xelas

Ballardo, in my only two yet quite long visits to Costa Rica I have stayed at both Tico owned and ex-pat own accommodations, being lodges, hotels or B&B, and they all give me a felling that by staying there I have contributed to the local community. All of the persons I met are part and make a knit of this great country, Costa Rica. Ex-pat owners lives on premises, and lives with the community. If you would be talking about big foreign investors (RIU being the worst possible example) then I am 100% with you. Otherwise I can read your comment, maybe wrongly, as intolerant one. Pura Vida, Alex.

RAC

I can understand some resentment that the majority of lodges in this area are owned by ex-pats, but the complaining seems odd and unbecoming. What are travelers supposed to do, stay home?

More productive would be to start some effort to promote the excellent Tico-owned places, first of all by making sure people know they're out there.

Bottom line is that the nationality of ownership is going to be a low priority for most travelers. Certainly trying to shame them from staying at places based on nationality is not going to work.

Jaguarman

I think you are misunderstanding. Responsible travel involves the traveler doing their own research. I'm just suggesting that travelers do their own homework instead of taking the lodges at face value. I have lived here all my life, and I also have some insight into how things work. I'm just saying that lodges (not just ex-pat owned) have a different agenda than the local community, and where they choose to "help" may be good fpr them, but may not be what the community really needs.

If travelers care to be "responsible travelers" they might choose to support locally owned business. That's all. All of the ex-pat lodges mentioned are super nice for the traveler. The question for the traveler is if the lodge says they are helping the community, does the community actually agree with the lodge's assessment of the help?

Not trying to get into this too deep here. Tully, you have two friends, I have whole communities. One day, we should hang out at Martina's and share our stories together.

Travel is a very interesting industry, as there are so many ways to interprete "eco" "green" "responsible", especially in the wild west Osa Peninsula.

pura vida, and no harm. Ballardo

Jaguarman

I think you are misunderstanding. Responsible travel involves the traveler doing their own research. I'm just suggesting that travelers do their own homework instead of taking the lodges at face value. I have lived here all my life, and I also have some insight into how things work. I'm just saying that lodges (not just ex-pat owned) have a different agenda than the local community, and where they choose to "help" may be good fpr them, but may not be what the community really needs.

If travelers care to be "responsible travelers" they might choose to support locally owned business. That's all. All of the ex-pat lodges mentioned are super nice for the traveler. The question for the traveler is if the lodge says they are helping the community, does the community actually agree with the lodge's assessment of the help?

Not trying to get into this too deep here. Tully, you have two friends, I have whole communities. One day, we should hang out at Martina's and share our stories together.

Travel is a very interesting industry, as there are so many ways to interprete "eco" "green" "responsible", especially in the wild west Osa Peninsula.

pura vida, and no harm. Ballardo

xelas

Mr.Ballardo, although the invitation was directed to tully, also me I will be more the grateful to share a few beers and benefit from your local knowledge at Martina's nice bar. I am driving by on June 27th afternoon and then again on July 1st, morning. If OK I would like to meet you (both). For more details send me a PM through Tripadvisor or by email. Pura Vida, Alex

Jaguarman

Thanks for the invite Xelas. It would be nice to see you again, and to apologize in person for our last missed encounter. I've put your dates on my calendar, and if I'm not working, I'd llike to meet you at Martinas. Pura Vida _ Ballardo

shillmac

My dos colones? There are many Fodorites, in love with Costa Rica and the unique experiences it offers, who have been closely knit through this forum. Tully and I, cattail, colibri, volcanogirl, hipvirgochick xelas, many others. We communicate frequently apart from this forum. We have met up with one another at various locations in Costa Rica and in the states.

The kinship that we share is based on years of travel experience in Costa Rica, mutual attitudes regarding travel experiences in Costa Rica, common friendships with many business owners in Costa Rica, both Tico and ex-pat, attitudes regarding conservation, protection, and conern for the environment and the people of Costa Rica. Few of us would advise a stay at the Hampton (though it is convenient to the airport).

Jaguarman, you are a relative newcomer, and remind me of another person who has since been asked not to post on this forum. Your English compares to that of one who speaks it as a first language. Congrats on that accomplishment. A few of us have made attempts to meet you in Costa Rica, and you've not followed through with plans. I question your sincerity.

All this is not to say that we are the know it alls of Costa Rican travel. Quite the contrary--we are all still thirsting for knowledge about new places and businesses, always interested in thinking about a new experience. It IS to say that all of us speak from experience and not drive-bys. It may be a bit bold and presumptuous of me, but those who read reviews and opinions posted by others with long years of experience, openmindedness, and love of Costa Rica and its people, can be sure that what they are reading is genuine, well intentioned, and thoroughly researched through the eyes of one who supports locals and others, ex-pats even, whose lives have been dedicated to the support of locals and the preservation of national treasures in Costa Rica.

Bosque del Cabo has, and never will be, for everyone. That is frequently stated. The Hilton comparison is amusing to say the least. The boa curled up on my clothing inside my room last year was a strong testimony to that! Like me, many people, perhaps perversely?, crave that kind of close to nature experience (provided it doesn't happen too often). That said, it is preposterous and completely lacking credibility for someone to drive up the road and back and from that experience, review this lodge.

Jaguarman

shillmac,
yes, I had hoped to join the group reunion last year, however, I must work when I can work. I'm sorry I missed that opportunity to meet you people who love my home so.

Sometimes, I find people who travel love a place so much they see it all as beautiful, but when they return home, they see all the problems in their local community. Sometimes it's easier to see the realities of things when you live with them daily because our minds working different when we are traveling.

I know all of you frequent posters are well intentioned and I never casted doubt on that.

About my english, I spent 6 years living in California during my teens. Perhaps that helps to explain. My accent is much heaver than my writing. I use Google a lot to help me.

Pura Vida, and I hope you long timers can see both sides of the coin.

Ballardo