Living in Tamarindo
Meeting People in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
When I first decided to pick up everything and move to Costa Rica I was slightly scared. Like anybody would be I suppose heading off into the unknown: foreign country, no foreseen address, no car, don’t speak the language, no cell phone, and NOT KNOWING ANYONE. All those great unknowns make the adventure what it is ….exciting!
That last one is the purpose of this post. Like most people I’d say I’m pretty approachable but I typically like going about my about my day keeping to myself. Unfortunately when you move to a 3rd world country where you have no roots you need to come out of your shell a little bit to find your place in the community and a few good friends to keep you sane. Below is a top 10 list for meeting people not only in Tamarindo, Costa Rica but I hope any where you end up moving to that is completely new.
1. Volunteer: Ok I’ll be honest I never volunteered that much while I was in US. I don’t know why that is but that will most certainly change when I move back to the US. Down here it’s practically impossible to go about your day and not see the number of people who live in squalor down here. One of the greatest decisions I made was to get involved with CEPIA . CEPIA is a non profit organization that works with the poor kids of the area. When I first moved here Kristina and I would help out with special events for the kids and I even volunteered to coach soccer for a few weeks. We met a number of very special Costa Rican kids and parents by giving a few hours of our time on the weekend.
2. Learn to Play Poker: So down here poker is big. Not just big but HUGE! I feel like almost every major town down here has a casino of some sort. When I first moved to Tamarindo I was blown away by how much poker there was to be had here. You can get a game almost 6 days a week. In Tamarindo we have the Tamarindo Poker Tour (TPT). It consists of a motley crew of people from all over the world, Italians, Canadians, Americans, French, Danish, Argentinians, & Costa Ricans. Networking through poker I found my apartment, my car, and cell phone. Not to mention the countless new friends.
3. Find a Regular Pick up Soccer Game: This is a no brainer here. Soccer is synonymous with Central and South America. There are countless pick up games of soccer on the beach and random pitches in Costa Rica. It’s one of surest ways to meet Ticos & Ticas. Unfortunately for me I’ve been unable to partake in any games due to my bad knees. It’s truly one of the most difficult things I’ve had to endure, for me to drive by game after game and not play.
4. Learn to Surf: This is why I moved to Costa Rica. While I can’t play soccer with these bad knees I’m able make surfing work. While surfing is an extremely spiritual experience for most people it’s also an extremely social experience as well. You’ve got the golf course or tennis club in the mainland. We got the beach and our waves. There’s nothing better than heading out with a group of your friends to enjoy good company and score some good waves. Or fly solo and meet new and interesting people in the line up.
5. Don’t Be that Guy: Come on you know what I’m talking about. Because I’ve definitely been that guy so you’ve definitely been that guy. Ever had a conversation with random stranger or maybe even two conversations with a random stranger only to see them later in the week and have them act like they don’t know you for whatever reason? Then you see them again and they persist to not acknowledge you? Well he or she is being that guy or girl. I’ve done it and I know you’ve done it. So the next time you see that person be the better man and get your hand out and say hello no matter how awkward it is. I assure you they’ll remember it.
6. Learn the Language: It never ceases to amaze me how many people down here who can’t speak the language and don’t care to learn. I don’t care how you slice it. It’s insulting. You should do whatever you can to at least learn the basics of the language of the country you are residing in. So get off your anus and find a tutor, buy a book, harass your Spanish speaking security guard to teach you for a buck. Learning the language is 100% the quickest way to meeting people down here.
7. Talk to as Many Locals IN THEIR LANGUAGE as Possible: Like I said above if you can’t speak the language you’ve got a strike against you as soon as you start talking to a Tico or Tica. If you know some Spanish use it. They will respect you 100 times more if you are trying than when you are not. They’ll even help you when you are struggling if possible. I always get in the habit of asking them to repeat something in Spanish if I don’t know it. After numerous awkward conversations with Ticos around my office I’ve established a relationship with them where they are at least are watching out for my best interests.
8. Kick Start Same Interest Groups: If you’ve got an interest that isn’t being cultivated down here start up a group that will. For example, Kristina is a big time runner. She used to run 10 to 12 miles back in Philadelphia. I unfortunately am unable to run with her, and running even 4 miles by yourself can be mind numbing. So she started up a running group at the gym. Every Monday they meet up and run in the morning.
9. Join Surfrider: Most surfing beach communities will have a Surfrider Foundation. Surfider’s misson is to protect our oceans, waves and beaches. Down here they organize countless beach clean ups and non-profit parties for the education of protecting the beaches. There are tons of well respected great people involved in it. It’s one more avenue to network.
10. Support the Local Restaurants: Get out of your house and get to the local restaurants in town for dinner here and there. They are owned by the very people you pass everyday in the streets. Show up, talk to the owners, tell them what you like, don’t like. Be friendly and get to know them. Get to know the regulars. Don’t see them as a place to eat and go. See them as an extension of your family. They’ll cut you deals and let you know about all the gossip going on in town, if that’s your cup of tea.
Got suggestions on meeting me people in a new town? Leave a comment and let me know.
I couldn’t agree more with nos. 6 & 7. It really enhances the mutual respect. I know, for example, I had significantly more respect for the Scorpions when they spoke English–not German–when touring the States.
I know. Then you have the other end of the spectrum, Smashing Pumpkins. Those dirt bags had the balls to play San Jose without speaking in Spanish. Unbelievable!
Number 3 is right on the money. Since I moved to Poland, it has been the best way for me to do some socializing (aside from at work or at the expat pubs). Finding a soccer game is very easy in Europe. Even if I’m traveling during the week I’ve managed to find a game or two in the city I’m visiting.
Hi Patrick! Agree with attempting the language. Followed Sarah’s advise http://sarahschinathingamajig.blogspot.com/2008/12/chronicle-13-being-bad-at-chinese.html and made the effort when in China. I was generally not understood, but effort was appreciated. Don’t forget the waves in Wrightsville when you are stateside sometime. Would love to see you and Kristina.
great advice. i just found your blog tonight. was in tamarindo last week for vacation. learned to surf and fell in love with the town. considering packing it all up in chicago and moving. would love to talk to you some more about it if you’d be willing. thanks!
Hey,
Do you still live in Tamarindo? I have a friend who went missing there last week going out swimming. any advice you could give? Thanks.
Heide, did they ever find your friend?
My sister went to Tamarindo on vacation in Jan. We are originally from Philadelphia but live in New York City now. I am a teacher and leaving here to teach in Tamarindo. Never been, but she says it is beautiful and I would love it. I just spoke with the school owners and they seem really awesome so I am excited to go for that reason as well.