Writer: Marynes Fernandez B - Airelibre Homes & Rentals A complete guide for those seeking a life change surrounded by nature, community, and tranquility. Deep in the northern region of Costa Rica, nestled between green mountains and a serene lake, lies one of the...
What does “tranquilo” really mean in Costa Rica?It’s more than “calm down” or “no worries”—it’s a philosophy. In Costa Rica, “tranquilo” is a way of life, a cultural pause button for when things get loud, fast, or simply out of hand. Whether you're stuck in traffic,...
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...
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...
By Captain Paul Watson Let’s talk about the power of a malicious government to wage petty wars of retribution against individuals working to expose crimes and corruption. Between 2005 and 2017, I starred in a television show on Discovery Animal Planet called Whale...
In Costa Rica, parenting isn’t a competitive sport—it’s a shared experience steeped in sunshine, sloths, and a strong sense of community. Children here grow up barefoot, fearless, and free-range, with muddy knees and mango juice moustaches. This is not helicopter...
If Costa Rica had a national reflex, it wouldn’t be flinching from a football—it would be smiling at a stranger and saying “buenas.” Whether you’re stepping into a pulpería, passing a neighbour on a gravel road, or waving from a bus seat, the simple act of greeting in...
By Captain Paul Watson On July 22nd, 2025, Interpol informed me that the Red Notice against me was cancelled. I suppose I should have felt relieved, but in truth, I was simply tired. I had been on the run for thirteen years as a fugitive from Interpol, from Japan and...
Joan McDonald Vernon has cast a long line of influence across sportfishing in Central America and beyond. For over two decades, she’s been the driving force behind some of the most respected billfish tournaments in the region — from laid-back “fishing rodeos” to elite...
On the morning of June 11th, my son and I were forever changed by a heart-wrenching scene. As we were traveling up the hill from Playa Hermosa toward the Waldorf Hotel around 7:30 AM, a piercing cry shattered the morning calm. High above, on tangled power lines...
What does “chisme” mean in Costa Rica? In Costa Rica, chisme means gossip—but not the malicious, behind-your-back kind. It’s more like social glue, a warm cup of verbal espresso that connects neighbours, relatives, and strangers in the queue at the pulpería. “Chisme”...
Why should you learn Tico proverbs? Tico proverbs are the key to sounding local, getting smiles, and sometimes even better prices or service. Speaking Spanish is one thing. Speaking Tico Spanish is another level entirely. If you’ve ever been in a sodita and wondered...