Well got into CR and so far so good. Have to say the airport is so much nicer with the remodel. Anyone that hasn't been down here just could appreciate how much of an upgrade that is. Cab drivers are still trying to rip you off everywhere you go though
The people I have chatted with so far have been mid-level managers or below, guys that seem to have lost some of the enthusiasm from before. They are pissed that the media and the Pacheco crowd are badmouthing them and I have to agree. Last time I was down, about 2 years ago, I think a lot of Ticos in the business were proud of the jobs and opportunity they gave and gladly told others that. Now they feel like they almost have to lie to people when they ask what they do. They and some gringos I have talked to say that fortunately the newer people that drift into town and the business seem more serious and not the head to the Del Rey first night in town kind of crowd, which is a positive meaning that the talent that is flowing is probably more useful down the road in terms of trying to run real businesses down here. That leads into a conversation I had with another guy, a marketing guy I talked to last time I came down, and he said that professionalism is definitely been raised. While you still get stupid shit from the owners and a few managers sometimes, most people have come to realize that outside of the line managers and marketers, the other staff have to treat this much as it were any other kind of business, meaning hiring competent people at all levels, not just friends of theirs or some hot chick to be eye candy when her English is terrible. And lets face it, in that regard CR has been much different. The UK guys and the Australia guys are very professional, the business has been around a long time and they realize that the bottom line comes from talented people in all positions adhering to smart business plans. I don't think that was the case in CR for a long time, but maybe with the experience of the more talented people who have been through the battles the conclusion will be made.
As for everything else, well been taking it easy so far. Went to dinner and drifted to a bar with my buddy and two of his friends that aren't in the business as well as one guy that is. And my archenemies, the cab drivers tried to get me again last night. We agreed on a fare of 600 (negotiated by a Tica friend) and I get to my destination and the guy starts talking fast in Spanish and I only caught some of it, but I think he was saying that he was going to have to pay the owner of something (the bar maybe?) a fee for dropping me off so he wanted 1200. Ridiculous! I gave him 700 because I didn't have change and just walked away. He shouted a couple insults at me and then left and I never turned around. What is it with these guys, must they always try to rip me off???
The people I have chatted with so far have been mid-level managers or below, guys that seem to have lost some of the enthusiasm from before. They are pissed that the media and the Pacheco crowd are badmouthing them and I have to agree. Last time I was down, about 2 years ago, I think a lot of Ticos in the business were proud of the jobs and opportunity they gave and gladly told others that. Now they feel like they almost have to lie to people when they ask what they do. They and some gringos I have talked to say that fortunately the newer people that drift into town and the business seem more serious and not the head to the Del Rey first night in town kind of crowd, which is a positive meaning that the talent that is flowing is probably more useful down the road in terms of trying to run real businesses down here. That leads into a conversation I had with another guy, a marketing guy I talked to last time I came down, and he said that professionalism is definitely been raised. While you still get stupid shit from the owners and a few managers sometimes, most people have come to realize that outside of the line managers and marketers, the other staff have to treat this much as it were any other kind of business, meaning hiring competent people at all levels, not just friends of theirs or some hot chick to be eye candy when her English is terrible. And lets face it, in that regard CR has been much different. The UK guys and the Australia guys are very professional, the business has been around a long time and they realize that the bottom line comes from talented people in all positions adhering to smart business plans. I don't think that was the case in CR for a long time, but maybe with the experience of the more talented people who have been through the battles the conclusion will be made.
As for everything else, well been taking it easy so far. Went to dinner and drifted to a bar with my buddy and two of his friends that aren't in the business as well as one guy that is. And my archenemies, the cab drivers tried to get me again last night. We agreed on a fare of 600 (negotiated by a Tica friend) and I get to my destination and the guy starts talking fast in Spanish and I only caught some of it, but I think he was saying that he was going to have to pay the owner of something (the bar maybe?) a fee for dropping me off so he wanted 1200. Ridiculous! I gave him 700 because I didn't have change and just walked away. He shouted a couple insults at me and then left and I never turned around. What is it with these guys, must they always try to rip me off???
