There is no excuse for being lonely in Costa Rica too much to do, too many people to meet, too many places to go. Take some Spanish classes, attend a meeting of Republicans Abroad or Democrats Abroad, do some volunteer work, learn to play tennis or bridge. You will meet more friends than youve dreamed of, and youll live the rich life you moved to Costa Rica to find.
The biggest mistake some make is not keeping active. Some newcomers will take a drink or two when things get too quiet for them; next thing they know, theyre drinking too much. If you havent already acquired interests to keep you busy in your new location, open the Tico Times to the Club Directory section and look at the broad range of invitations. (If you cant find a group of friends who are involved in your favorite activity, chances are, your favorite activity is illegal, immoral, or boring!) Volunteer work is another satisfying way to make friends and become involved in fun activities; this can be much more satisfying than sitting around a bar until closing time.
An excellent example of a volunteer project, one in which my wife and I are currently involved, is the establishment of a library in a village in Guanacaste. Local expatriates contributed funds to purchase several shelves of reference material as well as books that are fun to read for adults and that will enhance the local childrens interest in education. When enough money was donated, we expanded the library by renting a building separate from the school and opened the facility to adults as well as children. We now have art programs for children, four computers for teaching marketable skills to teenagers and adults, and fiction and nonfiction shelves in both Spanish and English for gringos and Ticos. Just a slight exposure to worthwhile projects like this increases ones social circle immensely.

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