Expat Diaries - Costa Rica Edition

In this episode, we meet Cindy Crawford, a former Texas realtor whose journey to Costa Rica began in 2017 with her son’s wedding. Captivated by the beauty and charm of the country, Cindy and her husband made the leap to relocate after the Covid-19 pandemic pushed them to seek a fresh start.

From exploring the picturesque areas of Manuel Antonio and Ojochal to finding their dream home in Uvita, Cindy shares the ups and downs of their relocation journey. Determined to integrate into the local community, Cindy and her husband are now active participants in Uvita’s vibr...

Part 2 of this powerful and emotional episode, Jules McLachlan shares her dramatic journey of escaping Canada with her three daughters in search of safety, freedom, and a fresh start in Costa Rica. Jules opens up about the challenges she faced, including dealing with relentless exes, navigating legal battles, securing restraining orders, and even hiring security to protect her family.

Despite these obstacles, Jules found resilience, strength, and hope in Costa Rica, carving out a new life for herself and her girls. This is not just a story of escape—it’s one of survival, courage, and triumph over...

In this powerful and emotional episode, Jules McLachlan shares her dramatic journey of escaping Canada with her three daughters in search of safety, freedom, and a fresh start in Costa Rica. Jules opens up about the challenges she faced, including dealing with relentless exes, navigating legal battles, securing restraining orders, and even hiring security to protect her family.

Despite these obstacles, Jules found resilience, strength, and hope in Costa Rica, carving out a new life for herself and her girls. This is not just a story of escape—it’s one of survival, courage, and triumph over adve...

Part 2. We pick up from where we left off with Luba Nikolayev, whose journey in Costa Rica began in 2015 during a 10-month teacher training trip. Years later, on a celibacy quest, she met Jonah—her future husband—and together they’ve built a beautiful life filled with love, challenges, and adventure.

Luba shares her experiences of birthing children in Costa Rica, including the cultural differences and joys of raising a family abroad. After a brief 18-month hiatus outside the country, Luba and Jonah found themselves drawn back to Costa Rica to welcome another child and rediscover their love f...

In this heartwarming episode, we meet Luba Nikolayev, whose journey in Costa Rica began in 2015 during a 10-month teacher training trip. Years later, on a celibacy quest, she met Jonah—her future husband—and together they’ve built a beautiful life filled with love, challenges, and adventure.

Luba shares her experiences of birthing children in Costa Rica, including the cultural differences and joys of raising a family abroad. After a brief 18-month hiatus outside the country, Luba and Jonah found themselves drawn back to Costa Rica to welcome another child and rediscover their love for its unique lifest...

Part 2. We continue our chat with Ashley Ihemelu, a dynamic mother of two who made the bold decision to leave Dallas and embrace a new life in Costa Rica. Frustrated by the high costs of private Spanish immersion schooling in Texas, Ashley and her husband realized they could provide the same opportunities for their children by moving abroad.

Their journey to Costa Rica wasn’t a straight line, but a pivotal meeting with a local healer who agreed to mentor Ashley in nutritional health changed everything. Now based in San José, Ashley runs The Hungry Tribe, a thr...

In this episode, we chat with Ashley Ihemelu, a dynamic mother of two who made the bold decision to leave Dallas and embrace a new life in Costa Rica. Frustrated by the high costs of private Spanish immersion schooling in Texas, Ashley and her husband realized they could provide the same opportunities for their children by moving abroad.

Their journey to Costa Rica wasn’t a straight line, but a pivotal meeting with a local healer who agreed to mentor Ashley in nutritional health changed everything. Now based in San José, Ashley runs The Hungry Tribe, a thr...

In this episode, we sit down with Cathy Tallone, a transformational life coach who made the life-changing decision to move to Costa Rica with her family during the pandemic. Originally from the New Hampshire Seacoast, Cathy, her husband Michael, and their two sons, aged 8 and 14 at the time, embarked on their Costa Rican adventure in November 2020, completing the move in June 2021.

Cathy shares how their first visit to Costa Rica in March 2020—just days before the pandemic shut down the country—planted the seed for a new life abroad. From buying a home versus renting to choosing betw...

Meet Marie Vincent, a retired medical professional from California who turned her fluency in Spanish into an exciting new chapter in Costa Rica. After deciding that a Spanish-speaking country was the ideal fit for her retirement dreams, Marie traveled to Costa Rica and quickly found her niche as a pet and house sitter.

Marie’s journey is more than just a retirement story – it’s a tale of building trust, community, and an in-demand lifestyle that blends work and leisure. Now one of Costa Rica’s most trusted and sought-after sitters, Marie shares her insights on how to navig...

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Enns, the visionary behind Eco Builders of Costa Rica. Originally from the Vancouver/Seattle area, Darren’s extensive background in industrial and commercial building took a new direction when he fell in love with Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. Drawn to the Uvita area, Darren’s passion for sustainability and responsible building inspired him to launch Eco Builders, a company dedicated to providing high-quality, eco-friendly homes in Costa Rica.

From sourcing sustainable materials to delivering a stress-free home-building experience, Darren is on a mission to redefine construction standards in Costa...

In this episode, we meet Robin Jackson, a dedicated animal lover and doggy daycare owner from South Carolina, who’s currently on a 6-month journey to discover if Costa Rica could be her forever home. Bringing along her three beloved dogs, Robin chose the charming town of Santa Lucia as her base after several visits to explore Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes and warm communities.

As Robin settles into the rhythm of Costa Rican life, she shares her adventures, including her volunteer work at a local dog shelter and insights into what it takes to make an inte...

In this episode, we meet Robin Jackson, a dedicated animal lover and doggy daycare owner from South Carolina, who’s currently on a 6-month journey to discover if Costa Rica could be her forever home. Bringing along her three beloved dogs, Robin chose the charming town of Santa Lucia as her base after several visits to explore Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes and warm communities.

As Robin settles into the rhythm of Costa Rican life, she shares her adventures, including her volunteer work at a local dog shelter and insights into what it takes to make an inte...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike McGinnis, a true Costa Rican expat pioneer who first arrived in Costa Rica as a young surfer in 1991. Drawn to the waves and the lifestyle, Mike quickly decided to make Costa Rica his permanent home. From the vibrant coastlines of Dominical to the serene hills of Tinamaste, he’s spent over 30 years immersing himself in the Tico way of life.

Mike shares insights on the pros and cons of living beachfront, his experiences with Costa Rica's iconic cleaner ants, and even his spiritual journey with Ayahuasca. Now a seasoned au...

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Benoit Saumier, a former IT professional for the Canadian Government, who left it all behind for a new life in Costa Rica. During the pandemic, Benoit and his wife took a stand by supporting the Canadian trucker convoys, distributing cannabis to truckers as a form of protest. This act of defiance, coupled with their growing disillusionment with government policies, led them to seek a fresh start in Costa Rica.

After a fact-finding trip to this tropical paradise, Benoit and his wife were met with harsh penalties upon...

In this episode, we chat with an inspiring couple who made the adventurous move from East Africa to Costa Rica, determined to help others navigate the complexities of relocating to a new country. They landed in Costa Rica in February 2021 with a clear mission: to start a relocation company that eases the process for others taking the leap. From handling paperwork to dealing with the minutia like buying a vehicle, they’re here to make it simpler.

The journey didn't stop there. Shortly after arriving, they had an "anchor baby" in Costa Rica and experienced the country’s he...

In this riveting episode, we sit down with Teri Nehring, a psycho-therapist who, along with her husband Paul, bought a property in Costa Rica over a Zoom call during the height of the pandemic. What they didn’t expect was to find their new home covered in mold upon arrival. With their belongings already en route in a shipping container, Teri and Paul had no choice but to dig in and make the best of the situation.

But this story takes a surprising turn! As they began to renovate and restore their new home, Teri and Paul di...

In this heartwarming episode, we chat with Kat Bustamante, whose roots in Costa Rica led her on an incredible journey of love, resilience, and adventure. During a visit to her extended family in Costa Rica, Kat formed a deep connection with Fermin, who would later become her husband. After a life-changing motorcycle accident, the couple decided not to wait any longer, getting married and moving to New Jersey to start their lives together.

Over the years, they worked tirelessly, saving every penny with the dream of one day returning to Costa Rica. That dream finally came true...

In this captivating episode, we sit down with Sally Pederson, a fearless world traveler and Canadian expat whose adventurous spirit led her to buy a home in Costa Rica after just three days in the country! Initially intended as a retirement retreat, life events and global changes expedited her move to the Tamarindo area in 2011, where she began a new chapter with her daughter and dog.

Sally shares her remarkable journey of starting a life in Villa Real, navigating the ups and downs of expat life, and eventually letting her daughter return to Canada to finish high...

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Forrest of Oregon, a seeker of healing and personal growth who has found his sanctuary in Costa Rica’s Diamonte Valley. Originally from Oregon, Forrest has prioritized his mental and physical health, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that has led him to the lush, serene landscapes of Tinamaste, Costa Rica.

Forrest shares his love for the cool climate, the close-knit psychedelic communities, and the natural beauty that surrounds him—an environment that starkly contrasts the bustling tourist spots like Manuel Antonio. He also reflects on his time...

Tune in to Episode #29 as we chat with Monique Claudio, a personal trainer and wellbeing advocate who arrived in Costa Rica before the 2020 lockdown and decided to stay. Currently based in Ojochal, Monique shares her journey of integrating into the local community, offering online fitness coaching, and volunteering. She also talks about her love for dog sitting and staying active, and how the 'Pura Vida' mindset has helped her navigate the challenges of expat life. Whether you’re considering a move or simply seeking inspiration for a balanced life, Monique’s story offers valuable insights.

Key Highlights:

🎙️ Episode #X: Inside EMBODY Costa Rica - Music, Wellness, and Transformation with DTO 🎶🌿.   In this captivating episode, we dive into the world of music production and holistic wellness with DTO, an award-winning producer and the visionary behind the professional recording studio at EMBODY Costa Rica. Nestled in the serene town of Atenas, this retreat center offers a unique environment where artists can create and record music in a state-of-the-art studio, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Costa Rica.

DTO’s innovative approach to music production is matched by his and his wife Hemalayaa’s passion for promoting wellness and per...

In our newest episode, we chat with Gabriel Guillemette, a trailblazer who revolutionized mortgage brokerage in Costa Rica, making it possible for non-citizens to finance properties and projects. Gabriel, originally from Quebec, moved to Costa Rica with his wife and three young sons after two challenging years in quarantine. Driven by a desire for a better quality of life and education for his children, Gabriel and his family embraced their new home and quickly started multiple successful businesses.

Key Highlights:

Gabriel's journey from Quebec to Costa Rica with his family
The groundbreaking work in...

🎙️ Episode #26: Terry Carlile - Thriving in Costa Rica: From Graphic Design to Community Impact 🇨🇷🎨

In our latest episode, we sit down with Terry Carlile, who followed his twin brother to Costa Rica five years ago and has since made a significant impact in the Guanacaste area. Terry works as a graphic designer for Howler Magazine and also plays a vital role in his brother's church and ministry. His contributions extend to launching a new company in Costa Rica, which starts with a staff of 10 locals and aims to grow, boosting the local economy.

Key Highlights:

Terry’s j...

🎙️ Meet Melissa Garita - Your Legal Guide to Moving to Costa Rica 

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Garita, a renowned Tico attorney dedicated to helping expats navigate the legal landscape of Costa Rica. From residency applications to real estate transactions and litigation, Melissa and her firm, Saggia Legge Abogados y Notarios, provide expert legal assistance without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways:

Simplified residency application process
Affordable legal services in Costa Rica
Insights into real estate transactions
Welcoming environment for expats
Fluent English-speaking services
Melissa's passion for as...

🎙️ Episode #X: Deepa’s Organic Oasis - Protecting Costa Rica’s Rainforest and Watershed 🌿🇨🇷

In this inspiring episode, we interview Deepa, an extraordinary soul who moved to Costa Rica over 17 years ago with a mission to protect and nurture the environment. Deepa's story is one of passion and dedication as she cares for over 175 acres of pristine rainforest and watershed.

Key Highlights:

Deepa’s journey from a Registered Nurse to a dedicated environmental protector
The creation of a ""food forest"" and future natural healing developments
The role of foreign volunteers in her conservation eff...

Shelley was looking for a community to be a part of an she found it in Ojochal. Not to mention pigs, geese, a duck and dogs and cats. An avid animal lover and rescue haven, Shelley is now creating her own resuce called "The Haven" and I can only say that the animals that are lucky enough to cross her path love her. You will too!

Find Shelleey here:
https://www.mommashavencostaricananimalrescue.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557474077588

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Part 2 takes us from quad tours, white water rafting and waterfalls. The Nauyaca Waterfalls https://www.nauyacawaterfall.com/ are the most photographed waterfalls in Costa Rica and that is saying a ton, because there are literally hundreds of waterfalls to find on your trip. When in the Southern Zone ther are quite a few rivers to raft, however, I have done the Naranjo River and the Savegre River rafting, so when deciding which one to take my grands on, I knew the Naranjo was less intense.

I booked the rafting trip through VIATOR here: https://bit.ly/3...

Part 1 of vacationing in Costa Rica with Collin and Patience, my grandkids who are 12 and 13. If you want to know if there are things that can tear them away from their phones long enough. Tune in! We started by stopping by Tarcoles to see the crocodiles on the way to the AirBNB. The next day was a visit to Las Ventanas and wave jumping at Bahia Ballena https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/where-to-go/protected-areas/ballena-national-marine-park to do some wave jumping. These kids are having a blast. But between these two beaches we were sure to pop in to...

Robin is planning vacation to Costa Rica for members of her family that have never been there. Remembering to be a tourist can be hard.

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Richard met his wife in Minnesota. Originally from the UK, he didn't expect to meet his future Costa Rican wife in the USA. The awesome businesses that Richard has started to help investors navigate this wonderful country and learn all that you need to know to buy here, build here and run a business in Costa Rica, are invaluable.

To learn more about investing in Costa Rica, visit Richards website:
https://www.investingcostarica.com/
Listen to his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433
or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/281...

Pablo Arias is a native from Costa Rica. He spent time in his youth in the Carolinas and learned all about sales and marketing. After returning to Costa Rica he took a job in logistics and learned all about moving foreigners into Costa Rica for big companies like Intel. Listen to his journey as he walks us through starting his own business and making great contacts to help regular people like you and I, relocate easily and hassle free. 

https://theexpatcommunity.com/?fbclid=IwAR2MOXn7uhQX62d2uZZOSh0w7X55YxGF1MDXTeJrLZND7k7RaQcWuLD8VC0 https://www.i...

David and Belinda left Canada in 2019 and rode out the lockdown in Costa Rica. Their journey is full of successes, lessons and challenges. Friends and health became paramount for the couple.
https://www.davidjmacneil.com/

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JaJa and Martin fell in love over Whatsapp and then decided to travel the world in a modified bus. Follow them from Canada, USA, Mexico and beyond as they head to Argentina and experience Central and South America through nomad eyes.

https://www.instagram.com/jajadabus
https://www.youtube.com/@jajadabus
https://www.facebook.com/jajadabus
https://www.tiktok.com/@jajadabus

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Martins love for coffee brought him to Costa Rica in 2019 and then a pandemic crushed his Canadian dreams and his love for coffee brought him back. Tune in as we discuss his passions as well as his mission to help people transition to a new country just a little bit easier.
Reach out here for help or just advice from Martin: requestyourdimex@gmail.com

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Debbie was a delight to chat with! What started as an anniversary trip turned in to a life of adventure and exploration. Learn how a strong community is the key to being successful in your new life in Costa Rica.

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From getting married in Costa Rica - to divorced over a text message, listen is as Jenna describes her unusual journey to Costa Rica and why she stayed after her husband fled back to the states.

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After years of looking for the perfect country to escape to, Robin found Costa Rica and fell in love. The jungles pushing up to the beaches combined with the friendliest people ever! This is a great time to consider making the move to Costa Rica. The weather is amazing and the beaches are stunning, unmatched mountains and volcanoes.

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When the tragic loss of her son happened, Julie took a trip to Costa Rica at the urging from her son Ferin. She quickly fell in love with the country and began a journey of healing. Introducing comedy to Costa Rica was an added benefit to all who get to experience her stand-up. Listen in as Julie walks us through her expat journey.

Instagram: @JulieKiddComedian
Facebook: Julie.Kidd.75
Tik Tok: JulieKiddComedian
Youtube: Julie Kidd Comedian & Palm Reading @JulieKiddComedian" 

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Jamie came to Costa Rica with friends on vacation and in 2017 bought property in Santa Teresa. He made some friends along the way and developed and sold his property which had been constructed as container homes. He brought his Boston Terrier "Butters" with him and has added to his dog world with a secont Boston. From meeting his fiance and working on several projects, it is doubtful that Butters will ever move back to Canada.
https://www.instagram.com/richcoastconsultantsutm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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Part 2 of Tonys adventure. Join us as we venture from Nicaragua to Costa Rica, this episode is loaded with highs and lows. Sobriety and new beginnings can bring challenges. Tune in and learn all about how being homeless for a brief period led to the innovative company called RadPad.
https://radpadradpad.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@radpadradpad
WhatsApp: +505 7607 6060

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