Pura Vida the essence of Costa Rica’s wealth

I am presently taking a few days away from my busy schedule to visit my son who works for an American company based in Austin, Texas.

While on the plane the cover of United Airline’s inflight magazine caught my eye with its cover story featuring “Three Perfect Days in Costa Rica.” In this well-written article the author extolls the virtues of this unique country by exploring several popular places during a three-day span: San José, the magestic Poás Volcano, the Laz Paz waterfall, La Fortuna (the country’s adventure capital), nearby Arenal Volcano and hot springs, and several beaches on the Pacific Coast.

The author sums up the story by stating, “I am overcome by a sense of peace and well-being. That my friends, is the defintion of pura vida.”

For readers who do not know, Pura vida is the country’s national motto and its essence in my opinon, too.

Those of us who have choseen to live here eco the author’s setiments every single day. The intangibles and positives far outway the few negtives the country may have. There are always a few flies in paradise and no place is perfect. I have a wealthy Canadian friend whose claim to fame is that he has visited every country in the world. Where is his home base? Costa Rica! The country he loves most.

While other countries in the region like Mexico, Panama, Medellín (Colombia) and Cuenca (Ecuador) are more affordable, the quality of life in Costa Rica is unsurpassed. Its variety of year-round spring-like climates, stunning mountains, beaches and vistas, stellar squeeky-clean international reputation, friendly people who like Americans, stable government and peaceful history, affordable and high-quality medical care, cheap public transportation, a well-established expat community, pervading sense of well-being and peace, combine to make Costa Rica a country that absolutely cannot be equalled or imitiated by any of the “so-called retirement” havens in Latin Ameerica.

Bottom line: Potential expats should not base their choice of a country on price alone.