Respect your Elders

thebeachbumm33 · Post by **thebeachbumm33** » February 24, 2007 10:08 am

U.S. tourist kills would-be mugger in Costa Rica

Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - An American woman thought a would-be robber was joking until the masked assailant held a gun to her head. She then watched as a fellow tourist, a U.S. military veteran in his 70s, used his bare hands to kill the mugger in Costa Rica.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Sto ... ristMugger

Tiki Torches · Post by **Tiki Torches** » February 24, 2007 10:59 am

I witnessed a riot when in Limon in 1999 but all in our party escaped unscathed. There was also a rape attempt of a motel employee when visiting Jaco on the Pacific side. Otherwise, our trip went smoothly. The following spring some American teenagers were killed near Cahuita that made international headlines. Still, I wouldn't discourage anyone from visiting Costa Rica that has a desire to. As I understand it, it's much safer to walk the streets there than it is in some American cities.

Wino you know · Post by **Wino you know** » February 24, 2007 11:06 am

Tiki Torches wrote:Still, I wouldn't discourage anyone from visiting Costa Rica that has a desire to. As I understand it, it's much safer to walk the streets there than it is in some American cities.

It's safer to walk the streets in Costa Rica than MANY American cities.
It's like that in several countries around the world. That's because THEY know how to deal with criminals & punks and don't have to cow-tow to the G.D.A.C.L.U.
If that tourist in Costa Rica did what he did in THIS country, they would've had him in prison in less time than it takes Ted Kennedy to open a bottle of Scotch.

Elrod · Post by **Elrod** » February 24, 2007 11:13 am

Wino you know wrote:If that tourist in Costa Rica did what he did in THIS country, they would've had him in prison in less time than it takes Ted Kennedy to open a bottle of Scotch.

That's quick!

I think they oughta give that tourist a medal.

Wino you know · Post by **Wino you know** » February 24, 2007 11:17 am

Elrod wrote:I think they oughta give that tourist a medal.

Damn right!

Tiki Torches · Post by **Tiki Torches** » February 24, 2007 11:22 am

I know of some people that have visited Costa Rica that were so a-feared of the crime down there that they stayed in gated communities. Doesn't sound like much of a way to spend a vacation to me. Actually, when my family went it was more like an adventure, which is exactly what we wanted it to be.

Wino you know · Post by **Wino you know** » February 24, 2007 11:40 am

I was in Costa Rica ONCE. (Although many years ago).
I didn't find it any more dangerous than New Orleans, Los Angeles, Philadephia, et. al.

Of course, I suppose that's easy for me to say, since I've never been mugged.
except for that time in the Philippines in 1975

Conolulu · Post by **Conolulu** » February 24, 2007 12:21 pm

I had to read it to make sure it wasn't my friend, Cheri....!

She bought property down there 12 yrs ago....Surfer, Artist, Massage Therapist, Musician...and all around great person..

She used to spend half her time on the island I moved from ,and half down in Costa...

Now , she stays in Costa waayyy more than here...She said she feels safer down there than here at home....

and yeah..that sounds just like her..

NotJust64 · Post by **NotJust64** » February 24, 2007 2:55 pm

First off, kudo's to the American who defended himself and his fellow travelers.
I do have to say however, I just returned from a cruise and they discourage you highly to not go out on your own and explore these ports. I can tell you from personal experience that while in St. Thomas we saw someone get harassed by the locals. If we weren't with the group, it could have been any of us.
The poor woman/man involved in Costa Rica were on a cruise and ventured on their own into the city. Cruise ships have organized shore excursions for a reason...YOUR SAFETY. Yes it costs more, but the tours have been researched and validated for their safety.
In everyone's defense however, why the hell are these cruise lines continuously picking ports that are a danger to anyone. We stopped in the Dominican Republic and I wouldn't get off the ship, it was disgusting and frankly scary as hell.
If these ports are known for crime...hmmmmm DO NOT DROP ANCHOR THERE !!!
If you do decide to cruise, for your own safety, please stick with the organized shore excursions.....and we were told this by cruise staff ..... Thanks Jay and Scottie !!

ph4ever · Post by **ph4ever** » February 24, 2007 3:03 pm

While I understand the reasoning behind the organized excursions IMHO you don't really get the flavor of the country you're in - you get the tourist trap version. It's like going to New Orleans and only eating in the French Quarter - that's not where the locals eat and you can find better cajun and less expensive by going outside the tourist area.

Besides - when it's your time to "go" there's not one dang thing you can do about it. For me, living the rest of my life in an adventure is far better than being afraid of the "what ifs"

tikitatas · Post by **tikitatas** » February 24, 2007 6:06 pm

Caveat viator!

flyboy55 · Post by **flyboy55** » February 25, 2007 5:47 pm

I think it's BIG news when American tourists are victims of crime in foreign places, especially places that most Americans associate with their own idea of 'paradise'.

However, it isn't news at all when Americans are victims of crime in their own country.

I think that says something about the relative safety of places like Limon, Costa Rica and _________ (fill in the blank with any American city big or small).

My advice: stop swimming in a roped off sea, get off the cruise ship (of life) every chance you get, and don't forget to take a 70 year old veteran with you.

bravedave · Post by **bravedave** » February 25, 2007 5:57 pm

tikitatas wrote:Caveat viator!

Beware the Old Guy?
What's Larry got to do with it?

flipflopgirl · Post by **flipflopgirl** » February 25, 2007 6:04 pm

Elrod wrote:
Wino you know wrote:If that tourist in Costa Rica did what he did in THIS country, they would've had him in prison in less time than it takes Ted Kennedy to open a bottle of Scotch.
That's quick!

I think they oughta give that tourist a medal.

That is quick!!!!!

and i agree! He definately deserves a medal!!!!!