Based on that mantra and since we are tired of placing family time and seeing our kids grow up after work, we decided it is time to move. Since a few months now, we have debated and researched several options of where to move to and once we are there, what to do jobwise. I really am tired of living in this heat and humidity here in Florida so I wanted to move somewhere where it is cooler, but not too cold (i.e.: no snow shoveling and blackout conditions). Thus, we considered moving to Raleigh, N.C., Virginia and D.C. area. Unfortunately, it is either too expensive to live there or the jobs available didn't suit us and except of having more seasonal weather, it still wouldn't change the "work, work, life" lifestyle we are so tired of. Thus, my loving husband had the great idea of moving our family to (drumroll, please :)) COSTA RICA!
Yes, this is quite different what you and me had in mind but we are very excited about this new adventure. Honestly, since a while now we have been debating what it is we are looking for and when Derrick saw that documentary "happy" on PBS one day, he knew what it was. This documentary talks about of what really makes people happy. After watching the documentary, it was reaffirmed to me that it is not money that makes one happy. Because the happiest people on earth are far away from being rich. Thus, we decided it is time for us to pursue our happiness. Happiness is defined differently for everyone, but for us it is being together as a family and seeing our kids grow up and teach them valuable life lessons. The little things in life, per se.
Why Costa Rica??? Thanks to its tropical climate, low cost of living and natural beauty, Costa Rica is considered the “greenest, happiest country in the world” and boasts one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. Moreover, CR is known for its excellent medical care and affordable prices and has a stable government that has functioned peacefully without an army for more than 60 years. Since there is no army, the government pours more funds into education, health care and infrastructure. Unlike many Central American nations, Costa Rica has a large middle class and extreme poverty is rare, reducing crime rates considerably. Also, CR is conveniently located and a short airplane ride (2hr 30 min) away from South Florida.
If that is not enough, Costa Ricans (called Ticos) have a specific way of life called "Pura Vida" (pronounces poo-rah vee-dah). Simply translated, it means “simple life” or “pure life”.
Ticos use this term to say hello/ goodbye, to say everything’s great or cool. However, it is not the words that reflect the true meaning of Pura Vida, it rather is the way Ticos live. Not surprisingly, CR has been named one of the happiest countries in the world, mostly because its inhabitants don’t stress about things the way most foreigners do. Ticos have a very relaxed, simple way of looking at life. No worries, no fuss, no stress—pura vida to them means being thankful for what they have and not dwelling on the negative. It’s an emotion, it’s an attitude, it’s happiness, and it’s a way of life.
Thus, to experience and truly know what pura vida feels like, we decided to move to CR and be happy. We hope you will come along and read about our journey.
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