Patrick Mach first came to Costa Rica 25 years ago. Since his initial visit Patrick has run a Costa Rica Bed and Breakfast, become fluent in Spanish via a Costa Rica language emersion school and married a Costarricense woman. Patrick's wife and son remain full-time in Costa Rica while he continues to work in Florida and commute for family time. Obviously Patrick has a realistic view of both the U.S. and Costa Rica societies from which to make the following observation and opinions.

I have been coming to Costa Rica since 1983 and have spent time throughout the different parts of the country. I have lived in Desamparados, a somewhat blue-collar working class suburb and have had a luxury home 5 kilometers north of Alajuela with a mirador view.

Now my wife and son have a small apartment in la Uruca, a very industrial San José barrio. They are comfortable there as am I when visiting. I mention this as background because as I have been reading this past week's letters about crime in Costa Rica, I have thought often of my own experiences. I too feel that Costa Rica is becoming more violent, the drug and street people problem worsening, illegal immigration is out of control BUT while this is true in Costa Rica, it is as bad or perhaps worse in Jacksonville, Florida where I am when I am in the States.

The same problem with the same causes and results; Life is becoming more difficult.

With all of this said, I must say I have never had a crime committed against me in Costa Rica. Whether it is in; San José, Desamparados, Alajuela, Boca del Colorado or either the Caribbean or Pacific coasts. I have been downtown after a bit too much to drink, as well as alone in my home on the side of Poás with the view of the Central Valley. I have traveled by public buses to the beaches and Monteverde as well as taxis. Never a problem.

I was even stopped by the infamous Tránsito Policia while driving my car. After showing him my Florida license and passport I explained in Spanish to the officer that I was returning to Florida to live again but my family couldn't come with me so we were enjoying a last day together in the hills outside of Cartago. He asked me why I was moving back to "los Estados" and understood my sadness when I explained that it was necessary to support my family here in Costa Rica. He smiled and said "You are like so many other Ticos, my friend, that work abroad to send money home to support their families." He told me to be sure my wife wore her seat belt and that the children sit down and to be careful but to have a happy last day in Costa Rica and hopefully I could come home before to long!

This is a wonderful country but like all over the world today the sense of respect for others seems to be a thing of the past. I recommend that all expats who come to Costa Rica learn Spanish and respect the Tico culture. Think when you are out on the streets as well as in your home. And above all, be happy.

Patrick Mach
St Augustine, Florida, USA y la Uruca, San José, Costa Rica

Patrick Mach feels the increase in Costa Rica crime has the same root causes as those currently being experienced in the United States. Patrick feels that if Americans in Costa Rica would stop living in the isolation of mostly segregated communities such as the Escazu area and actually learn the culture and language of their new country - they will fit in much better, be safer and above all else be happier.

"I feel Costa Rica has actually gotten better for and to me as I have aged, as I have mellowed and appreciate many of the Tico attitudes more." -Patrick Mach

After many years of traveling to and from Costa Rica, Bill and his nine year old son (a Costarricense native) made the decision to move permanently to the wonderful country of Costa Rica.

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