anyone used spanish eyes costa rica?

[bcc_1_2]

Airport Pick Up.
Comfortable Room with private shower.
Delicious Full breakfast.
Unlimited introductions to the beautiful ladies of Spanish Eyes during your stay.
Free translations at the office during normal office hours.
Opportunity to upgrate to a Full Years Membership for $400.
spanisheyescostarica.com
5 days at $895 for the above.

They have monthly parties to on a saturday afternoon.  I also see several women in my age group that i would be interested in meeting. some that are working on their english and a few that are good at speaking it.

actually saw one girl on there. she was 24 (same age as me), spoke english well (studies it in college) and doesn't have any kids. her favorite sport was basketball (season ticket holder here  so thats awesome as well. i swear to god the girl looks like jackie from the 70s show with some T & A.

I was planning on going down there this summer so I wanted to check and see if anyone has used these guys? I'd like to meet a lot of women when i go down there, which is why I want to use an agency in addition to going out partying. They also offer to place an ad in the paper and handle it all for you for 200 bucks.

I just want to make sure these guys are legit. I'd like to book my flight and get it set up in the next month or two.

[sean126]

Don't know a whole lot about CR, but I'd seriously consider some of the places that the guys on here have commented about.  At least you know that it's legit and what to expect from first hand knowledge.  If you do decide to go....a trip report would be great. 

[bcc_1_2]

I've already decided on Costa Rica. I'd like to look at some real estate while I'm down as well. I'll write about it.

Most of the comments I've seen on agencies are in columbia. I know there are a lot of hookers in san jose so I'm sure their must be some on their website. I figure between going out, using an agency and placing an ad I can come up with a really big pool of girls.

I dont think i could get engaged in a week (actually i know it). However, I'd like to find someone I like and get her in english classes (which will probably be needed) and return at least one more time.

I figure the only thing you can do to make sure she is who she says she is would be to hire a private investigator.

[sean126]

Sounds like you got the plan all worked out.  Good job.  Hopefully someone who's heard something about it will post for you.

[soltero]

bcc_1_2,

I try to stay as positive as possible because there is no way to tell how things may turn out, but I would be remiss in not pointing out to you that you do not appear to be ready. I could very well be wrong, but usually guys go to the watered down Latin countries like Panama and Costa Rica because they think that because they are Americanized to some extent they might be safer. What they fail to realize is that those countries are very accustomed to Americans and have developed many ways of skinning Americans who drop their guard because of a false sense of security.

Also, your game plan of picking someone out, getting her in English classes and then returning to seal the deal is full of holes. Why would you want to rush into a marriage like that with a stranger at 24?

The main reason I would urge you to step back is if you feel that the only way you can be "sure that she is who she says she is" is to hire a PI, instead of spending time getting to know her and using your own good sense is screaming that you intend to do something that you are OBVIOUSLY not prepared to do.

You are going to do what you want, but I would STRONGLY advise rethinking your plan and just going to have a good time if you just have to go. It would not be a mistake to take a friend along with you as you sound like you may be in way over your head if you go down there by yourself.

[bcc_1_2]

soltero,

i would say is that you are partly right. surely more thought and research should go into it on my part and im sure it will. at the same time i was brief in my post as well about my plans.

as for hiring a PI I think it is a smart move, especially since id only be coming down for a week or two at a time. I want to know what she does when I'm gone. They probably have boyfriends and still are with an agency. I see a couple of different girls here, so I'm not looking for a saint.

Hiring a PI or the english lessons isnt about rushing into anything. I just think they are good investments if I'm going to invest my time in coming down to meet the same girl on several occasions.

The reason I decided on Costa Rica is not because I think San Jose is any safer than a city in Columbia. It's because I think the country/beach is. I've priced some beach front lots in CR and I want to see them.

I'm not looking at it from a do it quickly standpoint. I do realize I'm one of the younger posters on here, but I've done the clubs, parties, and the bar scene for a long time. I'm annoyed by the fact that most people get married to someone that lives with 50 miles of them. I've traveled (never to latin america) and have enjoyed to women outside the USA a lot more than the girls ive dated.  I know guys my age that are already divorced and guys that hate their relationships (lots of them).

I figure I know I want someone from another culture. So I can go for it now or do it 10/15 years from now after I get taken to the cleaners.

For what its worth i've done the research on english lessons and understand I can hire an off duty police officer as well. Plus I've spoken to a real estate agent as well. So hopefully im not completely in the dark.

[soltero]

I am glad that you took my comments in the way they were meant and did not think there was any malice involved on my part. I was wondering if I may have jumped the gun by making that post, as what you said was short, and I do not know you. I do not want to see anything happen to anyone interested in taking this path as it does have it's pitfalls along with it's rewards.

The thing about hiring the PI is not that it may not be a bad idea, but usually, if you feel you need to hire a PI, then you already probably know that the situation is not what it seems. First and foremost, if you are deciding to marry someone, you should REALLY get to know the person even to get to the point of having doubts about what they may or may not be doing. To do so up front is a little cold and impersonal, and sounds more like you are hiring an employee rather than seeking a wife. Maybe I am reading too much into it, but honestly, that is the impression that statement gives off. I am just hoping that you are successful in finding what you seek and not rushing into anything that may end up too costly in the long run by feeling that you have to cut corners or make any decisions to quickly, which it appears is not your intent.

Good luck, and have a safe trip.

[bcc_1_2]

Yea im not trying to be cold man, but i suppose i am looking into the possible snags or negatives of the trip. I'm really trying to make sure I'm not picking a bad agency. The agency reads well, but I was hoping to grab some first hand knowledge. I figure its possible you show up and the women on the site aren't real or they are a bunch of hookers. I've read prostitution and sex is a big industry down there.

That was my point with the PI. I know what you are getting at. If you have doubts it isnt going to work. Even if I didn't have any doubts I would still make the hire. i'm all about a prenup too. i guess there is a business or cold side to it. i'm not jealous or crazy or anything. I just dont want to get screwed financially, and I want to make sure I'm dating someone not in the sex trade or drugs etc.

Anyways there is some nice property down there too. I'm torn between looking at condos/townhomes, and lots to build. There is a really nice penthouse (cheap just 300k list) with a marina/beach right in front of it. I think its at least worth checking out.

http://www.costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com/project.php?PageID=24

[bcc_1_2]

I know I'm not the only one interested in costa rica and even maybe an agency so I will post what I found out because there is a so little info on here about costa rica.

I'm not going until june, and luckily im going to get the opportunity to stay down there for longer than a regular vacation. I'm going to get to take my MBA classes and even do a little work over the net.... so score

First an foremost I will agree with those that point out crime is a problem in CR. They like to steal. Overall when you look at CR the CIA would agree that it is the most stable option out there for you when you compare to the other countries discussed on here. But that does not mean you wont get mugged.

Don't walk around outside at night. Taxis are cheap so take them everywhere (screw the buses).

There is a district (kinda like in amsterdam...but also very different) that caters to the gentlemen interested in paying for sex which is legal there (however pimping is not). There are some girls that work for a living down at the bars kinda on there own having sex with men. There are massage parlors you name it.

I'm not here to list those clubs or hotels because its not something I really care to talk about, but I will talk about it from a cultural standpoint so you know what you are going into when you visit CR.

If you are going by yourself or with a buddy I would suggest going to clubs around the university or local (non gringo ones) if you want to meet non pro girls.

What I've been told is to ask for a vip room. You will get taken normally to a balcony over looking the club or a private area where you can enjoy all the women and even bring them up without having to worry about your safety so much. More than anything you could get mugged. Thats what I want to comment on. If you are out there in the general population dancing your wallet will be gone.

I've heard you should buy a bunch of cheap ones and leave them empty in your back pocket and keep your money and cards elsewhere.

As for spanish eyes or the other agency. spanish eyes is the most expensive, but if you use them right you can get your moneys worth. only sign up with them for the time you are going to be down there. dont waste your time with emails and sending gifts online and all that bs. have them put a personal in the tico times and handle all the requests.

make sure you attend one of their biweekly parties because I've been told they are legit. They will set you up with plenty of dates but thats it. In some cases the girls you want to get with will be unavailable, but if you give the agency enough advance notice they do pretty decent.

I've heard bad things about them too. They have a book and list some girls on their website. Some of the girls are pros or semi pros. Nobody is really sure how many of them are but some have been noticed on the site that have worked the del ray etc. I really dont want to date a hooker and im sure im not alone there.

So unlike other countries I must advise you do a little research on a girl you are interested in.

They do have PIs down there that specialize in checking up on your girl and or making sure she is using any money you give her for what she says you are (assuming you give her any in the first place  ).

If she works at the Del Ray, they will find out. If a guy frequently visits her they will find out who it is (could be a boyfriend, could be a brother). Fact of the matter is most pros are just regular girls trying to make a living (hooking a little if need be) so they might not be very honest about it. If you get serious about a girl (and that means getting with her at all) I'd suggest checking her background a little because its a pretty common thing thats being done down there.

as for accomidations ill be down there long enough to get an apartment. there are some places outside of san jose you can get on the beach that are nice, but if you are going to stay around san jose Im told to stay at a high quality hotel with security or go with an apartment for longer stays in their richer suburban comunity (escazu). The apartments will be decent and have a guard out front. I dont have any problems spending 500 to 700 bucks a month for an apartment so no biggie I want a nice pad with a guard.

I got all this info from guys that visit CR and are usually just looking for a little action so just throwing that out there so you know. I heard plenty of stories of guys meeting a girl at a department store and taking them out on a date. then they are at the sportsmans bar or whatever and this girl comes in looking to make a buck. So even if you dont want to get a PI. Go into these clubs and order a drink. chat up the bartender and leave a nice fat tip. then ask her (and it will be a her) if shes noticed your girl in the bars (dr, bm etc...bring her picture). If shes been working much you will know.

Since I'm suggesting actually going down there I'll throw out what I know about it. First and foremost down there take a cab everywhere. If you make eye contact with the girls they will approach you. So dont look at them and you shouldnt get hassled (too much)at the pro bars and hotels. I'm not suggesting you engage in anything with them, but just so you know what you are walkin into I'll tell you what its about.

your average girl down there will work for 50 or 60 bucks. the hotties want cien (100) but will normally be taken down to 80 or even a little lower depending on the circumstances. Just throwing that out there in case you are talking to some girl and she asks if you want some company and you are wondering wtf? and then she is like...cien. LOL i'm told if you say no dinero they go away. I'm not an expert on the sex industry but you can see why guys go down there.

You can put an add in the times your self and monitor it and hit the clubs and I think that would be enough too. If you are an older guy I'd definiately say go with an agency because a lot of the women you are looking for wont be out partying with the locals and college girls. Your future milf wife is at home with the kids friday night.

There are a couple of other things I gotta post for everyones safety. some of the laws in CR arent very guy friendly. if a girl is staying with you she can claim you abused her (verbally or whatever) and off your ass goes to jail no questions asked. and you arent innocent until proven guilty... you are in jail until the prosecution is ready to try your case. Which could be a year later......

If you are with some girl and it doesnt work out. break it off with her over the phone. I know how horrible that is but I just dont think you can give girls bad news in person for your safety.

Also if the cops do a DWG a driving while gringo stop or even while you are out walking around (which in some places and times you shouldnt be doing) plan on giving up a 20. Unless you want to learn all the rules to know how you can tell if they will leave you alone or are bluffing or whatever plan on giving them a tip to f.... off. make sure you arent actually bribing them too. say something like.... can i give you this $20 bill to pay the fine officer? they take the 20 you dont spend your valuable time dealing with the corrupted bastards or spending the night in jail.

becareful when you are using an atm maching. cameras are out there so use one hand to cover your pin number. Also sometimes they attach devices to the card reader slot that reads your card...and the camera catches your pin. if you cover your pin and take a close look at the card slot you will be fine. personally visiting atms can be a risk. id use a safe and keep decent cash on hand so you arent puting your self at risk very often.

thats all ive learned so far... and since ill be going down I just want to make sure I'm limiting my risk and playing it smart. ive asked a bunch of questions to guys that live there and visit often so hopefully this will add to the boards info on CR. and ill post when i get down there too.

[utopiacowboy]

My daughter lives in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I'd really think hard before making a move to CR. Lots of negatives. Chile or Uruguay is more on my radar.

[daytrader]

you're really rushing it...I'd recommend www.latinamericancupid.com; find some prospects, correspond with them for about a month then make a trip down.  Avoid the agencies, there are LOTS of good women down there...mostly not as good looking as Colombia however.  But lots of them know english and CR is MUCH safer than any area in Colombia.  Stay in the upper income areas outside of San Jose...lots of places cater to gringos with all the conveniences of home and plenty of security (always your front and back doors are gated & locked if you are not in a gated development even in upper income areas). 

When living there for long term, be in places that have security, gates, etc...no big deal there just don't flaunt it...heck, I'd say living in America is almost as risky of getting something stolen in many neighborhoods (I am in a high income gated community - very safe). 

When at nightspots travel in pairs or with a local guide, protect against muggings & pickpockets - just use common sense.  Downtown San Jose is very dangerous at night, otherwise my experiences are very positive throughout CR...if you are hanging our crazy girls partying like an idiot, yeah, you might not be so lucky.  I totally avoid San Jose -- Heredia area and the west coast is my playground. 

Have fun. 

DayTrader

[Kiltboy1]

Reasonable Beachfront ??

Try Ecuador, I recently purchased two acres of oceanfront property in Atacames , Ecuador for 10K an acre. My wife and myself are going to build a home on one acre eventually and the second acre a B&B . Of course, this is 8 years down the road, but the property is just incredible . Check it out.

KB

[mudd]

i got a friend who lives in costa rica, let me know if you want his address
c-ya

[bcc_1_2]

10k an arce is really cheap. can i ask if you are close to a marina? there are a lot of things that are pointing me towards costa rica for real estate, but i've been reading some warnings about it too. The security (PI) service i talked to that is owned by an american...his company looks into property titles too.

i'll research ecuador more but the closer a marina the better. i like how quickly i can get to CR from my airport too.

mudd, sure shoot me his email addy. i'm always down from learning from people that live there.

daytrader, i totally agree with you on living arrangements down there. the girls knowing some english or holding a conversation is a major bonus of CR. overall the economy is better and unemployment is good (however the salaries arent so hot). i know there are a lot more girls in columbia and likely a lot poorer. But... I fit the exact profile of the guy that looks like hes going to columbia because of drugs. i heard they profile young well dressed guys. one guy pretty much guaranteed me airport hassles when i travel.

[daytrader]

daytrader, i totally agree with you on living arrangements down there. the girls knowing some english or holding a conversation is a major bonus of CR. overall the economy is better and unemployment is good (however the salaries arent so hot). i know there are a lot more girls in columbia and likely a lot poorer. But... I fit the exact profile of the guy that looks like hes going to columbia because of drugs. i heard they profile young well dressed guys. one guy pretty much guaranteed me airport hassles when i travel.

Normally, I would go thru 2 total searches of my carryon's when leaving Colombia, 3 interviews and one total search entering Colombia....I definitely don't fit the drug runner profile, so if you get more then you know you are being singled out..

Colombian women in CR really stand out, imo...they are better looking and usually dress a notch (or two) better ....although there are many nice women in CR there seems to be lower standards of appearance/outward confidence than what I have grown accustomed to in Colombia.  The gal I am pictured with in my avatar is Colombian IN Costa Rica. 

DayTrader

[utopiacowboy]

I've never been searched at all entering the US from Colombia. Not even when my wife and her three kids and I all came back hauling 10 bags with us.

[bcc_1_2]

Normally, I would go thru 2 total searches of my carryon's when leaving Colombia, 3 interviews and one total search entering Colombia....I definitely don't fit the drug runner profile, so if you get more then you know you are being singled out..

Colombian women in CR really stand out, imo...they are better looking and usually dress a notch (or two) better ....although there are many nice women in CR there seems to be lower standards of appearance/outward confidence than what I have grown accustomed to in Colombia.  The gal I am pictured with in my avatar is Colombian IN Costa Rica. 

DayTrader

thanks for the info on that. i just got told that being 24..slicked back hair and nice clothes means serious hassles. but that info is good to know so I can at least base my opinion off of something. I have enough time if I'm not thrilled with Costa Rica i can always decide to venture a little further south..

[Henry]

The guy in the avatar is me. I dress exactly as you see here. I've been to Ecuador and Costa Rica, in different trips and years. This year in Newark I was searched without being given a reason. Last year in Texas, the guy flat out accused me of smuggling.

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, Innocent til proven guilty.

[aquaup]

DO Not use these guys, they are only after your money.. total bait and switch operation Guy running it Tom is a total jackass..

[bcc_1_2]

Haven't had the spare time to be on but noticed aquaup replied to an old thread i started. In the past another big agency went online a smeared the agency i was asking questions about. aquaup only created a user name to post in this thread... so i would not take his post seriously.

[JimD]

Holy moly we´re in some kind of time warp.

[Tiburon]

Haven't had the spare time to be on but noticed aquaup replied to an old thread i started. In the past another big agency went online a smeared the agency i was asking questions about. aquaup only created a user name to post in this thread... so i would not take his post seriously.

bcc_1_2:  Did you ever actually use the agency Spanish Eyes in Costa Rica?  If so, would you say your experience was positive, negative, etc.??

[bcc_1_2]

I really don't like to recommend agencies plus it has been so long ago now. I'm pretty sure their rates have gone up a little. My only advice is for any financial transaction with an agency to be reasonable and take place in person once you are in the country.  I wouldn't do any paid corresponding online.

Anyone going to the central valley should look to book someplace in San Pedro or Escazu. But everyone seems to be on a permanent Colombia kick anyways...

Well guys 20s and 30s should go with San Pedro.... older Escazu is an upscale suburb. Education and English level matter to me big time... hence my two suggestions. San Pedro has the college scene and Escazu ladies that come from a decent upbringing.

But back when I was looking at Costa Rica a bigger agency trying to move in on the market was posting on message boards trashing Spanish Eyes... I can tell you that none of that was true. I was so worried that a large portion of the women in San Jose were hookers or hooked on the side when they needed cash (it is probably the 2nd biggest sex tourist destination behind Bangkok/Pattaya). It isn't true and if stay out of the downtown red light district it is a complete non-issue.