Turning the Page to Pura Vida

When we began planning our move to Costa Rica, we didn’t want to live the gringo life, separate from the world around us. We wanted more than a warm climate and pretty sunsets. For us, this was about shedding layers of complexity, finding a slower rhythm, as stress-free as humanly possible and stepping into a culture where life is lived fully and simply while leaving behind the politics of division.

The research and the preparation were intense, from downsizing decades of belongings, organizing the logistics of an international move, and mentally preparing to let go of the familiar. Through it all, we reminded ourselves of why we were doing this: not to arrive as expats looking for comfort, but as immigrants seeking growth.

One of the best decisions we made was hiring Your Pura Vida, a company that helped make our transition so much smoother. Patrick, Aaron, and Benjamin did more than guide us through the practical steps of relocating. They shared our values for living simply and integrating fully. Over time, they have become more than just resources. They’re the kind of people we look forward to meeting for coffee, sharing laughs with, and calling friends.

When we finally arrived in Atenas, it felt right. Nestled in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, this small town is known for its near-perfect climate, and now we understand why. Days are warm without being oppressive, nights are cool enough for restful sleep, and the hillsides are covered with jungle lush greenery. Even in the rainy season, we can enjoy what this country and weather has to offer.

But the heart of Atenas isn’t found in its weather or views. It’s found at the Feria on Thursdays and Fridays, where locals and newcomers mingle among fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade goods. It’s at the Central Market, where you find local Sodas for a home meal and purchase fresh fruit and veggies, to local shops and bakeries. It’s in Central Park, where families gather in the evenings or after church, children laugh, friends greet each other warmly, and all kinds of birds chatter in the trees above. It’s in oxcart parades and festivals that celebrate traditions handed down for generations.

We know we stand out here as visible minorities. Foreigners don’t always have the best reputation, and we’re mindful of how we carry ourselves. That’s why we’re committed to living simply, learning the language, and showing respect for the culture we’re now part of.

Our current home, a beautiful million-dollar property, has been a wonderful landing pad, but it doesn’t reflect who we are or how we want to live. We will eventually be looking for something more modest, where we can shop at the pulpería, wave to neighbours, and feel the pulse of daily life.

Learning Spanish is a priority. While we’ve picked up a few words and phrases, we know that classroom lessons are the key to deeper conversations, richer relationships, and understanding the humour, idioms, and stories that don’t always translate.

So far, Costa Rica is everything we hoped for and more. The people are warm, the pace of life is restorative, and the culture invites you in if you make the effort to meet it halfway. With gratitude for the guidance of Your Pura Vida and a deepening love for this place, we are excited to continue our journey of discovery and integration.

The peaceful surroundings here have stirred something in me, enough that I picked up an acoustic guitar at the local pawn shop. It feels like the perfect place to reconnect with music and let it become part of this slower, more intentional way of living. As we continue settling in, our next steps will be opening a bank account and finding a cell phone provider to anchor us further into everyday life here.

Here, Pura Vida isn’t just a saying. It’s becoming our way of life.