities.  What are your interests and strengths?  How can you utilize these to make money? 

Set your destination and identify several short term goals to get there.  Don’t worry about an incomplete plan, you’ll tweak it as you go.  As someone once said, “You will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  www.findingyourcostarica.com.

Many times we find ourselves dreaming about having a healthier relationship, a more enjoyable career or a stronger financial position.  We spend a lot of effort creating the “perfect life” in our minds.  Then, sooner or later we succumb to the idea that it’s only a dream.  We drop it like a hot rock and continue doing the same things we always do. 

Take for example our jobs.  One study suggested that 83% of workers are miserable at their place of employment.*  As a result, we do everything possible to get through the week.  We wait for two days of freedom.  When Friday approaches we make comments to our friends such as, “Thank God It’s Friday” and “I can’t believe I made it.”

The cycle continues day in and day out, week after week and year after year.  Then one day you wake up and realize the majority of your life has passed.  You begin to wonder what have you really done with your life.

However, you can choose a different path!  You can lead a life FULL of happiness and success in whatever you choose.  You are not chained to your current lifestyle.  You have the power to make changes in your life.   

The key is to make a commitment to changing your behavior.  This goes far beyond daydreaming.  This requires you to take those steps necessary that will bring you closer to your goals.  If you are doing the same thing day in and day out, you will get the same results.  However, if you make different decisions, you will see change.

The problem why many people do not take the necessary steps, is due to fear.  Fear of failure, fear of looking foolish and fear of rejection are most common.  Fear will keep you miserable and limit your possibilities.  Anthony Robbins stated fear stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real.”  This has always stuck with me.  Your fear is just an imaginary thought and feeling.  Nothing else. 

The way to break free is to take your first step.  Follow it with a second step and another.  You will start to see your life through a different lens.  You will find that you are in control, there is nothing to fear and that the only person who can hold you back is “you.” 

Timothy A Laskis, Ph.D.

Author, Speaker and Consultant

Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success

findingyourcostarica.com

lex-t.com

Toll-free 1-888-888-8056  

*Business Reform Magazine 9/7/05

So… What’s it like to live in Costa Rica?

I get this question on a daily basis.  Just hearing the word Costa Rica sparks everyone’s interest.  Most people think of a mystical land where you can swing in your hammock on deserted beaches.  Well, the truth is, yes; it is a beautiful tropical place where the rain forest meets the ocean.  And, you can find many deserted beaches all to yourself. 

Costa Rica is very different from the U.S.  Many people say it’s like going back in time.  Roads near the coast are mostly dirt and construction is minimal, except for a few areas such as Jaco, Tamarindo and Escazu.  Below I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Is the government in Costa Rica stable?

The government is very stable as it has the longest running democracy in Latin America.  In fact, Costa Ricans (Ticos) pride themselves on being a peaceful country.  They disbanded their military many years ago. 

What about crime?

It is true that you will find more petty theft than in the states.  However, it depends on where you go.  It happens more frequently in the city of San Jose and in popular tourist areas.  But, as you go into more isolated regions, it seems very minimal.

Is Malaria rampant in Costa Rica?

No.  I haven’t heard of many cases of malaria.  However, they do have some problems with dengue.  This is an illness caused by mosquito’s.  Symptoms include fever, headache and weakness.  The country is doing a good job of controlling this and it is mostly found in coastal regions.

What happens if I become sick while in the country?

The medical care is excellent.  Some expats swear it is comparable or better than in the U.S.  A friend of mine, whose wife had a major surgery in Costa Rica, said her care and treatment was wonderful.  Many of the doctors are trained in the U.S. and return to Costa Rica.  Also, most medicines can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription.  Best of all, it’s about 75% cheaper than in the states. 

Can Americans own property in Costa Rica?

Yes.  In fact, Americans have the same rights and protection as Ticos.  Many Americans and Canadians are purchasing property all over Costa Rica.  In the last few years, the coastal regions were very popular.  However, it seems that mountain property is more popular today.  The reason is that mountain properties not only have gorgeous views of the valley below, but temperatures are much cooler with little humidity.  Also, prices for mountain property can be much less. 

Are prices the same in Costa Rica as in the U.S.?

Household appliances, cell phones, computers, televisions and cars are more expensive.  I brought my computer and television from the states.  However, I purchased a used car from an expat in C.R. and it worked out great. 

There are deals on land and homes.  However, if you plan on buying in places like Escazu or along the coast, it will be expensive.  I once owned property in Grecia, which is about 40 minutes outside San Jose.  This is becoming very popular with Americans and Canadians.  Prices are rising there very rapidly. 

Food is cheap.  My favorite restaurant served a hefty portion of rice, beans, chicken, plantains, salad and drink for about $3.00.  Also there are outdoor markets on the weekends where you can load up on fresh fruits and vegetables.

How are the roads?

It’s best to rent or buy a 4X4 if you plan on going out of the city.  The roads are full of potholes and some places along the coast are not paved.  When it rains, they fill with water and get really sloppy. 

Does it rain all the time?

June thru November is the rainy season.  It may rain for 1-3 hours late morning and in the evening.  Typically, the mornings are bright and sunny and around noon it will cloud up and rain.  It will clear up and then in the evening it will cloud up and rain some more.  It’s very refreshing and not at all difficult to handle.  Also, some regions do receive more rain than others. 

Can Americans work there?

Yes and no.  It is very difficult to find a job in Costa Rica.  The government has restrictions on foreigners working.  However, it is legal to start a company and earn an income.  The most popular is real estate sales.  You will need to find an attorney in C.R. who can file all the appropriate paperwork.

How long is my Visa?

Many foreigners enter the country on a tourist visa.  You are granted three months each time you enter.  If you want to stay longer, you need to start the process for residency or leave the country 72 hours and reenter for another three-month extension.  Many people travel to Panama or Nicaragua for a few days, and then come back.

Is Costa Rica for everyone?

No.  If you are a type A personality (always in a hurry and not patient) you will most likely not last very long.  The bureaucracy in C.R is extensive.  Get ready to wait in lines for extended periods of time at banks and government agencies.  You are on Tico time, not U.S. time.  They are not in a rush to do anything.  It is a way of life here and you just have to adjust.  But, once you do, it is no problem.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot to offer.  You can find rainforests, beaches, volcano’s, lakes, rivers and exotic wildlife.  Be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.  Once you visit, you will be addicted and return again and again.  Hope this helps those of you thinking of vacationing or retiring in Costa Rica.  Pura Vida!

Timothy Laskis, Ph.D. is the president of Lex-T and author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  www.findingyourcostarica.com

If you have been looking for property in Costa Rica, you know it’s a daunting task.  It’s difficult to know where to look for the best prices.  Also, trusting the seller is another story.  A few sites I recommend are listed below.  However, you will have to do your home work in verifying all the information for your property of interest.  My next article will describe a few helpful tips that can save you thousands of dollars. 

Below are four internet sites that list properties for sale in CR.  Encuentra24 is my favorite as I have found several reasonably priced properties.  It’s helpful to read Spanish as the listings are mixed with English and Spanish.  Also, prices can be confusing as they are in colones and U.S. dollars.  To figure out the U.S. dollar amount if it is in colones, just double the figure.  For example, 5,000,000.00 in colones is roughly 10,000.00 U.S. dollars. 

The other sites are all in English and in U.S. dollars.

http://www.encuentra24.com/real-estate-costa_rica-en.html, www.ticovista.com, www.amcostarica.com, www.ticotimes.net/

Timothy Laskis is the president of Lex-T.com and author of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  www.findingyourcostarica.com

Do you enjoy sitting on the sideline watching others succeed in life?  I’m sure this sounds like a ridiculous question, however, this is what many people do.  The fact is you have to be “ready” to change.  Your situation must be incredibly unbearable before you do something about it.  Here’s an exercise that will help you see if you are “ready” to create a better life.

Scale:      1 (very Unhappy)    2 (Unhappy)    3 (Somewhat Satisfied)    4 (Satisfied)   5 (Very Satisfied)

Refer to the scale above for the following questions.

On a scale of 1 to 5, how do you rate your personal life (quality of relationships with family and friends and spiritual connection)?

On a scale of 1 to 5, how do you rate your professional life (job or career)?

On a scale of 1 to 5, how do you rate your financial position (current salary, savings and amount of personal possessions)?

Once you answer the above questions, take some time to look at your ratings.  If your scores in any area were 1 or 2 you are ready for change.  However, if your scores were 3, you may not be ready.

The point is you need a certain level of pain and displeasure to make change.  If you are on the fence, you will stay where you are.  Even a tiny bit of satisfaction can keep you stuck.  Think of it like placing your hand in a bucket of water.  If it is boiling hot you will remove your hand quickly.  However, if the water is only warm, you will keep it in there much longer.

*Laskis, Timothy. Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success. Trafford Publishing 2007. Page 22. Satisfaction Exercise

www.findingyourcostarica.com

No part of this may be reproduced without permission from author.

Do you know the location of the photo in the blog header?  The first person to contact me with the right answer will win a free copy of Finding Your Costa Rica: 5 Powerful Steps to Personal, Professional and Financial Success.  In addition, I will include a CD with my radio interview in Montreal, Canada.  Email your answer to tim@lex-t.com.  Good luck! 

Hint: Central America