Drinking and the Locals
The time I went to Costa Rica and bought the whole bar a round of Cervezas, was the beginning of my friendship with the local village. It’s the quickest way to do business and get answers. It also my version of a business write-off. If you want to find out about the easiest way to get from point a to b or perhaps getting a free boat ride to a private island, this is for you.
I met Captain Armando while having a Cervezas at the local establishment in the small village of Montezuma, Costa Rica. I was in search of a local retail store that I could rent as a Tattoo Shop. Finding a realtor isn’t the easiest thing to do in a 3rd world county or even in a small village where the power often goes out at night. For me, I have always been able to generate leads at the bar.
Armando ended up being one of the best tour guides any tourist or business person could have. I have always found that there is usually one Armando, the wise old man, in every village. Making sure you are on his side, will get you the end result. Armando not only introduced me to the family that owns most of the buildings in the village, he also showed me the boat he was working on and even took me fishing on it. Finding yourself in the middle of the ocean with a local is highly recommended. He pointed out the whale sighting, caught live shrimp, and taught me the about how the locals maintain their health. You would be amazed at the tips you will receive from locals. If you really want to save money, get a private tour, and ignore all the other commercial tour companies, finding a local is the way to go. Money isn’t nearly as important as a GPS system; look into ways to barter with the locals if you want to save even more money.
I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica – great story!
I have always wanted to catch live shrimp, especially in some fishing spot in South America. Lucky!
That seems like a great idea to get a private tour from a local, especially since you are going to get some insider tips that you may have never gotten before. Way to go!
Of course, the very best place to network is at a bar, especially in a Third World country
The best time that I have ever had was when I was fishing in Costa Rico on my honeymoon, and it is a trip that I will never forget.
I have always wanted to go to Costa Rica, and it is definitely at the top of my list. I really appreciate this type of story because it seems like a more authentic trip
So all you have to do is buy a beer to get hooked up with a local tour guide in Costa Rica? Noted.
I’d be interested to hear more about what you were discussing about how you were taught how the locals maintain their health.
The best vacation I ever had was in Costa Rica!
Do you have tips on the best airline to get the cheapest travel to Costa Rica?
That’s really cool that your local tour guide introduced you to his family and took keep fishing on his own boat!
I really want to take my girlfriend on a trip to Costa Rica, but my only concern is if she will be okay with the food that they have there because she has a really sensitive stomach. I would hate to take her on this big trip, only to have her get sick.
I was actually born in Costa Rica, and I can tell you from personal experience that all of the locals there love to interact with any type of people. They definitely don’t hate Americans!
Yeah, it is the worst idea to ruin your vacation by starting out with a hangover!
I’ll definitely have to mention this blog on Twitter
Have you been anywhere else in South America? Are all of the other countries just as friendly?
Business write-off, good one!
Does it make me an alcoholic if the first thing that I do in any new location on vacation is look for a beer? Cerveza!
Personally, I don’t understand those type of people that don’t want to interact with the locals on their vacation because it seems like the very best way to get insight and see what the area is really about.
Wow, a whale sighting!
One of the coolest things that I have ever done is deep-sea fishing off of the coast of Mexico, but I still have always wanted to go to Costa Rica. I love the tropical climates!
Just from the picture, I can tell that I would love that kind of authentic environment on a vacation!
I always like to ask the locals what type of restaurant to eat at when I am on vacation because I know that I can trust their opinion.
That sounds like the coolest way to take a free boat ride to a private island, admirable!
My husband’s family is from Costa Rica, so every time I go there I get the inside scoop on what the locals are really doing. That is what I love so much about it!
The best place to meet and greet is always in a bar!
Honestly, you do have to be careful about who you meet in public settings like that, but I would be game to chat up a local to have a better vacation.
It’s so easy to get excited about your vacation and want to go crazy, but you must avoid a hangover!
That seems like a great plan to get a good nights sleep and work out the first day of your vacation so you don’t have jet lag.
I have never had a private tour on a vacation before, but it sounds like a great idea.
Awesome post! I’ll dig it
The only time I was in South America was with a commercial tour company, so I really would have appreciated a private tour, which is something that I will keep in mind for next time.
What did you do to barter?
I am retired, so one place my wife and I have always wanted to go is Costa Rica. I’m definitely going to keep up with your blog to see what other kind of countries that you recommend and other stories that you have to share. I appreciate it!
You are the only one that can travel the world with his Iphone, backpack and sandals and still have a smile on your face. And get all free drinks! Great going Buddy!