5/10/7

Everyone told me. I listened, but was not cautious enough. Problems exist in every country. A lot of the things ex-pats complain about here, I have experienced in Canada and the U.S. I was
reluctant to post a negative article, but, these experiences are a part of life, and an extra warning can’t hurt. There are people everywhere who wish to buy things, but have no desire to work for the money. Three of these people visited me on Sunday afternoon when I was out for supper. I had the dog with me. They took things from the new house, and from my garage. Carlos, the contractor, and I, lost a total of about $400. worth of stuff, including an old radio they listened to while working, skin cream for the sun, and a nozzle off my hose, as well as tools, cables, and a big back-pack pump for spraying the lawn with fertilizer or poison. My neighbour saw them leaving through the next lot, and the staff at the Huevo watched them walk past in front with the pump on their back and the bag full of cables and tools. My advisers, Jamie, Marvin, and Carlos, suggested we go to OIJ, the most important of three police forces here. Carlos and I went down to Puntarenas on Tuesday to file a report. Because we knew the names of the thieves, they took our statement. I had a similar problem with a mail theft in Canada. I did not know who took my mail, so the Mounties wouldn’t take my statement.
While we were in the Huevo Monday afternoon figuring it all out, the thieves came in for a beer. It took a lot of control not to take matters into my own hands, but I would have surely faced deportation. The officer from OIJ was here today to interview us and the other witnesses. He says they have had reports about these fellows before, assured us we did the right thing by filing a report, and thanked us for doing so. We shall see what happens next. The law is very short on punishment for small thefts, like Canada, so I understand they may not take them to court. I remember one particular trouble-maker in Bracebridge who was severely beaten during an arrest, and then charged with resisting arrest. Personally, I think this is the best way to handle things sometimes. One fellow here was a problem a few years ago. He was beaten up, and was asked to leave the community. He returned two years later with a much better attitude.
In a related story, I had my muffler repaired by a nice English-speaking Tico in Canas. While I was waiting for the work to be done, an American came in to talk to him. He told me later that the fellow had gone into the store for a pop, leaving his wallet on the seat of the open Jeep. There was only one fellow near the Jeep, and when the American came back out, the wallet was gone. He confronted the man, but the man denied everything. However, he did know where the wallet was, and would get it back for $20. So, the American came to the muffler shop to borrow the money. Now, the owner didn’t mind helping him out, but as he explained to me, the American has lived there for over five years. He has come to this shop for help about five times. Never has he been there for service to his Jeep. To me, it seems only fair that you would take your work to his shop, but to him it seemed downright rude. Most of the Ticos here will bend over backwards to help, as I have experienced myself many times, but they do expect a little consideration in return. I think that is only fair, too.
I think it is important to exercise due caution in any society, but when you are living in another country, listen to the advice of the neighbours, read the local papers, talk to people, get to know the people in your community. All of these steps will help you to know how to protect your belongings, and personal safety. There are, I know, more dangerous countries than Costa Rica. I have felt safe here for a long time now. Obviously, I was lulled into a feeling of security that was not warranted. I will change a few of my habits. I will leave the dog here when I go out, and will go out as little as possible when there is nobody else here. I had been given this advice, but Sunday afternoon?
I have another appointment with immigration tomorrow, and plan to chant to the gods all night to enhance the possibility that something will be done.
The house is progressing well. The ceilings have at least one coat on the drywall taping, the pool is almost done, all the ceramic is in the house, and almost all the outside cement work is done. The weeding has helped the lawn a lot. Most of the weeds aren’t coming back very fast, and the lawn is thickening up. As a matter of fact, I’m going out now to cut it.