Super Pura Vida – All In On Costa Rica Part 3

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Super Pura Vida – All In On Costa Rica Part 3

Johnny Lahoud - FEB 28, 2019

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Super Pura Vida – All In On Costa Rica Part 3

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Parts 1 and 2 of this Howler series recounted my transition to living permanently in Costa Rica. First, came losing the seasonal job in my Rhode Island hometown that had sustained a good life of living part-time in both places for several years. Next came an inflow of cash during a lucky side trip to Las Vegas. So now, here is the “what for?” and “what next?” side of the story.

My previous initiation to Costa Rica had been in Jacó at a time when only a handful of like-minded gringos were living in the area. Back then there were no condos or big hotels. The simplicity of life was sublime: surf, eat, rinse and repeat. Or, as a popular tourism slogan put it: “No artificial ingredients. No need to add anything.”

The simplicity of life was sublime:
surf, eat, rinse and repeat

When I returned to Jacó in 1997, supposedly for good, things were changing in the name of “progress.” The very fabric of pura vida was being rewoven into something that no longer seemed to fit. I decided to find a good wave somewhere else: a place to settle down into a tranquilo lifestyle that would allow me to grow old while making a living. My job would allow me to meet people from all over the world. Why travel when those people all come to you?

So I traveled around camping and surfing the country before landing one fine November day in Playa Grande. The surf was epic and I knew right away this was my proverbial end of the rainbow. Upon coming down from the high of surfing my first four days, I started plotting for the future. There were very few cabinas, almost no restaurants and the closest supermarket was in Santa Cruz. In short, nothing but growth possibilities. I asked around about land at the local bar, Kike’s, and contacted a seller of lots across the street. The prices were good and I knew my idea could work. I would open “Super Pura Vida” — a one-stop compound that would allow me to live the dream.

all in on costa rica super pura vida playa grande

It was simple. First, put down a deposit and then find investors to buy into Playa Grande’s first supermarket, deli and cabinas. The plan was set in motion over a few beers and guaro shots at Kike’s. I decided to go all in with my recent Vegas wins and bet all I had to my name. A deposit of $4,000 gave me 16 months to pay the balance or walk away broke. It was now or never. With email and internet not yet mainstream modes of doing business, I started calling possible benefactors. After many a hang-up and rejection, I had almost given up when along came lady luck again.

I met a guy at the Hotel Del Rey casino who was looking to move some dollars and invest in Costa Rica. It was a “don’t-ask/don’t-tell” deal, but who was I to look a lifesaver gift in the mouth? Beggars can’t be choosers and I had three months left to close the land deal or head back home.

So that’s how I became a landowner in Playa Grande. After six months of running around for “permitting,” we finally broke ground. I traded in my truck for the payment to start construction. My partner was a building inspector and I learned how to build Tico style and in Tico time. The local saying “poco a poco” means “take things slow and enjoy the ride.” So I worked and surfed my way to the “Grande opening” of Super Pura Vida in December 1998. Real estate sales soon followed. I am so grateful for all the good fortune that got me to Puravidaville, and thank God every day for showing the path and guiding my way!