Costa Rica

Learning To Play Guitar: Buzzing Chords in the Tropics

Music has always been part of my life. I grew up pounding out hymns and cheesy traditional pop tunes on…

1 year ago

Shock Therapy: Diá de la Madre Edition

In Costa Rica, Día de la Madre is celebrated like a national holiday, parades of flowers and family gatherings everywhere.…

1 year ago

The Soul of Costa Rica

When I first set foot in Costa Rica, I expected beaches, jungles and toucans. I found them, of course, but…

1 year ago

The Empty Boat: Steering Clear of Anger

Picture yourself drifting on Lake Arenal, the volcano standing tall in the background, a light breeze playing with the ripples…

1 year ago

Dancing to the Clock’s Rhythm

Every now and then I hear it. Tic-toc, tic-toc. It’s not the wall clock, it’s the one in my head.…

1 year ago

How to Spot a Gringo in the Wild

The other night, over a few cold Imperials with some Tico friends, the conversation turned to spotting gringos. Particularly the…

1 year ago

Pura Vida and the Art of Forgiveness

They say forgiveness sets you free. Most of us nod politely at the idea while secretly thinking, “Yeah, sure, but…

1 year ago

Solutions in Disguise

Let me start by clearing the air: I am not a philosopher, a guru, or a guy who drinks enough…

1 year ago

Balance Served with a Side of Rice and Beans

If you ever visit Costa Rica on a Sunday, you might notice something peculiar. The streets are quieter, the shops…

1 year ago

Grand Theft Auto, Senior Edition

Life has a funny way of reminding you that age is creeping up on you. Sometimes it is a stiff…

1 year ago