David Gimelfarb- MY last Post

David Gimelfarb has been MISSing in Costa Rica for a little over a year now but family members believe he is still ALIVE. WTF?
The folks at CNN, specifically, Nancy Grace's 'Cold Case' published the story of David Gimelfarb today and this blog has been getting HIT big time since I've written about David's disappearance numerous times and obviously, I coming up in GOOGLE searches for 'David Gimelfarb'.

For what I'm about to say, I mean NO disrespect, I swear. And nothing would make me happier if at the end of it all, David Gimelfarb is found ALIVE. I would love to have to apologize for being a complete A-HOLE (wouldn't be the first time). But I've been following this story and it hasn't made sense, at least to me, for quite some time. *Before you judge me and if you care, read what I had to say and WHY, in sequence, FIRST, then you can give me shit.

* David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica
* David Gimelfarb- the search CONTINUES
* Red Cross pull OUT of Search
* David Gimelfarb- MISSING or NOT?
*David Gimelfarb- What's the STORY?
*David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon- MY THOUGHTS
*David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon- the DIFFERENCE

Alright, BOTTOM-LINE.

Here's ALL I KNOW. If I truly, TRULY believed my son was ALIVE, roaming Costa Rica dazed and CONFUSED, I would be there, scouring the country and doing whatever it TOOK... am I wrong, wouldn't you? I'd criss-cross the fuckin country 10 times over, that is, if I truly believed he was ALIVE.

The 'Help Find David Gimelfarb' Facebook page is the most telling. Just read the posts in sequence. I don't blame them for wanting answers, HELLO, who wouldn't and I understand denial. But.....

David is dead.... but damn it, I'd rather apologize for being a A-HOLE.

David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon- the DIFFERENCE

David Gimelfarb, missing in Costa Rica since last August, is ALIVE! WTF!
Don't know the David Gimelfarb story? I've written about it numerous times, although not lately (links below, start at the TOP and work DOwn). If you're not in the mood to read, here's the gist: David Gimelfarb went missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica last August and his friends and family put together a Facebook page in order to get the WORD out and hopefully either FIND him or at least get some ANSWERS. Here's his Facebook page: Help Find David Gimelfarb

* David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica
* David Gimelfarb- the search CONTINUES
* Red Cross pull OUT of Search
* David Gimelfarb- MISSING or NOT?
*David Gimelfarb- What's the STORY?
*David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon- MY THOUGHTS

So, why am I writing about this again, now? Well, I was curious as to what was going on and it's been awhile since I last 'checked in', so I re-visited David's FB page and ran across the above poster, which was posted on his 'Wall' early June.

WARNING! You should read my other posts about the saga of David Gimelfarb in order to completely understand why I'm going to say what I'm about to say, but you should know, I've been VERY skeptical about the information friends and family have been posting about David almost from the very beginning- things just didn't seem to add up, and in my opinion, STILL don't.

I want to know why they think David is still ALIVE. No recent UPDATES have been added to his INFO page in like FOREVER, since February 28th to be exact, but yet they're actively circulating this poster that he IS alive and may have even changed his appearance. Why would they say this? They've been playing this 'ALIVE' but 'ALLUSIVE' card since early on, with very little evidence to support it. They've also been saying David could be in a "state of amnesia, injured, confused and afraid of people." Now, I can understand why David's parents may have said this in the beginning when he first went missing, since the odds of falling and striking ones head and lying unconscious for hours and then waking up DAZED, CONFUSED and seriously injured in a place such as Rincon de la Vieja are better than 5 steps above probable. But 10 months after the fact, a person disoriented or with amnesia would STICK out like a sore thumb.... and there's no indication he was the type of person who could 'live off the land' so to speak. Somethings amiss. It makes no sense unless the family knows something they're not telling us.

Coincidentally, there's another guy missing in Costa Rica. His name is Michael Dixon and he's been missing since October '09. *Just so we're CLEAR, people do NOT often go missing in Costa Rica. He also has a Facebook page which is here: Help Find Michael Dixon. Here, friends and family appear to be more realistic about 'finding' Michael. I'm sure in the back of their heads, they know, but they want ANSWERS, yes they're trying to keep the story ALIVE, but mostly because they're looking for some sort of CLOSURE, I believe they know the chances of finding Michael alive are between slim and none, but again, they want ANSWERS damn it, and who wouldn't?

However, the on-going search for David Gimelfarb is becoming UNHEALTHY if you ask me. The Michael Dixon people made a 'Help find Michael Dixon' website, are selling t-shirts, making VIDEOS and involving celebrities such as Grace Jones to help raise money and awareness in their struggle for answers. The Gimelfarb's on the other hand are attempting to raise a FALSE hope that David is still out there somewhere, roaming the rugged terrain of Central America, in order to keep public interest (and David) ALIVE, and again, with no EVIDENCE.... at least none they will talk about publicly. And yes, I do think they should be up front since they have enlisted the public for help.

David is either no more or doesn't want to be found- PERIOD. The odds of amnesia or being injured etc, couldn't be much LOWer. If the Gimelbarb's want help in finding answers, and again, who wouldn't, then I say take a page from the Michael Dixon camp- raise AWARENESS in a more practical and realistic way.

*For those of you who are going to give me SHIT about this post, regardless, it will help keep the David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon stories alive.

TONS of Costa Rica Travel Info and VIDEOS on our website: Travel Costa Rica NOW and if you want to visit our YouTube Channel: iCostaRica24 ENjoY!

David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon MY THOUGHTS

David Gimelfarb and Michael Dixon are both missing in Costa Rica. David’s been missing from the Rincon de la Vieja area since mid-August and Michael Dixon who was (supposedly) last seen with swim trunks and towel leaving his hotel in Tamarindo on October 19th and hasn't been seen since.

I’ve written about David Gimelfarb numerous times since he went missing and took some serious ‘HITS’ for my last post: David Gimelfarb- What's the STORY? It was not intended to be offensive, on the contrary, it was meant to raise questions, raise awareness about the situation and keep David in the forefront of people’s thoughts. I stand by the post but see why MANY people took offense.

That said, the Gimelfarb situation is still somewhat perplexing to me. It appears, or at least hoped; he’s roaming the area, somewhat living off the land but confused, possibly from some sort of head trauma. I can’t help wonder about David. It’s said this would “not fit his personality” from the people closest to him.

So I have a few ‘new’ questions.

*Was there any indication David was not happy with his life before he left for Costa Rica?

* Is David a survivoralist of some sort, is he even CAPABLE of ‘living off the land’ so to speak… and in Costa Rica where the terrain and rain forest etc can be unforgiving?

* Is there any reason David would want to fall off the grid?

* Same question, sort of, if David is ‘confused or frightened’ does he have the survival skills to stay 2-steps ahead of his rescuers indefinitely?

* Has some sort of amnesia been considered?

I BELIEVE some pieces are missing from the David Gimelfarb STORY, something just feels 'wrong' and I’m sorry, I can’t help it, I think he's dead, but of course I would love to be WRONG, but as one commenter pointed out about my opinions after my last ‘frustrated’ post about David:

“Boy, are you a narcissistic douchebag that believe the world revolves around you or what? Who gives a shit if you are "frustrated"- especially in light of the emotions his family and friends are feeling….”

So, I realize my ‘2-cents worth’ is exactly that.

And I SWEAR, I’m not being *glib* but if David Gimelfarb is in fact found ALIVE, it would be one hell of a ‘Movie of the Week’…… just sayin.

I fear the worst for Michael Dixon, the evidence, or lack thereof, seems to point to only ONE likely outcome- probably a causality of a riptide or some other type of bizarre swimming accident, but I wouldn’t necessarily rule-out a random act of violence yet either. If the latter, friends and family must have the HELP of local law enforcement, without them it will be near impossible to get answers. The family, along with help from the British government or any other outside influence, may have to apply serious PRESSURE to receive more than lip-service from local officials. Costa Rica is all about perception. They do not like their country coming across as having ‘any’ problems and will do or say just about anything to guard the ‘paradise’ perception. If you don’t live here you may not understand just how far Tioc’s are capable of sticking their heads in the SAND. *We got hate mail for this video about the driving conditions in Costa Rica because they thought if people really ‘knew’, they wouldn’t want to VISIT. Like a few bad roads would keep us from such a beautiful and diverse country.

I like what the folks at, ‘Help Find Michael Dixon’ are doing. I’m certain they ‘understand’ the reality of the situation, but nonetheless are leaving no stone unturned - getting the WORD out, keeping the WORD out, enlisting volunteers, raising money and awareness; and hopefully ‘applying’ pressure to local Costa Rican officials.

I hope both the David Gimelfarb family and the Michael Dixon family find the answers they deserve.

*Not really appropriate for an entire post at this time, but David's and Michael's stories should be a WAKE-UP call for people considering traveling to foreign countries alone. Not saying you shouldn't, just saying you need to be doubly AWARE of your surroundings at all times and have an understanding of the potential dangers.

For up-to-date INFO about David and Michael and how you can HELP, visit their FACEBOOK pages:
Help Find David Gimelfarb
Help Find Michael Dixon

David Gimelfarb- What's the STORY?

David Gimelfarb has still NOT been found in Costa Rica. (David is a 28-year old student who went missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica on Aug. 11th). I've been following this story and have written about it on 4 separate occasions:
* David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica
* David Gimelfarb- the search CONTINUES
* Red Cross pull OUT of Search
* David Gimelfarb- MISSING or NOT?

If the latest updates are to be believed, David is either hiding, on the run or WANDERING Rincon de la Vieja National Park dazed and confused- thwarting rescuers and volunteers like the 'Bourne Identity.'

I am VERY frustrated and unhappy with his OFFICIAL site: Help find David Gimelfarb on Facebook.

Go to his page and read it for yourself, but the 'status reports' have become sporadic NOW, which I understand- WHAT I don't like is they were recently alluding to the fact David is ALIVE and wandering about the jungle in 'trance like, hide-n-seek fashion ', merely in need of reassurance that people are there to HELP him... and if only rescuers could get close enough to EXPLAIN- then everything would be alright.

Sorry, but I'm calling BULLSHIT. If they thought he was ALIVE, they would be doubling and tripling their efforts, NOT the opposite. If in fact they are increasing their efforts, they're not reporting it VERY WELL- which to me, doesn't make much sense... we obviously CARE what's going on, but they're making us NOT.

'If you think David is ALIVE- then lets get this SHOW on the TRAIL.'
THINK about it, if you truly believed a loved one was ALIVE, wouldn't you do ANYTHING to get the word out, hire dogs, procure a helicopter, 'beg, borrow or steal' money to pay volunteers and professionals, talk to whoever would listen, keep the story alive in the media.... I'm just sayin... wouldn't YOU?

Obviously their could be SHIT I'm not privy too and I apologize if I'm completely OFF base. I can appreciate the fact friends and family are trying to stay positive, but personally, I would prefer a more truthful and even 'opinionated' approach to the 'status reports'. Do you NEED more HELP, do you think he's DEAD but still need to find the body for CLOSURE, are you embarrassed because you now believe he fell off the grid on his own accord, are you in DENIAL about whatever, are you being a tad dishonest because you don't want people to LOSE interest, do you even BELIEVE the people who said they spotted David..... do you really think he's ALIVE but you're just becoming worn OUT and having a hard time keeping up because you have your own LIFE........... WHAT gives? please tell us.

If you don't BELIEVE he is dead- LET us know what you WANT and NEED.... we're in it with YOU, but if you truly believe he's ALIVE, well then, you're doing it WRONG.

But he's sounding DEAD to me... just sayin.

David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica or NOT?

UPDATE: David Gimelfarb, 28, has been missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park since August 11th. If you don't know the story, you may want to START here: David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica. *this pic of David is SO much better than the other GEEKY/NERD pics first used when he went missing.

First, here's what AM Costa Rica reported not too long ago:

"Investigators are working on the assumption that a missing 28-year-old doctoral student is living as a hermit just outside Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja.

That is why his parents have posted a $10,000 reward for anyone who provides verifiable information leading to the son's return.

A resident of the area picked out a picture of the missing man from a photo lineup and said that he had seen him twice, on Sept. 9 and Sept.12, said Derish. The man told investigators that the individual he saw was sleeping in the grass and got up, appeared to be startled and walked into the nearby forest."

The story goes on, but I won't even provide the link for such 'sensational' journalism.

AM Costa Rica is often VERY subjective in their news reporting and I would take this INFO as a 'grain of salt'. My BEEF with AM Costa Rica started here: AM Costa Rica if FUGLY let me count the WAYS.

For instance, David could have incurred head trauma and may be confused and dis-oriented appearing 'hermit' like. Truthfully, he could be dead... or AM Costa Rica may have it right this time- David's fell off the grid on his own accord and become the hermit of Rincon de la Vieja. This 'resident' who reported seeing David, well again, the siting could be accurate or maybe NOT. Maybe the resident merely wants to read their name in the paper, or NOT.... just sayin. I learned a LONG time ago, you never REALLY know why people say and do the things they do. More to the point, EVERYTHING is being taken seriously with cautious optimism by family and friends of David Gimelfarb.

The family is utilizing tracking dogs in hopes of picking up David's scent in case he is alive and dis-oriented and/or confused...or yes, living life as a hermit.

*Here's an UPDATE of the UPDATE reported just minutes ago, but still its Oct 5th: The dog handler (Sara) and her tracking dog (Jack) have completed their time in Costa Rica and have now left. They are currently looking for other tracking dogs and handlers with these specifics:

"Most importantly the dog must be able to work a specific scent. Additionally, they must be able to work off lead and also be able to follow older trails. The handler must also be very fit as the terrain is very demanding. We are not asking for an open call of dog handlers this time and only need information if you personally know a team that fits this description. We also have professionals in the field checking an individual’s certifications and qualifications before they can go to Costa Rica."

The bottom line- the search CONTINUES for David Gimelfarb. Let's wait and see... and of course, HOPE for the BEST.

REALLY, they just want to FIND their son.
Hey Everyone, we got TONS of Costa Rica Travel Information in our Travel Guide at Travel Costa Rica NOW and don't FORGET all our Costa Rica Travel Tip Videos, completely ORGANIZED so you can EASILY find what you're LOOKING for. ENjOY!

Red Cross pulls OUT of Search

It's not looking GOOD for the David Gimelfarb family.

Quick re-cap if you don't know the FYI on the David Gimelfarb situation.

On Aug. 11, 28-year-old David Gimelfarb set out for a solo trek through the dense Rincon de Vieja National Park, a popular Costa Rican destination, and hasn't been seen since. His SUV was found by park rangers.

Now, the helicopters fitted with infrared have gone home, the people who FIND people, ResQglobal, packed it up about 5 days ago (not a good sign when they leave) and NOW, even the Red Cross has ended its rescue efforts, "at least temporarily." Not sure what "at least temporarily" means? Are they on a bathroom break... will they return after a couple weeks of rest and relaxation... WTF is, "at least temporarily?" David's family has hired approximately 40 locals to continue the search... for Rincon de la Vieja, they could use a 1000x that number. I wonder if dogs were ever considered, it seems like they could have been a GREAT asset, especially in the dense jungle, ravines and places humans just can't go. But I'm sure there's a reason.

My HEART goes out to the David Gimelfarb family. I can't imagine... and really, I don't want too. Their minds must be working overtime- scenarios they don't EVEN want to consider, running through their brain cells like a bad horror flick. A parents WORST nightmare. And now they have to consider the possibilities- HOPE of finding David alive, or even finding him at all, as remote and vast as Rincon de la Vieja itself. Don't get me WRONG, I still think it's a bit premature, I'm just saying now their MINDS must be considering the possibilities, where before HOPE, FAITH and adrenalin kept BAD thoughts at bay.

I'll save the, 'Don't hike alone in Costa Rica' post for another time, but sometimes it pisses me off that many THINGS that happen here, theft/crime in Costa Rica etc, and possibly even this, could SO be avoided, or at least, consequences could be minimal. But I digress.

My brain cells are racing as well. I speculate he either: a) Fell a substantial distance into a place very difficult to search. b) Wherever human beings are, FOUL-PLAY is always a possibility. c) Same as 'a', but his body became consumed in the 'circle of life' so to speak after dieing or laying unconscious from 'whatever'. d) Staged the whole thing because LIFE became to hard and he wanted to start over somewhere else. Sorry, but my brain can't help what it thinks.

But then AGAIN...
But thoughts are thoughts. Fuck'em. As for me, I would continue the SEARCH if it were my son... and then search some more... and SEARCH after that... and when I felt I had done ALL I possibly could... and my head FINALLY wrapped itself around the probabilities... and HOPE turned into mere wishful thinking- I would STOP.

BUT now is not the FUCKIN time. The Gimelfarb's need YOU (us) now MORE than ever, so Rally the TROOPS, circle the wagons, double the efforts and don't EVER forget... this could be your son, your daughter, your loved one... so when you think it's time to 'face reality',.. please don't actually try to convince me you'd give up the SEARCH for your loved one after only 3 weeks.

If one person can make a difference, just think what 1000 could do.
Hey Everyone, we got TONS of Costa Rica Travel Information in our Travel Guide at Travel Costa Rica NOW and don't FORGET all our Costa Rica Travel Tip Videos, completely ORGANIZED so you can EASILY find what you're LOOKING for. ENjOY!

David Gimelfarb- the search CONTINUES

Hey Everyone. Little update.

David Gimelfarb is STILL missing in Costa Rica. It appears he disappeared while hiking in the region of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Read the full story HERE. The helicopters with their infrared capabilities have gone home, but volunteers and other organizations have continued the SEARCH.

This is NOT the time to give up HOPE!
Here's what I know for sure: The family of David Gimelfarb needs you NOW more than EVER. So, go HERE and get updates and see what you can do to HELP.

And if you happen to be in Costa Rica... then by all means, help in the SEARCH, your vacation will Thank-You for it.

David Gimelfarb MISSING in Costa Rica

David Gimelfarb, 28, missing from the region of Rincon de la Vieja National Park in northern Costa Rica.
Hey EVERYONE! Here's what I know for sure:

'The littlest of THINGS can make the BIGGEST of differences.'
David Gimelfarb, 28, has been missing from Rincon de la Vieja National Park since August 11th. I'm asking YOU to do whatever YOU can to help locate him. It's assumed David got LOST hiking alone in the dense jungles of Rincon de la Vieja, but however he went missing is purely speculative at this point. Go HERE for the complete story.

- Do you know someone who can HELP.
- Do you have TONS of friends on Social NETWORKS such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc who can HELP spread the word.
- Maybe you're IN Costa Rica and would like to Volunteer.

THINK how YOU may be able to HELP!
Don't forget to read the article for the complete story and CHECK out the LINKS to see how YOU may be able to HELP locate David. It would be MUCH appreciated.

*Just as a reminder, when visiting Costa Rica, don't hike alone.