In the September 2008 issue of International Living’s Magazine they rate Mexico as”the worlds top retirement haven.” Obviously they must be smoking some of that strong Mexican marijuana and be hallucinating. If you read part of the U.S. Sate Departments warning  below you will agree.

Travel Alert

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border.  However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places.  In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico.  Many of these cases remain unresolved.  U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which generally are more secure.  Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only.  When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors.  When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place.  U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. – Mexico Border

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict – both among themselves and with Mexican security services – for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.  In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country.  U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.  Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez.  During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.  The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico.  This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states.  The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues.  Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern.  Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008.  Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008.  U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports.  A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas.  Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region.  Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful.  However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly.  Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006.  In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack.  During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.  Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests.  The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.  U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.  As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Costa Ricans who reach eighty years of age, live longer on the average than any other people in the world.

The other night on the NBC prime time world news there was a special about a group of centenarians who live in an area located in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Scientists say their longevity is due to a clean environment, exercise, a healthy diet and above all their lifestyle. Furthermore, all Costa Ricans who reach eighty years of age, live longer on the average than any other people in the world.

Most likely another factor that contributes to this statistic is the cradle-to-grave health care provided by the Costa Rican government. Besides having a large number of centenarians the country has a longevity rate on a par with any first world country including the United States.

What does this say about Costa Rica? Basically the country is a very healthy place to live. In fact, most foreigners who move here add years to their life.  I do remember when I used to visit my relatives in the States and they would remark how good I looked.  They said it must have been from the good life in Costa Rica.

I guess its the fresh fruits and vegetables, less stress and above all lifestyle which also contribute to foreigners and others living longer here. After all it is all about lifestyle. It really is the lifestyle that ultimately draws people here and was the main factor in my move almost 30 years ago.  In Costa Rica  you can really have more for less and have more fun in the process. There are a wealth of activities from which to choose to keep you busy and happy. It is also very easy to make new friends here. You will have NO excuse for being bored.  The days just don’t seem to be long enough to pack in all of the exciting activities.

Living here reminds me of the title of a popular movie with Jack Nicholson, “As Good as it Gets.” One would be hard press to find a place that offers more.

I have a very spiritual acquaintance who said upon arrive in Costa Rica for the first time, “I stepped of the plane and immediately felt a sense of peacefulness in the air.” Perhaps it is this spirit or vibe that makes Costa Rica one of the most magical and healthy places in the world to live.

Costa Rica is one of the prime retirement destinations in the world because of all that it has to offer.

Most everyone is reluctant to invest because of the current world economic crisis. I understand their mind set but think they should consider the following reasons why I still consider Costa Rica a good investment.

First, a lot of big players like Intel, Wal-Mart, City Bank, Amazon.com, Proctor and Gamble and a whole lot more have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the country.  If big players are doing it than you should feel safe investing, too.

Costa Rica is the oldest democracy in Latin America which is tantamount to political stability and thus making it a good place to invest. The country has NO army nor is there an imminent threat of terrorism. How many places in the world can make this claim?

Insured state-run banks, escrow services, title insurance, diligent lawyers and a national registry exist to protect buyers.

The country is also Latin America’s number one warm weather travel destination according to many travel publications. This trend is not expected to change. Tourism will continue to fuel the investment climate despite international events. Most tourists fall in love with the country and many end up investing in real estate here.

Investing in hot foreign real estate markets has become an alternative to more traditional investments at home. Baby Boomers also have their eyes on Costa Rica. The country is one of the prime retirement destinations in the world because of all that it has to offer.

One Costa Rica’s major  selling points is its affordable laid-back lifestyle. There is every imaginable activity both indoors and outdoors to stay busy and happy. Most people who have moved here say they have a better quality of life than in the States. The bottom line is that “It’s really all about lifestyle.”

Costa Rica offers a wide variety of choices for investment: condominiums, homes, gated communities and more in different settings like lakes, mountains, beaches and urban environments. In Costa Rica there is “Some thing for everyone and everything for someone.”

I have personally invested in Costa Rican real estate over the last fifteen years and have done very well. Granted the market has slowed down but the country’s track record remains excellent. In fact Costa Rica is considered one of the five best emerging real estate markets in the world. If you look for VALUE properties you will not go wrong.

Many a wise investor knows that to make money sometimes it is necessary to do the opposite of the masses. Most people are hesitant to invest now. Perhaps it is the right time for savvy investors to look at the opportunities and bargains out there. Most adroit investors survive the bad times and the majority use adversity to get ahead. In Spanish we say, “Smart fishermen know how to catch fish in troubled waters.” Think differently!

There will be bargains out there as many people seek to unload their financial burden at lower prices. Buy wholesale!

A few people I know have been land banking (investing in land) and just waiting for the good times to come back. They know that their property can be cashed in a later day for a nice profit.

There you have it! All of the facts and reasons are listed above. Now you have to weigh them and decide if Costa Rica is right for you. Investment in Costa Rica isn’t for everyone.

The annual Super Bowl parties are just one of the many activities available for retirees.

If you retire in Costa Rica you can attend a number of Super Bowl parties. The Tico Times newspaper (in English) always lists them. Interest is growing among Costa Ricans and La Nación newspaper (in Spanish) featured a couple of articles on places where Costa Ricans could go to watch the Super Bowl this year.

Every Sunday during the football season my friends and I view football games at the Fiesta Casino near Juan Santamaría International airport. The Super Bowl is no exception and marks the culmination of the season. We make reservations about two months in advance to make sure we don’t get left out of this annual event. This year there were about 30 of us who attended. Our group consisted of Americans, Canadians, Costa Ricans, men and women. I took my son and girlfriend to watch the game. I even ran into couple of former clients from my monthly relocation/retirement tours who had come to take part in the festivities.

The beer flowed and it seemed everyone was munching on something during the game: Buffalo wings, quesadillas, pizza, French fries, ceviche (a raw fish dish), tortilla chips with salsa and a whole lot more.

The game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of the best ever. My friends and I were jumping up and giving each other high fives  every time a spectacular play occurred. Everyone had a fantastic time and cannot wait for the next football season to start.

As you can see from the above there is no reason to be bored or inactive in Costa Rica. The annual Super Bowl parties are just one of the many activities available for retirees.