And I don't want to give the wrong impression. I love America, I have just found myself being way too disappointed with the people there and the way we seem to have found value in the worthless and kicked the truly substantial to the curb. The picture on the right demonstrates that sentiment perfectly. But like I said, I am going to hold off on wagging my finger at a country from my fortified compound in a tropical paradise. That just reeks of bad taste...
So today, what I'd like to do is a little Q&A! Ask me anything, and I will be happy to answer it. It can be a question about adjusting to life overseas, about the ongoing back story, or even a personal question. One of the things I have been notoriously bad at has been replying to some of your comments (probably because I comment on 300+ other blogs a day and spend hours on my favorites), and I'd like to make up for that today.
So ask away!
49 comments:
are you ever coming back to Florida?
@Kicking Rocks
Yeah I am actually! This will be the first time in five years that I have come back too. I have alot of friends that I really have to see as well as attend my high school 20 year reunion. We should grab a beer when I'm there.
Do you own any pets? :3 I love cats too but I have a dog -,-
@amBored
Somehow during the course of the attempted mugging last month, I acquired a new kitteh. I named him Taco Chino (egg roll in Spanish), and we've been joined at the hip ever since. I also feed alot of the local birds that come into my yard, but I don't consider them 'pets' in as much as friends who stop by.
Kicking Rocks asked a question I probably would have asked but no I'm good.
I do enough finger wagging from this frozen tundra for the both of us.
You mentioned once that you studied martial arts. Which one(s)?
What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happen to you? :P
@Banacek
When I was 8 years old, I was fascinated with the Chinese martial arts, and actually took on a paper route to pay for lessons at Lannom's Kung Fu Center in in Ft. Lauderdale and the Wa Lum Temple in Orlando. My favorites to study were Northern Shaolin, Wing Chun, and Pa Kua. I did the tournament circuit for a while (weapons and forms demonstrations) and stuck with it to this day. I never got into any other sports, and this is always what I've used to stay in shape and flexible.
@Shutterbug
Hands down, getting caught in mid "ending" of a fap session by my girlfriend's mother who walked in on me in the bathroom. I was 15 and she made a really big deal out of it...
I guess I've never used popular culture of what's on TV to define who I am or what I'm about. I'm a rebel and a loner and a natural born leader and not a sheep. So, I don't give a flying fig what snooki is wearing or how the OC wives diet. The popular culture of a society and its people are vastly different. If that was not so, then Japan would be screwed because their women wear hello kitty everywhere and dress like little girls but their people are stoic hard workers who are highly intelligent, so culture and people-separate issues. That said, my reps for America would have to be folks like T. Boone Pickens who are seeing the bigger picture for the US to launch from being known as the 1900s automakers to the green leaders of the world. That said, I want to get to the question part of this mock-posting:
"Did you break your family's heart when you moved so far away and do you miss family?"
@Autumnforest
That's one of the reasons I like you so much, your uniqueness along with your disregard for conventional...anything. That's why I can't get enough of your writings either.
And yes, I do miss my family. Incredibly so. It might have broken my mother's heart a little, but everyone has been pretty supportive over the course of these five years.
Your dog did NOT eat your blog post! LOL! Facebook friend here...who was your first love?
@Anonymous
I'm pretty sure this is Rachel, but I could be wrong. But to answer your question, my first crush was a girl named Sheryl Staelens (she hated me)when I was 11-12, but my first love was a girl named Robin Lawley who I dated for about 8 months in 10th grade.
wow 300+. whats 48÷2(9+3)?
srs question
@Ed
Yeah man...300+. Keeps me on my toes, that's for sure. Luckily not all of them post every day though LOL.
And the answer to your question is 288.
Don't judge me, hehehe. But is marijuana legal there? or if its not, how strict are the policies controlling it?
@duffboi
The Costa Rican government decriminalized small amounts for personal use in 2007. But the wording of the law is such that it's pretty much up to the officer who catches you with it. It's not an Amsterdam style free for all situation by any means, but it's not seen as a harmful drug like cocaine or smack either.
No judging at all, my friend. I've been known to fire one up on special occasions myself. I would urge you to never make it a habit though as it completely destroys motivation with alot of use.
Ummmm....I just took some xanax so I can't think of a good question, but I reserve the right to do so at a later. Also, I would like to thank you for being my friend, and if you ever make it all the way to where I am (not that I am sure why you would want to visit this dump - other than to visit us) we are having some serious cocktails.
Right back at you Melanie! I plan on coming back for a bit this summer and maybe road tripping with some friends after my high school reunion. Who knows? Maybe we can add Michigan to our list. If so, the drinks are on me!
You just worry about feeling better and letting your friends help carry that weight until it doesn't hurt anymore!
Besides America what country you think you can live a beautiful life?
@body1
I think you can live a beautiful life wherever you go, but I think I understand the intent of the question. For me, I am a tropical species through and through. I grew up in South Florida, so hot and muggy to me is like a quiet winter's day for others. If I ever moved from CR, I think my next stop would be somewhere in SE Asia like Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, or Indonesia.
Ah, yeah, don't worry, I agree with you on the values thing. I don't get how people can snub going out and looking at the stars for American Idol.
My question would be about the technological level down there. I know you said the place was set to become the next, or a southern, Silicon Valley. Is it still that way and how difficult is it to come by the tech stuff you might want or need?
I also have a small interest in knowing if they have any contributions to any international space efforts?
ever met a paradise in southamerica? .. There are many
@ Astro Pirate
Down here, one of the national heroes is Franklin Chang Diaz, and he is the highest ranking Latin American in NASA. A really good article on him can be found here...
http://www.infocostarica.com/people/franklin.html
And as far as the technology levels down here, I would say that the internet accessibility in the more remote areas (70% of the country) is notorious for being a bit slow, but it's broadband nonetheless. The govt. just issued an announcement that by the year 2013, everyone in CR will have access to free broadband wireless as well. I lovez me the Socialismo Democracia!
Aaron, I enjoyed reading your answer is so nice sometimes can talk withour friends bloggers, I think you can live happy in any part of the world if you are with people you love, and I understand you missed your family.
But is the life I think.
Aaron think in me like a friend really when you want talk or others.
I comment you the other time I have in Costa Rica a friend that is like a sister for me she lives here in Chile with my family by one year. But always we talk and she come to see my family time on time, she is american (Ana MarrÃa Ortiz) but know live in Costa Rica, is a nice persona if you need someones to talk too. Huggsss, gloria
I have three dogs! (LOL)
@ Coco
Yes indeed I have! Two of my favorite cities in the world are Rio de Janeiro and Barranquilla, Colombia!
@Gloria
I absolutely consider you to be a good friend, and you are probably one of the sweetest people I have met online. Thank you for being you and know that you are in my thoughts!
so...who is that guy on the left?
lol? just kidding! keep up the great blogging! :
Beer sounds great! lol
What would you do with a million dollars?
If you could take one thing with you from Florida to your new home, what would it be - and why?
How many countries have you visited?
@ Grafted
I would invest the bejeezus out of it an never wake up before 11AM ever again. Ever.
@G
That one is easy my friend, I would bring my son.
@Marlene
When I was a Marine, I traveled very extensively throughout Europe and (of course) the Middle East. After sitting down and actually counting, I have come up with about 32. I really love to travel as you can tell LOL.
Who has over 1400 followers,
over 42,000 hits & is ending his blog while he is in the David Lee Roth Era of his blog ....so he doesn't end his blog in a Gary Cherone Era?
I really enjoy your writing, I will have one more final post to wrap up the ?'s and goodbyes.
Peace
Shawn
Are you coming back!!?
I like cats too.
Do you have a favourite artist?
@Shawn
You, my friend! I had no idea that you had a Gary Cherone blog you were favoring. I guess if you split your time too much, it will become a Sammy Hager blog, and no one wants that...
@JapRoulette
I will be coming back to the States this summer for a visit, but I don't see myself living there permanently until some major changes happen over there.
@A Hermit
Canvas: Frederick Remington
Music: Lennon / McCartney
Film: Stanley Kubrick
Martial: Jee Sin Sim See (Shaolin Monk)
Sandwich: Pepe at my local deli
Dogs are out saving people and stuff, what have cats done lately o;
I was wondering - you being a Marine - (and MAD respect from me to everyone who serves or has served!!!) - would you still die for your country? Or is the adage "My country, right or wrong...still my country" a dead value for you? And I don't mean that disrespectfully in any way, shape or form...It's just that even though I share the same level of disillusionment about what goes on here - I would never want to be anything but an American (and I say that as a person with a mother who is from another country). I've lived all over the world too (Army brat), and I STILL love this country even when it's being run by a bunch of weasels and populated with too many lemmings. Just curious. :)
@las3r
Don't get me wrong, I have known an loved alot of dogs. Cats fit my personality a little better in that they are more independent and don't jump all over me when I walk in the door.
@The Reckmonster
If the United States was ever invaded or attacked on it's own soil, I would be on the first plane, boat, camel, whatever to get there and be on the front line. I love my country, I just hate my government and the apparent disregard that the general populace has for our founding principles.
that mangy mut
Ummm...What do you like to eat on your toast?
You really are a very active blogger and i love your blog/comments!
My question:
Are you going to stay in Costa Rica?
@Lhosreiff
Nutella!
@-DO-
I will definitely be staying here permanently!
Aaron, I also wanted to say, I love this blog idea. I might just steal it. :)
32 countries?!!!! WOW!!! I was gonna guess 14...and that would have been impressive!
I just read the article on Chang Diaz. Man, that guy sounds cool. Costa Rica is a lucky nation to have an astronaut and one of the worlds top scientists. It's good to see they have bright plans for the future.
i just found your blog a few days ago after tiring of the ones on PR - where i'm living now - no one is nearly as active or interesting. i made my decision to move from nyc b/c even in my 40's i'm on disability and need to keep that. you had a great set-up to begin with, but do you have tips for someone in a new land (and PR is considered a different country by mainlanders and PRcans) to break through the initial phase. i'm pretty capable, but on a budget, living outside the tourist area of san juan. tourist places are expensive and you meet tourists, locals sit around playing dominoes, i can walk to the beach. i'm trying to embrace the new experience through photography, but i feel like i've hit a wall - i expected culture shock, but this place is soooo backward. also i've read your series of how you got there, but it's hard to read your archives in chronological order on your site. i've subscribed, so i get it on yahoo. p.s. i moved here with my cat and her kill list is growing - she's a great mouser. glad i found your blog, keep up the great work.
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