Erica Andrews and her partner, Matt Hogan, shared a vision when they first visited a property on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in 2006. At that time the property was being marketed as a timber harvest site. But they felt compelled to find a better use for the enchanting land.
When you visit the grocery store in Costa Rica—perhaps you should leave your expectations at the door. You'll discover many products here that you wouldn't expect…and products you're familiar with that are packaged and presented in unfamiliar ways. That's why grocery shopping in Costa Rica can be an adventure!
As a 71-year-old, retired from careers in education and real estate, I have always worked within a strict budget. It’s no different here. We have no expenses for heat or air conditioning, because the temperature is always between 65 F and 85 F. The electricity we use runs about $50 a month. I pay $75 a month for internet and another $50 a month for TV and cable. Our cellphones cost us $140 a month, because we do make quite a few international calls.
One of the main reasons tourists and expats alike enjoy the town of Tamarindo, in the Guanacaste province on Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast, is for the abundance of international cuisine. Over 100 dining options within walking distance of downtown Tamarindo make this small beach community a foodie’s dream.
When I was a kid, the only food trucks around were seedy jalopies parked outside construction sites. But today, they're everywhere. Food trucks have become a part of the new meal culture. There are TV shows devoted to them; they are given as prizes… There are even food truck races!
Many people are astounded to learn that for a country of its size, Costa Rica has 12 different micro-climates, and while the country only accounts for .03% of the earth’s surface, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Let that sink in.
I am resigned to the fact that, as I get older, my body will react to its long-term usage. Things will give out. Parts will need to be replaced. Tune-ups will have their own section of my calendar. I have gone way beyond the youthful need of a gynecologist, to seeing every “ist” known to man: dermatologist, cardiologist, orthopedist, internist, and dentist. And with the dentist, my story takes a turn.
Costa Rica continues to grab headlines around the world. It's been called the happiest place on earth...the world's number one place to retire... But this small nation of 4.8 million people is not content to rest on its laurels. Costa Rica has set itself a new, ambitious goal for the next few years: to become carbon neutral by 2021, and hence the first country in the world to achieve this.
One of the many things I love about living in Costa Rica is how sustainability is on everyone’s mind, and the different ways we practice these concepts daily. Of course, we’re not perfect, but the mindset and progress toward sustainable living is high, perhaps because we all spend so much time outside, live in open-air houses, and see the impacts of climate change and human behavior all around us.
In a country advertised as the place to see sloths, go zip lining, and surfing—cuisine is typically overlooked when considering Costa Rica as a destination. Sure, this magically diverse country is known for its world-class coffee, yet many people cannot even recall a dish for which Costa Rica is famous.