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When you live in Costa Rica, you’ll hear the word tuanis quite a bit. You’ll hear tuanis used by the younger population, it’s a “cool” word to use. It’s a word that you wouldn’t use in a business meeting or with your doctor unless you grew up together or are drinking buddies. Tuanis is a […]
by Ivo Henfling
If you live in Seattle, WA and you have a mold problem, you can just call a specialist to eradicate this household mold problem. If you live in Costa Rica, and you have a household mold problem, you’re in trouble. The reason is that there are no household mold specialists in Costa Rica. Does that […]
by Ivo Henfling
Did you know that a rooster is a very important animal in Costa Rica? Wherever you turn, you’ll hear people talk about the rooster. I’m sure you all know about Gallo Pinto (no, not Pinto Gallo Kathy!) and más Tico que el Gallo Pinto if you follow my weekly blogs. If you’re a good Catholic, you’ll […]
by Ivo Henfling
Have you ever wondered what makes Costa Rican Coffee so special? In terms of coffee production, Costa Rica is way down the list. But when we talk about quality, this small country can hold its own against any origin you care to name. A long history – a head start on the neighbors Costa Rica […]
You won’t be able to prevent culture shock by learning how to use chaineado, but it is quite a good start. I have not been able to find the proof that chainear comes from the English verb “to shine”. There are some references that in chainear is also used in Chicano, so it makes a […]
by Ivo Henfling
Some way or other, Ticos are all family. Just like Smith is a very common last name in the U.K. and in the U.S., Rodriguez, and Vargas are the most common last names in Costa Rica. When you marry a Rodriguez, your first born might be number 102,498 of the Rodriguez clan. There is a […]
by Ivo Henfling
Some want to work in Costa Rica, and it seems to be very attractive just to jump on a flight to San José and get a job in paradise. Is it that easy? There are over 275 high tech multinationals in Costa Rica. Can you get a job with them? Or just knock on doors […]
by Ivo Henfling
If you’re a nice person, you’ll find yourself obliged to lend money to a friend or employee soon after you arrive in Costa Rica. You know, they are poor, and you are rich. That’s how some will see it. Probably, where you come from, you’re too proud to ask anyone you know for a loan. […]
by Ivo Henfling
Costa Ricans are proud of calling themselves Ticos and Ticas. The female Costa Ricans are Ticas. The males are Ticos. The general population is Tico. Costa Ricans use the term Tico every day, just like the word Pura Vida. Why is that? Where does it come from? Ticos have the tendency of turning words into […]
by Ivo Henfling
Moving to paradise is not easy. It’s even more difficult to figure it all out if you are looking for best temperatures and less rain. But, what are the best temperatures for you? Eskimos probably think that the best temperatures are under zero. On the other hand, residents of Atenas, Costa Rica believe their town […]
by Ivo Henfling