Life in Costa Rica is Hard to Beat, Despite a Few Pitfalls.

While Living in Costa Rica has many good points, it does have another side. Things are not all they seem, and there are always drawbacks to living in a culture foreign to your own. But how should one rate this beautiful country overall?

When first arriving here, the climate is what puts this love story into first gear. I arrived one February many years ago, coming straight from England. I escaped from the worst part of a long, very cold, gray winter! The climate seemed to be just perfect when landing in San José, the sunlight giving everything it touched so much life and color.

Nothing, however, compares with the actual discovery of this enchanting small paradise; diversity is one thing when understood from some Costa Rica guide, but the actual experience is unique. The Central Valley enjoys an average 24ºC, falling a little as one ascends. It is surrounded with mountains and volcanoes. Additionally, a couple of cloud forests are only minutes away from the capital, including Braulio Carillo.

As for volcanoes, Irazu is the most imposing in this area, and is visible from almost any point in the city and its surroundings. Traveling from the central valley to any point will eventually mean that you are going downhill, and the flora and fauna will change drastically as the climate gets hotter. It is like visiting many different countries at once. The difference between the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean, for example, could not be greater. The Caribbean resembles a small Jamaica with lush, fertile vegetation while the Pacific offers long deserted beaches and a drier climate.

The Ticos are of course what make this country, though they are not defined as easily as their neighbors. Indeed, they are not, specifically spoken, the obvious example of Latin individuals – but they are! While at first hand they appear to be very warm, one discovers after a while that it takes time to really get close to them. Another big attraction is the inevitable Latin and Caribbean easy going and laid back ways. When coming from fast Europe, they are a welcome change! Furthermore, Costa Ricans are very proud of their country and will gladly help you discover it, making sure that you make the most of your visit. They will ensure that you try the famous Gallo Pinto breakfast of rice and beans. A dish that will mesmerize you initially, after eating this every morning for a week, you will begin to decline the offer with a smile.

As your visiting goes on, you will discover those aforementioned drawbacks. Let me start with the roads. Maybe they stay in this state of disrepair on purpose, as some kind of a hallmark, perhaps? Sign posting has improved significantly over the last decade, but the newcomer will still not be very impressed and if you are driving, you will get lost. If in the city, I wish you good luck as there are no street names or addresses. If in the middle of nowhere, the first person you meet will be super friendly and, in the fear of disappointing you, will gladly direct you in the opposite direction of your destination. Finally, if you arrive in this country in October, you will be acquainted with the peak of the wet season, as it rains, pours and rains even a bit more!

Once these few negative points are digested, you will be able to relax and start to really enjoy what Costa Rica has to offer. You will go to places that you will never forget; why do you think that some of us never leave? On your return home, your world shall seem dull, and you will find yourself daydreaming of the rainforests, the beaches, the waterfalls, and the hot springs. Of the tropical ocean sunsets, the soft warmth of the night, the piercing sounds of nature; of the magical sight of a red macaw and the awe and sense of power imparted from an erupting volcano. Such memories shall stay with you forever.

Photo of Dominical courtesy of Adam Baker.

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Filed under: Living on October 16th, 2008