Its subtle and effective.Costa Rica is a culture that has lost its identity. Overwhlemed with the influx of refugees from Nicaguara, Costa Rica has become a cesspool of petty crime and lazyness.
Just as the American's let the Mexican's do their melabor.. the Costa Rican's let the Nicaguarans do the same. It is above Costa Ricans to pick coffee now that they have someone who will do it for half the cost.
That attitude unfortunately breeds contempt, lazyness and an way of life that rests on waiting for someone to take advantage of.
There is another influx in Costa Rica -- Colombians. Now you need to get past your thoughts of drug dealers and war. The Colombians bring a completely different culture than has been found in Costa Rica or Nicaguara. They bring a culture of hardwork and promptness.
Their subtle take over of Costa Rica is simple. They open businesses and offer a level of customer attention that isn't found else where (the Customer actually takes prescences over the Television)! Marketing is even more simple and subtle. They simply display the Colombian colors (Yellow, Blue and Red) -- look for a Colombian flag in Google -- but not look for it on the store fronts.
You'll find the businesses that subtle display these colors in Costa Rica to be the most successful, vibrant business there. They are making it happy.
When you vacation in Costa Rica, look for those businesses too. You may be surprised at the difference in attention you receive.
