Forget Costa Rica, keep Spain

[Lapurr]

I am with you O&C. I went to costa many years ago and was truely disappointed to see their beaches. Nothing to brag about. Costa rica is OK, not somewhere I would visit over and over again.
Now I also have been to spain (Andalucia). Oh boy, if I have to move to europe, spain will be on top of my list. I would love to live in malaga o marbella.

ALHAMBRA, SPAIN

Alhambra Palace

Great pics,

thanks for answeing my question...so the beaches were just so so, thats upsetting, it was on my list of travels!!

 

[AZB]

And as for which country I would prefer to live in, I think I'm too westernized to want to live anywhere else but in the US, and that's not a bad thing-its' just a preference.

wait till I take you to colombia, hahahaha, we will see what your preference will be from that point on.
AZB

 

[Bronxboy]

wait till I take you to colombia, hahahaha, we will see what your preference will be from that point on.
AZB

When, when and when? (lol)

 

[Berzin]

wait till I take you to colombia, hahahaha, we will see what your preference will be from that point on.
AZB

I'll be there in September to ride the Vuelta A Colombia bike race.

In training as we speak...

 

[Jimmydr]

wait till I take you to colombia, hahahaha, we will see what your preference will be from that point on.
AZB

What part of Colombia?

 

[AZB]

JimmyDr, I know bogota well, but I have been to bucaramanga and cartagena. This time I will be going to pereira, armenia or I may change my plans and go to bucaramanga again and then to chicamocha park for a day.
AZB

 

[Jimmydr]

JimmyDr, I know bogota well, but I have been to bucaramanga and cartagena. This time I will be going to pereira, armenia or I may change my plans and go to bucaramanga again and then to chicamocha park for a day.
AZB

I have only been to cartengna once and Medellin 5 times.

 

[Onions/Carrots]

No, SIR!

Where in the DR can you take a canopy tour of the rainforest in the DR?

Where in the DR can you enjoy road cycling in a group setting in beautiful mountain countryside in relative safety?

Where is there anything, ANYTHING in the DR comparable to the Hot Springs Resort and Hotel?

Nothing you have said is true. There is no way you can compare the eco-tourism of these countries.

Costa Rica wins hands-down.

I disagree vehemently. I found nothing spectacular about the rainforest except as a one hit wonder. I particularly don't care for volcanoes either. The beauty of the DR's ecology is that it has not been exploited for commercial usage. There are still many unknown ecological areas in the DR. This is beautiful, AND please DR is much safer than Costa Rica in every sense of the word BUT I guess I'm partial being Cibaeno.

 

[Berzin]

O/C,

you are basing your judgment solely on jingoistic sentiments.

So there is no talking sense to you.

 

[Onions/Carrots]

O/C,

you are basing your judgment solely on jingoistic sentiments.

So there is no talking sense to you.

And you set the parameters for sensibility, eh, whatever buddy. At one time I was thinking about relocating to Costa Rica given the propaganda I was fed. I was led to believe it was a panacea for the ills afflicting the DR. The grass is always greener and upon an extensive personal investigation, I was left sorely disappointed. The only plus maybe that the climate is better than SD but that doesn't bother me since I spend most of my time in the Cordillera Central now. Nothing like the cool crisp mountain air and a chimney to make you feel A-OK!!!

Given that Berzy your input is highly vlued.

Take it from me Berzy, the DR hands down is better than anything Central America or the South has to offer.

 

[Berzin]

O/C-Go to the Salto de Jimenoa waterfall and try to transverse those rickety medieval walkways that are about 2 seconds from falling apart.

And guess what? They will not be replaced until a bunch of people lose their lives in a collapse. Thats' how eco-tourism is done in the DR.

Apparently someone sold you a bill of goods as far as Costa Rica is concerned, but methinks that you put someone anywhere and they'll find something to complain about for sure.

Because we are talking about eco-tourism-tours that are prompt and safe and geared towards the natural beauty of the country, not how you found Costa Rica lacking as a relocation destination.

Thats' another topic that has nothing to do with what I'm talking about.

 

[Bronxboy]

Personally, I have been to CR three times and LOVED it.

I cant really compare the eco-system to DR because I have not experience much of it in DR.

But like Berzin, I am too westernized to live anywhere other than the US. I tried Florida but missed the four seasons. For now, NY is my home, unless AZB can convince me otherwise in regards to Colombia.

AZB, I would like to put you the the test. On my next visit to DR, I am going to visit you in Santiago so we can discuss Colombia, ok!!!!:cheeky:

I also am in love with DR as well!!!!!

 

[Jimmydr]

Personally, I have been to CR three times and LOVED it.

I cant really compare the eco-system to DR because I have not experience much of it in DR.

But like Berzin, I am too westernized to live anywhere other than the US. I tried Florida but missed the four seasons. For now, NY is my home, unless AZB can convince me otherwise in regards to Colombia.

AZB, I would like to put you the the test. On my next visit to DR, I am going to visit you in Santiago so we can discuss Colombia, ok!!!!:cheeky:

I also am in love with DR as well!!!!!

Colombia was a nice place to visit. I make visit #7 this week.

 

[AZB]

AZB, I would like to put you the the test. On my next visit to DR, I am going to visit you in Santiago so we can discuss Colombia, ok!!!!:cheeky:

I also am in love with DR as well!!!!!

Ok dude just look me up in santiago on your next trip.
I think I can change your mind easily.
AZB

 

[Tarheel]

DR Related???????

Sorry to be a spoiled sport but how is this thread DR related? Every time I post something about George Bush it gets deleted. But something like this is fine.

Could it be that the Mods are loyal Bushies?

 

[El Tigre]

Sorry to be a spoiled sport but how is this thread DR related? Every time I post something about George Bush it gets deleted. But something like this is fine.

Could it be that the Mods are loyal Bushies?

It is somewhat DR related that is why I am allowing it. As you can READ Berzin and others are discussing DR ecotourism versus CR's.

 

[Berzin]

Just so my point doesn't get misconstrued, I am not comparing Costa Rica and the DR and concluding that CR is better, or more beautiful, or more anything.

But anyone who has been to CR and has traveled the country knows that they take their eco-tourism seriously. Their guides are professional, the tours are well-run, they drop you off and pick you up on time and there is respect for wildlife and the rainforests.

The DR is also a beautiful country, but as for the example I used previously those walkways at Salto de Jimenoa need replacing. They are dangerous. And they won't be replaced until theres' an accident.

And how many well-organized tours are run all over the country to expose tourists to the natural beauty of the DR? I'm not talking aobut one day tours-I'm talking about tours that covers a few days at the very least.

See the difference?

The Dr can definitely profit from this sector of the tourism business, but it doesn't seem to be a priority.

 

[49erman]

I disagree vehemently. I found nothing spectacular about the rainforest except as a one hit wonder. I particularly don't care for volcanoes either. The beauty of the DR's ecology is that it has not been exploited for commercial usage. There are still many unknown ecological areas in the DR. This is beautiful, AND please DR is much safer than Costa Rica in every sense of the word BUT I guess I'm partial being Cibaeno.

Depends on what you want to compare- sure the beaches are better in the DR, but overall standard of living in CR is better and less of a hassle-

I don't think crime is worse in Costa Rica.

Also, you are comparing the best educated people in the region vs. the worst educated.

Cost of living is cheaper in CR. You can find almost anything there- they even have Hooters

People speak normal Spanish vs. ghetto DR Spanish.

Costa Ricans take better care of their country vs. the DR and the power doesn't constantly go out.

Less corruption there- the government in the DR, going all the way up to the highest levels, are complicit with drug trafficing here.

One edge the DR has- beer! Presidente blows away that nasty Imperial by a long shot!!!!

 

[Bronxboy]

One edge the DR has- beer! Presidente blows away that nasty Imperial by a long shot!!!!

On point!!!

Comparisons are comparisons DR vs CR as far as tourism NOT relocation!!!!

But, the above quote Imperial not "PURA VIDA", Presidente from DR rules!!!!!

 

[NALs]

It's not just Morrocans and Africans, it's also Dominicans and other Latin Americans. Sad but true Xenophobia in Spain is not a pretty sight, just like Xenophobia increasing in the US. Here's a quick video of a young girl from Ecuador being groped, cursed and even kicked in the face. YouTube - Racism in Metro of Barcelona (Spain)

It's probably not an everyday occurence but it does happen, Spain is not giving hugs and kisses to Dominicans either.

You have to understand that the heavy immigration Spain has witness is a very recent phenomenon. There are towns that a mere five years ago were almost exclusively Spanish and today are filled with immigrants with all the problems that entails.

Their xenophobia is understandable given the short time frame things have changed as far a immigration is concerned.

However, the Spanish embassy in Santo Domingo is one of the few that actually invites Dominicans to move to and work in Spain. They do it a few times a year and they are not just inviting a few people.

-NALs