Understanding Real Estate in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Zone Part 1

I’d say that about 1/10th of my time spent with people looking to buy property in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific zone is spent in the actual buying/selling of property. The other 9/10ths is a mix of conversations regarding what’s involved with living here, as well as discussing the business of real estate in Costa Rica. … Read more

Vegan Lifestyle in the Zone – Question From Reader

Towns for the Vegan Lifestyle - Ojochal Uvita or Tinamastes

Preamble: this article is my response to question I received from one of this blog’s readers. Its a bit unusual, but I see it as demonstrating a growing interest in The Zone – wellness – in its many forms. This one is specifically “vegan”, but the principles apply to all aspects of wellness. Tinamastes is mentioned … Read more

The “Toucan Test”

Crocodile north of Jaco Costa Rica

I have a thing I do on a personal level that I call my “Toucan Test”. It is my personal test for determining whether I’m becoming jaded to Costa Rica’s uniquely raw and wild beauty. It goes like this: when I see a toucan, do I take note of it? In other words, do I react with a “ho hum, just another toucan” – or do I still marvel at this extra-ordinary bird that defies design logic here with appreciation?

Crocodile north of Jaco Costa Rica
This is just one of the guys hanging out and keeping cool, just north of Jaco.

Earthquakes are a

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Getting Health Insurance in Costa Rica

Photo of a stethoscope for the article on health insurance in Costa Rica

I am 53 years old and have just gone through the process of applying for private health insurance. There are two types of health care in Costa Rica. One is socialized medicine. All residents of Costa Rica are required to pay into what is called “caja” (KAH-hah) insurance. This runs me about $25 per month. … Read more

Use Your Brain

Use your brain

I subscribed to a new blog on my Kindle last night.  I am now paying .99 cents a month for content that can be seen for free by going to www.sharpbrains.com I am willing to make this investment cuz, as many of you know; I am finding that there are brain changes afoot at this … Read more

Cars in Costa Rica

Cars in Costa Rica

When we foreigners first hear about the amazingly high tax rate on cars, we are shocked and wonder at how can that be? This is lunacy! There must be some way around it.

First off: there is no way around it, and as for the lunacy part, perhaps. But there is a rather twisted sort of logic that I’ll go into later that may help to explain this.

What kind of car to own? Observations and suggestions.