Miami

Today I left Costa Rica. I negotiated with the owner of the hotel and explained to him that only his maids could have stolen the money (opportunity) and that the modus operandi (stealing small amounts) is characteristic of 'in house theft'. He acknowledged that but said that for them to do that I had to have left my keys 'lying around' so even then it was my fault. Now how am I supposed to take my keys boogie boarding exactly? I tried giving them to the reception, but they did not do that either. He has a fool proof policy that leaves me without a leg to stand on.

When I explained that my MasterCard was blocked (albeit per my own request) and since he did not accept AMEX he had to wait for me to wire transfer the money after I settled matters with the insurance company he became aggressive and stated: if you don't pay me today, you are not leaving Costa Rica. At least not in good health. I know how it looks from his side. It could be me scamming him just as easily of course. That is why this crime is always so successful. There is no proof. I did appreciate that he was genuinely upset this had happened but I was a bit surprised that he did not make a single gesture. Quite the opposite. He made me pay taxes (17%!) over the part I now had to pay by credit card. Another $130 down the drain.

In total this little incident has cost me $930 (+ the loss due to the Euro falling). Luckily I have all kinds of travel insurance so I am covered up to around €700. But still... It was not a happy end to two of the most relaxed weeks in my life.