Where the birds soar, the mud sucks, and the puns fly faster than the jacanas What makes Palo Verde a top birdwatching spot in Costa Rica? Palo Verde National Park is a wetland wonderland that draws flocks of rare and majestic birds year-round.It’s not just a national...
Whale Tales and Water Trails: Kayaking the Pacific with Giants
What makes kayaking with humpback whales in Costa Rica so special? Kayaking alongside humpback whales offers a quiet, intimate view of these ocean giants—an experience far more magical than watching from a crowded tour boat. During August and September, Costa Rica’s...
Harry Bodaan, accused of a gruesome murder, asserts his innocence in new book
It was a crime that shocked a nation — a top Costa Rican anesthesiologist viciously raped and murdered while staying at La Mansion Inn in Manuel Antonio, accompanied only by a little dog. Adding to the shock was the arrest of the hotel owner, the 69-year-old...
How to Help a Dog with Joint Problems and Stiffness
Joint problems such as arthritis and osteoarthritis are common in dogs, especially in seniors and large breeds. These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, often leading to a decline in a dog’s overall quality of life. The good news is that early...
How to Surf Without Crying: A Beginner’s Tale from Dominical
Spoiler: There were tears. But also a lot of saltwater, so who's really counting? If you’ve ever watched a surfer glide across a wave like Poseidon’s cool cousin and thought, I could totally do that, then you, dear reader, are a fool. A hopeful, sunburn-prone,...
Tico Karaoke: The National Sport You Didn’t Know Existed
Where emotions go full throttle, and off-key is part of the charm. When night falls in Costa Rica, and the last spoonful of gallo pinto has long been digested, something magical happens in corner bars, beach joints, and neon-lit cantinas. No, it’s not fútbol. It’s...
Came for the Sloths, Stayed for the Chaos: When Costa Rica Becomes Home and Your Hometown Doesn’t Feel Like Yours
Why do so many people dream of Costa Rica? People come to Costa Rica chasing beauty, wildlife, and the mythical ease of “Pura Vida.” Before I ever boarded a plane to Costa Rica, the country existed in my imagination as a place of endless green. It was sloths in trees,...
The New Uniform: How Expats Mix Comfort, Culture, and Style in Costa Rica
There’s no dress code for paradise—but somehow, a new uniform is emerging. Step into any Costa Rican beach town or mountain retreat, and you’ll spot it instantly: breathable fabrics, earth tones, splashy prints, and a certain air of I’m here for good. The expat...
Puppets, Pageantry, and Pure Weirdness: Costa Rica’s Traveling Theatre Scene
You’re sitting in a plaza munching on a tamal when—wait, is that a pirate dueling a chicken with a broomstick? Welcome to the delightfully absurd, surprisingly profound, and occasionally head-scratching world of Costa Rica’s travelling theatre scene. It’s where...
The Magic of Machetes: More Than a Tool, It’s a Way of Life
In Costa Rica, you’ll spot it strapped to a belt, slung over a shoulder, or leaned against a banana tree. The machete isn’t just a tool here—it’s practically family. Passed from grandpa to grandson, sharpened daily, and spoken of with the same reverence usually...
Cocina de la Abuela: Recipes with Roots
Traditional Costa Rican Recipes Passed Down Through Generations What are the most beloved traditional dishes from Costa Rican grandmothers? Costa Rican grandmothers have long preserved the country’s culinary soul through humble, nourishing meals. These recipes tell...
Tico Time is Real—And It’s Beautiful
Forget your calendar, silence your alerts, and put down that planner. Welcome to Costa Rica, where time flows like a lazy river, not a bullet train. “Tico Time” isn’t just an excuse for being late—it’s a way of life, a cultural rhythm that beats to the sound of...