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So
you are thinking of traveling to Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
for the weekend, the week or maybe only to sneak a peek. But,
beware, IT IS DANGEROUS THERE. At least, that is what people
from other areas of Costa Rica are known to repeat zealously
and habitually. "You do not want to travel to the Caribbean
because it is not safe" and, in premise, I agree.
There
are many dangers to take into consideration. While riding
a rental bicycle down the main road to visit the sparkling
beaches of the Caribbean, you are in danger of hitting a pothole.
While swimming in the Caribbean Sea, you are in danger of
getting a sunburn. While dancing on the beach at Reggae night
in Puerto Viejo, you are in danger of staying out too late.
While feasting at one of the numerous gourmet restaurants
owned by people from all over the world, you are in danger
of overeating. While attempting to decide which adventure
to sign up for, you are in peril of choosing too many and
staying longer than you had planned.
 So,
why do people say these things about the Caribbean? Why are
they so threatened by the Rastafarian way of life? Why do
dark skin and dreadlocks cause their knees to shake and their
armpits to become moist? Let me whisper a thought that comes
to my mind...racial discrimination. Is there really such a
thing as first-class and second-class citizens of Costa Rica?
Is the color of a person's skin more significant than the
color of their eyes? Is it possible for Costa Rica, a peace
loving country, to be overly conscious of race? When one considers
the Caribbean the answer is a resounding yes.
Maybe
Rastafarians are scary to some, but all true Rastas signify
peace and pride and righteousness. They are a loving people.
Are there "bad" Rastafarians? gee, I don't know,
is anyone perfect? Might you catch a whiff of ganga while
strolling down the street? Yes. If that is a problem for you,
don't come. But, is the area full of crazy, stoned, drunk
maniacs? No, definitely not. It is a mellow, tranquil area.
 This
is an area where you can dress any way you please , wear your
hair any way you please. Shirts and shoes are optional at
many restaurants. There is no class-consciousness among the
locals. Money won't impress and poverty will not offend.
For
those of you who are interested, the Caribbean is a few hours
and a world away from the rest of Costa Rica. It is beautiful.
The beaches are world class. The restaurants are three, four
and five stars. You have all sorts of lodging options and
price ranges to choose from. You can walk or ride a bike around
day and night in safety. Moreover, prices in the Caribbean
are still low. A very nice, single room can be had for $15,
or you can spend $50. A hammock can be had for as low as $5.
You can eat three generous meals a day, including a beverage,
for $12-$15. Or you can spend $15 on a meal worthy of international
recognition.
 Is
there crime on the Caribbean? Yes, there can be, but the vast
majority of the robberies occur elsewhere in the country.
Sticky fingers are your main concern here and the world over.
Do not let fear or hearsay based on racist stereotypes, largely
spoken by people who have never set foot in the region, keep
you from enjoying the beauty and culture of the Caribbean.
Most visitors to the Caribbean return. Some return regularly.
And most visitors who spend a week and make more friends.
Some locals have stunning dark skin, some are pale skinned
but the majority have warmhearted spirits, dazzling smiles
and infectious laughter.
"Emancipate
yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free
our minds." Redemption
Song - Bob Marley
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