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...
The Plantain Playbook: Costa Rica’s Favourite Fruit Gets the Star Treatment
What makes plantains a staple in Costa Rican kitchens? Plantains are essential in Costa Rican cooking because they’re affordable, versatile, and can be transformed into sweet or savoury dishes depending on their ripeness. You’ll find them on almost every table, from...
International Crimes, Corruption, Conspiracies, Capers.
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...
Rainforest to Recipe: Wild Flavours and Forgotten Foods of Costa Rica
What are Costa Rica’s hidden jungle ingredients? Costa Rica’s jungles hold a treasure chest of forgotten flavours that once nourished local communities long before supermarkets and modern menus. These include wild tubers, jungle fruits, native nuts, and herbs that...
Why Sloths Love the Wet Season: Puddles, Perches, and Plant Parties
Why do sloths seem happier during Costa Rica’s rainy season? Sloths thrive during the wet season because food is plentiful, trees blossom, and the damp slows predators. While humans dodge puddles and frizz, sloths are sliding into their best lives—literally. Rain...
Shadow Kings: Tracking Costa Rica’s Jungle Royals
What are Costa Rica’s jungle apex predators? The top predators in Costa Rica’s jungles are jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and jaguarundis. These big cats rule the tropical terrain with stealth and power. As the rainy season reaches its peak in August and September, the...
Pura Vida Parenting: Raising Kids the Costa Rican Way
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...