A More Thoughtful Post

If you think that Central America is a Third World backwater full of uncivilized native tribes and poisonous wildlife you may have been right a few decades ago, but not now. Ever since the political situations in the region’s countries became stable tourism has been growing. Costa Rica is by far the front runner in tourism infrastructure, but the high prices that accompany its growing popularity with traveller’s is sending more and more tourists to neighbouring Central American countries.

The evidence of this is everywhere - in consumer magazines targeted to ex-pats, the growth of the English language schools, young people wearing the latest fashions, etc. But the most obvious indicator of this to me has been the huge number of ex-pats we’ve met that are shopping for property or businesses (and that doesn’t include the ones that are already settled here). It’s a safe bet that any tourist you meet over the age of 35 is looking to buy property while they are visiting the region. Again Costa Rica was the first to experience this boom in interest from North American travellers, and again because of high prices for real estate people are looking elsewhere, specifically Panama is being advertised as the next hot spot for gringo retirees.

Because Mary Beth and I have already hit the two most popular retirement spots in Central America we’re both excited to get to the other, relatively undeveloped countries in Central America. The lower prices for food and accommodations will be welcome too.

Ever since I backpacked through Europe and realized how similar it was to life in North America I’ve wanted to travel in more remote and wild places. Parts of Central America may satisfy that urge in me, but part of me is wondering lately if there are any wild places left in the world. Often when I think about this countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakstan jump to mind, or maybe Africa, but I couldn’t say for sure how wild they are until I go there.

But I digress, I was talking about Central America. What does this surge in North American interest mean for the region? Beats me, but when you think about it the USA has been meddling in Central American life and politics for decades, so the influx of retirees and such is really just a more up-front manifestation of North America’s ongoing effects on the region. Whether or not gringo retirees were moving to the region, North American influence would be entering through television, movies, music, international economics and foreign policy.

I should say that I’m certainly no expert on Central America and my two months here has only been a small amount of exposure, so if you think you know better post a comment.