It’s summer and you have arrived in paradise: Costa Rica. You have waited for months for this trip, and your expectations are high. The sight from the plane as it flies over the Costa Rican mountains gives you an idea of what awaits you as soon as you land; an exuberance of green forest. But as you are approaching your destination, the vast greenery starts to become dry: you have arrived at the Costa Rican north pacific coast, a place where the salty on-shore winds dry everything around it but do not dim the sprouting of the endemic wildlife, all new sightings to your eyes. While you drive the dusty streets of Santa Teresa, a yoke of oxen stops traffic. No one minds, or at least you don’t.
After some minutes, you arrive at your beach-front vacation rental. The swaying palm trees frame the view of the ocean, and the waves crashing against the rock formations offer puddles deep enough to take a dip and cool yourself. The surfers ride the beautifully shaped waves by the offshore wind; some with ease while others struggle, but one thing in common is their passion for the water. You understand them: something in the water is magical, alluring and inviting. You dive fully.
The coral reefs are allocated throughout, and it makes it the perfect ecosystem to watch an abundance of marine life that dazzles you with its intense colors accentuated by the sun rays. The sun starts to dim and you want to get ready to watch the sunset. You take a stroll around the beach and decide that any place will do; the beautiful views can be appreciated anywhere. The sky turns all types of colors and indulges you in an unmatched feeling that blends tranquility with the sounds of the ocean. You don’t understand what pura vida means but you can tell what it feels like.
The refreshing coconut water is not enough to calm your grumbling belly. You decide to take a walk through the streets and find an abundance of dining options: authentic Argentinian parrilladas, sushi with a Costa Rican twist, the freshest seafood just caught by local fishermen. As you enter a local shop, you are greeted by the biggest and most welcoming smiles. It doesn’t feel like they’re working. Everyone is content, and the feeling gradually permeates to you. On one of the walls, there is a legend written: it’s the story of the owners of the shop, they came to Costa Rica a long time ago and never looked back.
You think about yourself. Could you do the same? Could you start a new life in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language? You feel invigorated by the abundance of international shops that surround the area, and start thinking about their stories and backgrounds. Did they come on vacation and decided to stay, like you’re pondering about it right now? You decide you’re going to do some research on the real estate market and the quality of life in the country. The answers are encouraging, and the options endless; you realize you’re not the only one that has thought about it or done it before.
You lay down and rest your head on the pillow. You look forward to tomorrow, and the yearning to discover more of the beauty that characterizes Costa Rica overwhelms you. You think about the myriad of options you have but the limited amount of time there is. Suddenly, a smile crosses your face as you gaze over the ceiling and start drifting away, dreaming about a new life. Time stays still and the worrisome thoughts that crossed your mind are gone. You are fine now. You are in paradise, and paradise can become your home.
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