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Culture Shock!
Culture Shock! Costa Rica
The CultureShock! series is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides for those travelers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting. Each title explains the customs, traditions, social and business etiquette in a lively and informative style. CultureShock! authors, all of whom have experienced the joys and pitfalls of cultural adaptation, are ideally placed to provide warm and informative advice to those who seek to integrate seamlessly into diverse cultures. Each CultureShock! book contains insights into local culture and traditions, advice on adapting into the local environment, linguistic help, and how to get the most out of your travel experience.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
300 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
9 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 27, 2017
Unlike the other CS books I've read, this is told from a journalist's perspective. The author wasn't actually trying to live and work in the country, integrated as a member of the community. Apparently she had a host family to guide her, to smooth her way.
Also, I strongly get the impression that, in many ways, this book is even more dated than the others... much of her advice and many of her observations are going to be less relevant to a visitor today.
That being said, it is a fascinating book, and I actually wound up reading almost every word, instead of skimming like I've done the others. And much is surely still relevant. I really do like this series, as I read it from the perspective of an armchair traveler.
And it confirms my understanding that Costa Rica seems like an interesting place to visit, for those more adventurous than I.
Also, I strongly get the impression that, in many ways, this book is even more dated than the others... much of her advice and many of her observations are going to be less relevant to a visitor today.
That being said, it is a fascinating book, and I actually wound up reading almost every word, instead of skimming like I've done the others. And much is surely still relevant. I really do like this series, as I read it from the perspective of an armchair traveler.
And it confirms my understanding that Costa Rica seems like an interesting place to visit, for those more adventurous than I.
May 3, 2020
This covered a lot and took a while to read, though I am quite interested in the subject matter. It's a little out of date in a few places, but it reported several pending approvals/litigations/agreements whose outcomes would be easy to look up. Wallerstein covered subjects I wouldn't have thought to explore along with those to be expected. The best part is information that illluminated new (to me) and fascinating aspects of Costa Rica from someone who evidently took time researching and investigating. I found this book more thorough and relatable than a couple of others I read before my trip there.
I kept vascillating between the questions of whether what I learned in this reading meant more to me having just visited Costa Rica a few months ago or whether it would have been better to have read it in advance. It may be that the answer is both (though I don't think I could read it through twice). In December, our very sharp Costa Rican tour guide covered some of the history and this reading made it much clearer. The cultural history, current customs, and ways to conduct business for someone considering emigrating are absorbing and illuminating and they're fascinating to someone who isn't. Different groups living in Costa Rica are traced and delineated, including the beginnings and breakdown of its small indigenous collectives. If you're interested in Costa Rica, I think you'd find it helpful.
The one question I couldn't find an answer for after finishing the book is a Costa Rican's opinion of the information. Pura Vida.
I kept vascillating between the questions of whether what I learned in this reading meant more to me having just visited Costa Rica a few months ago or whether it would have been better to have read it in advance. It may be that the answer is both (though I don't think I could read it through twice). In December, our very sharp Costa Rican tour guide covered some of the history and this reading made it much clearer. The cultural history, current customs, and ways to conduct business for someone considering emigrating are absorbing and illuminating and they're fascinating to someone who isn't. Different groups living in Costa Rica are traced and delineated, including the beginnings and breakdown of its small indigenous collectives. If you're interested in Costa Rica, I think you'd find it helpful.
The one question I couldn't find an answer for after finishing the book is a Costa Rican's opinion of the information. Pura Vida.
October 22, 2017
I agreed with everything she said; except that people need DEET and vaccinations! And the average Tico owes money to the bank now, much more so than over 10 years ago when this book was written.
March 22, 2008
I was surprised by how accurate and spot on this book turned out to be. I actually started reading it before I left for Costa Rica, but I`m happy I was able to finish it in the country since that allowed me to compare what I read with what I was seeing.
Overall, a great introduction to the people of the country...maybe not as good in terms of how to manage the postal system, transportation, and other details like that. But again, in terms of culture and customs the author did a great job. My only other small note is that books like these can only hope to generalize since in every people are slightly different, not every person will conform to norms. Also, her list of local words is accurate but not quite definitive...still very good though.
Overall, a great introduction to the people of the country...maybe not as good in terms of how to manage the postal system, transportation, and other details like that. But again, in terms of culture and customs the author did a great job. My only other small note is that books like these can only hope to generalize since in every people are slightly different, not every person will conform to norms. Also, her list of local words is accurate but not quite definitive...still very good though.
July 25, 2013
An excellent book for anyone who is considering spending any length of time living in Costa Rica. Definitely not a travel book, but it's not supposed to be. This book kept me interested from cover to cover, and I'd consider it required reading for anyone wanting to know how to adapt to Costa Rican culture.
May 25, 2009
It's interesting to read another person's point of view of Costa Rican culture as a foreigner. Most agreed with my experience, some details I disagreed with. I recommend to others who are living in Costa Rica.
January 27, 2013
Enjoyable. A good overview for gringos. I especially liked the resources given for potential entrepreneurs and glossary of Tico slang.
June 25, 2013
Helpful as a reference for those going to Cr for work, fun, business, etc. This edition is several years old now (2006), but was still helpful.
June 17, 2007
fuck frommers!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews