The recent pandemic is teaching us the best lesson to the entirety of the human race and we have to take the positive silver linings from it. Everyone is thinking how to survive and reinvent themselves, where only one thing is sure, we can not continue being the same way we were after this. Not only because of healthy restrictions, the situation is beyond that and I truly believe this is a call to reconnect consciously with ourselves, our relatives, friends and the most important with Mother Nature.

We have enough tools and information now to create a better world for our children and future generations but it’s a matter of stopping with greed and finding solidarity with everything around us. I am sure more people will come to this country to move, away from the big cities, and start new lives in the beautiful jungle of the Southern of Costa Rica and this is exactly why I am calling everyone to make a difference.

For several years I have been writing about the local situations that need to be addressed but we still need to do more (see online for archives). As you know the local Municipality has created a Zoning Map that does not include the environmental elements and therefore does not support sustainable building practices. This will have an enormous impact for the future development of the land.

In my personal opinion there are five main values that can be applied in order to make a difference for a correct and sustainable development:

1. LOVE: If we don’t love each one next to us, our land and our resources, we will be lost again. Like Mother Teresa once said: The greatest science in the world, in heaven and on earth is LOVE.
2. HUMBLE: If you are not humble you can not understand what life is giving you. This value is very important too because without it you will always feel empty and you won’t understand the abundance of Mother Nature.
3. SOLIDARITY: The Zoning Map requires analysis before it is approved – consider on your end the environmental elements and local communities and associations. before submissions as they too will need to approve.
4. MORAL ETHIC: Every developer or investor must be conscious for every new project, they have all the power to decide the path, of course with the help of professionals.
5. GRATITUDE: Programs of reforestation are to be mandatory by law, for every square meter that a developer will affect of the proposed land, they will have to reforest the same amount of area around in order to show gratitude to Earth.

If these FIVE values are all connected and local entities have control over them, I am sure the impact for our local environment will be positive and we can preserve a lot of wildlife and it’s diversity. I am not saying these are the only ways, I am sure there are many more ideas and many people can add more on, these last are just a humble opinion based on my experience of 12 years living and building down here.

If we educate our young kids and the new generations the integrity and the importance of these values, they will make a huge difference when they venture out into the world unknown and the world will be a better place. Remember that education is not only what you learn in school. Education is based on values and how a person behaves and treats others. No matter their position or title in the world, country of origin, color of their skin, or gender. No matter how rich or how poor, an educated person will treat the people and the earth with the same respect that is.

… Earth provides enough to satisfy every man´s needs, but not every man´s greed … – Mahatma Ghandi

Written by Adrián Coto

The post Building Value appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

And as certain as this uncertainty is we have no other option than to learn how to manage it and deal with it. But how do we do it? Some online research can provide you good and specialized materials on this subject. As a basic guide let’s review some basic points for this process.

First of all there are three points you need to interiorize:

1. You need to accept that change is happening and that you cannot stop it but rather need to be willing to deal with it;
2. You need to open your mind to be in an “always ready” mode, so you can adapt to change; and
3. You have to be willing to take action.

The whole process of managing uncertainty has to be understood as an strategic foresight exercise to figure out how to think about the future and its uncertainties. Here are some ideas about this process:

• Know your factual situation. You have to identify the factual points of your situation so that you know which are the factors on which your actions will need to take place.
• Identify as many possible scenarios as you can. While you cannot know what is going to happen you can think about the different situations that you may be facing regarding your personal situation, business or investment.
• Think possible solutions. Analyze your possible scenarios and think about the actions you would take to face them. Keep in mind that in some cases bailing out or taking actions to minimize loses may be part of the solutions to take.
• Eliminate obstacles. As a consequence of the three previous steps, define those actions that you can take to make your possible solutions more feasible. For instance, if you are in the process of selling a property, make sure you have at hand the corresponding zoning certificate, water availability letter, taxes compliance document and all of those items that will ease up your possible solutions.

Most of all, be always monitoring your situation and your environment so that you can constantly update your possible scenarios and solutions.

Written by Randall Sanchez

Randall Sanchez is an Attorney and Notary Public, founder and managing partner of the Sanchez and Associates Law Firm, based in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. His practice is focused in real estate transactions and development and corporate law, to which he has been dedicated for 32 years.

The post Managing Uncertainty appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

For some, a simple 2 bedroom home near the beach or on a hillside is the dream home, or a 4 bedroom estate with acreage for others. But once the purchase is complete, you’ll want to find your tribe.

Once my clients tell me their wish list – number of bedrooms, an ocean view versus a valley or beach view, in town, or up on a mountainside – I’m surprised at how many I then have to ask about hobbies, the physical activities they enjoy, and how social they plan to be once settled in.

It’s human nature to be attracted to others with similar interests. Back home in Canada I never thought I would be moving to Costa Rica at 47 years of age, and after picking up a surf board for the first time I would soon become friends with such a broad age demographic. From 25 to 75! Although I felt like I’d discovered something secret, I quickly realized it was more like, “the last one to know.”

Is cooking your passion? Several local and expat chefs immediately come to mind in the Costa Ballena area. Rancho Cielo Alto in Playa Hermosa is one excellent example. Chef Jasmin’s food is a stunning surprise to the palate, made with local ingredients, many of which are grown on the family farm. The experience includes an introduction to each course that creates an anticipation that is quickly rewarded with the first bite. Chef Jasmin is just one of the area chefs that also provides cooking classes. It may seem intimidating at first. Where do I meet people? Is there a hiking club? Does anyone else like to paint rocks or make jewelry? How will my kids make friends? Well, with a little effort on your part it’s actually pretty simple. For starters, just talk to people – total strangers! In the grocery line, at the hardware store, a simple smile and “hello.” Volunteer with a local charity to walk rescue dogs, or at a local wildlife sanctuary, and don’t forget Facebook! Most communities have facebook pages for information – a forum to ask questions. There’s a Bulletin Board page, a Yard Sale page, an LGBTQ Social Networking group page, and many more. All right here in the jungle! So rest assured, even before you sign the closing documents you can easily search out several events and activities that will have you being social before your bags are even unpacked!

Written by Ben Rutherford

Ben Rutherford is a Senior Sales Associate with Blue Zone Realty International. He and his husband moved to the Costa Ballena area in 2013 and quickly started to enjoy a social lifestyle volunteering, playing beach volleyball, enjoying a good pot-luck, and hosting new friends at their home!

The post Invest in Your Dream Lifestyle appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

“Be patient where you sit in the dark. The dawn is coming.”

– Rumi

As the world was impacted by the spread of COVID-19, Costa Rica responded efficiently. There was no panic, no hoarding. People remained calm and followed the government restrictions, even amid job losses and school closures.

In a country where many family run operations rely on International tourism for its bread and butter, there have no doubt been financial and personal struggles. The campaign, “Don’t cancel, just postpone” went viral, reminding visitors that Costa Rica is a place you will want to go once freed from travel restrictions.

The Costa Ballena area has experienced an atmosphere of coming together even when social distancing kept us physically apart. We evolved as a community. Organizers came together to create new online platforms for people to order their favorite local products. Local stores and restaurants offered take away and home delivery, re-creating their menus for families and adjusting pricing. Virtual home tours became the ultimate way to market a home for sale due to border closures. People with rental homes made them available to those who could not travel back to their home countries. Non-Profits in the community collaborated with local businesses to provide donations of food and goods to families in need.

The Osa has experienced minimal confirmed cases of the virus and businesses continue to have sanitary measures in place. As we see a gradual opening up, these next few months will be an opportune time for national tourism and staycations, with discounted rates and less crowds.

We have seen some cities brought to their knees, while also bringing families back into their homes and giving nature room to breathe. It caused people to pause, it opened our eyes, and allowed us to reflect on the things we truly hold dear. The ability to live in Costa Rica, is no doubt one of those things we are all grateful for.

Written by Zoe Wright

The post Community Evolution Amidst Virus Lockdown appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

But what about that other community? You know, the local community. What steps are
you taking to integrate yourself into it? Because those steps, more so than your bank
account or the age on your driver’s license, could very well determine how your time in
Costa Rica ends up being remembered.

Learning Costa Rica Culture

Let’s get one myth out of the way: Studies now suggest that learning a new language
does not become more difficult as you grow older. In general, any advantage children
have in learning a language is offset by the tools an adult can access to learn the same
language. So if you haven’t already, you can give substantial effort to learn Spanish,
and you can make slow-and-steady progress in this endeavor. These efforts will not go
unnoticed by your Tico friends and neighbors, and in many cases they’ll jump at a
chance to correct your errors and help you improve your Spanish skills.

One of the most beautiful things about the southern zone is its people and their
mindsets – they are FREE! People practice different religions, they dress all over the
board and they talk in various dialects. You can still have a bonfire or cold beer on the
beach without getting cited by an officer of the law. You can drive your licensed ATV on
the coastal highway or buy ceviche from a family-run stand right off the road. And yet,
with all this freedom, it’s of utmost importance to respect the local customs, laws and
ways of life. Virtues like dressing appropriate for your surroundings, not driving while
intoxicated and showing respect for others are valued just as much here as they are
across the world.

More than 75 percent of Costa Ricans identify as Catholic, and there are several
religious holidays and festivals throughout the year, the biggest of which are Semana
Santa (the week preceding Easter) and Virgin of Los Angeles Day (August 2). These
times are to be both respected and celebrated. While the week before Christmas really
heats up with tourists, it’s important to keep in mind that Christmas Eve, for example, is
an important time for Ticos to spend with their families. If you’re relying on local labor,
it’s best to plan way ahead for the biggest holidays so that your employees maintain a
proper work-life balance that is essential to the Pura Vida lifestyle.

These are just two of the things any expat can do to become more rooted within our
local community. There are many other ways to go about it, from helping kids or families
in need, hiring locals to work for you, starting up volunteer programs and even teaching
English in around your neighborhood — that one is especially well-received! What is
important is to make the effort and put yourself out there because even in a small
community like ours, there is still a ton to discover!

The Costa Rica Expat Community

The expatriate community of southern Pacific Costa Rica is an eclectic mix.
People from all over the globe congregate in this jungle oasis, some for the short term
and others for much longer, to plant their flags in Central America’s finest tropical clay.
Many life plans are exceeded while others go up in smoke. Budgets are balanced and
budgets are broken. It’s a constant cycle producing a steady stream of many different
types — quiet types, entrepreneur types, volunteer types, outdoorsy types, dreamers,
drifters and, of course, retirees.

All of this movement makes it pretty easy to find other expats nearby that enjoy some of
the same things you enjoy. They speak your language, so to speak, and that sure can
be comforting when trying to adjust not only to a new home, but an entirely new country.
But what about that other community? You know, the local community. What steps are
you taking to integrate yourself into that community? Because those steps, more so
than your bank account or the age on your driver’s license, could very well determine
how your time in Costa Rica ends up being remembered.

It’s possible to come all the way down to southern Costa Rica and surround yourself
with the same people you’ve been around for much of your life. But what’s the fun in
that? Why leave in the first place? Let the ego go, make some speaking mistakes in
public, get better at Spanish, meet some amazing new people and expand those
horizons. Because even in a small community like ours, there is still a ton to discover.

Written by Steve Dorman

The post Being Part of Community appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

With policies stemming from this mindset, Envision Festival has implemented maximum efficiency waste separation as well as massive on-site recycling efforts and the use of composting toilets, all designed to minimize trash going into landfills. In addition to trash and recycling reduction, Envision encourages guests to stay on-site and also organizes shuttles to and from the festival so as to reduce every single traveler’s impact on emissions from vehicles. Beyond waste initiatives, Envision strives to reforest the area by planting trees to build up the land instead of taking away from it. Over the past decade, Envision has planted over 45,000 native trees on the Pacific Coast. “It’s all about restoring the local ecosystem,” says Federico Gutiérrez, a board member and the founder of Costa Verdes, the organization responsible for the tree planting initiatives. “The goal is to bring the animals back to their natural habitats since all the monkeys, turtles and macaws have returned to the beach lines.” As noted by Stephen Brooks, Envision co-founder and owner of a permaculture farm on the Caribbean coast, Punta Mona, “True permaculture is all about mimicking nature. Whoever did it, did a great job.” Really, we only need to look towards nature to find a blueprint.

Currently, seven beaches are under reforestation, and over 6,000 volunteers and 25 local schools are involved to help bring awareness and motivate others to take action. In 2017, Envision Festival implemented a program where people can donate their time cleaning up the beach in exchange for a ticket to the festival. Andres Vargas, a Uvita local who heads the Beach Clean-Up program noted, “At first there were only 18 people who came to help, but last year there were 100.” The movement is gaining momentum. Last year, three and a half tons of garbage between six cleanups were amassed reaching from Isla Garza (Boca Coronado) to Dominical (Río Baru). This year, the goal is to expand the operation all over Costa Rica and collect 10 tones of waste!

Reflecting on Envision Sustainability

If we look at all that has been done, from reforesting coastlines with native trees, to cleaning up the beaches, it’s clear that the next step is to share knowledge. Skilled laborers from around the world come to Envision Festival every year to share all of their wisdom and knowledge around sustainability and permaculture. When you see the same faces and break bread with those you work with, learning goes deeper and becomes a fun family affair. Trading tips and picking up new skills is commonplace for the people who work at the festival.

“Come with an open heart, come with no expectation, come loaded with love and wanting to grow and share.”

Federico Gutiérrez, Envision Festival Board Member

Envision Festival hosts an informal apprenticeship where skilled workers are paired with locals and knowledge sharing becomes a natural course of action. Additionally, Envision provides the perfect grounds for locals to interact and cross-pollinate with culturally-different thought leaders in permaculture and sustainable building practices. Locally, the festival generates around 300 jobs for the community, which has a hugely positive impact on the community. For those who have yet to come and experience Envision Festival for themselves, this is the year to visit. This year’s 10-Year Anniversary is a celebration of how much the festival and Costa Rica community has grown. It’s time to come together and celebrate!

If you want to learn about environmental symbiosis, biodiversity, low impact living, organic
food, and other healthy lifestyle choices, Envision Festival is a world-class place to start.

Here’s to the 10 years! See you there!.

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Some years ago, I wrote about the importance of developing properties correctly, that is, all properties should be in compliance with the formalities established by law. As an engineer working with developing properties all over Costa Rica, I was highly aware that a potential problem concerning water sources on the Southern Area of Costa Rica was going to come under scrutiny in future years. After all, the implementation of the 1942 legislation was only a matter of time that it be applied Nationwide. Many people told me I was being dramatic, others told me “nothing was going to happen”, some told me “you know nothing” – to those who thought this problem would never need to be addressed, I want to tell them: “The wolf is here!”.

In the past, many projects in the area underwent an informal development process and now these properties are dealing with solving one of the biggest problems in our area: the legality of the availability of potable water. Irresponsible developers and attorneys, alongside with the Municipality, oftentimes skipped the legal steps of how to develop a property in a formal process, a process that would have all properties in compliance with existing law. The consequences of this neglect can be seen in the local economy. I would say construction is the second work source after tourism in Costa Rica, and truly they are very connected with each other. And so, with the Southern Zone now becoming a sought out region for property development, the architect of the Municipality of Osa is only acting in the best interest for all and in accordance with the law that has been set out many years prior. MINAET, the public entity responsible for the water control in Costa Rica, which is a National Environmental & Energy Entity, has notified the Municipality that some local projects of the area cannot obtain building permits anymore, that is unless they comply with the current law. The architect of the Municipality is very concerned about this issue and has decided not to provide more building permits unless the projects have a concession for their water source, or have the approval of a local Asada (the Water Association).

Nonetheless, all problems have solutions, and although there may be difficulty in solving existing problems, it isn’t impossible either. It will require that all entities, public and private, work together on a solution. It is the responsibility of each homeowner and developer to get involved in all meetings with professionals who understand the nature of the present issue at hand. It is my best advice to all that we do not make the same mistakes again, look for people who have extensive experience in property development IN Costa Rica. Before you decide to buy property, hire a professional with experience in development to analyze the due diligence report and get a third, unbiased and outsider, opinion. Note, that third opinion should not be one that comes from a Real Estate agency or the attorney responsible for the due diligence. Once again, an experienced property developer can help you in your final decision stages and should be consulted if you have any doubts – after all they would be the ones solving any issues for you after the purchase and will likely also be able to provide an idea of associated costs.

Written by Adrian Coto

My name is Adrián Coto, civil engineer with more than 20 years’ experience in the construction business in Costa Rica. Please feel free to contact me if you need any help: acoto@cotocompany.com

The post “Wolf! Wolf!” this time, the shepherd boy was not lying appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

A true Tico is like a Bark tree, his word is not broken, his family is not hungry or ashamed, the river does not stop him, the water does not wet him, people do not beat him down. She gets up early for her work, the dawn and the dew on the sleeper welcome her to her land. Your day begins in the morning sun, the rays give it life and strength. Hunger twists his gut in the middle of the day, and he sits down to eat without hours or rush. Omelette, pork rinds and banana cooked in beans, wrapped in banana leaf and a good egg cake, which his brunette prepared for him before leaving the house. He rested and goes back to work. At twelve o’clock the doodle is over and he goes home tired to rest. The afternoon awaits you at home with your family, which you enjoy again and without schedule, free, in a hammock, or your floor, a dirt floor house but very yours.

PURA VIDA is that legacy, precious and sought after in Costa Rica by many, wrongly confused with the party and vagrancy. It is our people, our freedom, our truth, our goodness and principles that today’s lifestyle increasingly corrupts with its money.

The pura vida is not bought, it is not sold and now it is almost not given. However, it always exists, yes, it is difficult to see or recognize it almost always in front of our eyes, in the acts of our good people, in our brave employee, in our honest public servant, in our partner, in our client or in our real friend .

Rarely, the pura vida hides in remote places, where the water is still clean, where the rivers still have fish, where the forest is thick and the people are pure. Where there is not even a radio, much less internet, there in Dos Bocas de Aguirre, or in Mogos or in California in Paramo, where there is plenty of sweet water and coffee, where cheeks are still pink.

This lifestyle consists of morning work, honest hard work, but at the same time enjoying and resting. In being ashamed and doing good. It consists in being proud and protecting our culture, in continuing to be an example of peace and work.

Our land, alive, beautiful and green is fertile ground, which makes life easy for us. Like this Bark tree, a way of life is planted, cultivated and protected, and with the years and in its time it will flourish, and with the years its wood will bear fruit. Thus, the pure, prized and persecuted, almost extinct life can be cultivated and with time this current society and many times not so pure, will be pruned, sprout and can be reconverted into that living, good, green and pure life, in which the Attic he feels the blood running through his veins.

Pure Life

Here is the original version Que es la Pura Vida?

Nuestra gente vieja disfrutaba de un estilo de vida diferente al nuestro. Eran gente de bien y de confianza, criados al sol, de piel canela y viva, de sangre brava, orgullosos de sus milpas, de sus aguas y de su libertad. 

Un tico verdadero es como un árbol de Corteza, su palabra no se rompe, su familia no pasa hambre ni vergüenza, el rio no lo detiene, el agua no lo moja, la gente no lo maja. Madruga a su trabajo, el amanecer y el rocío sobre la dormilona lo reciben en su tierra. Su día inicia al sol de la mañana, los rayos le dan vida y fuerza. El hambre le retuerce la tripa a medio jornal, y sin horario ni apuro se sienta a comer. Tortilla, chicharrón y plátano cocinado en frijol, envuelto en hoja de plátano y una buena torta de huevo, que su morena le alistó antes de salir de la casa. Descansó y vuelve a su trabajo. A las doce guinda el garabato y se va a su casa cansado a descansar. La tarde le espera en casa con su familia, de la cual disfruta de nuevo y sin horario, libre, en una hamaca, o su suelo, casa de piso de tierra pero muy suya.   

La PURA VIDA es ese legado, preciado y buscado en Costa Rica por muchos, mal confundida con la fiesta y la vagabundería. Es nuestra gente, nuestra libertad, nuestra verdad, nuestra bondad y principios que el estilo de vida actual corrompe cada vez más con su dinero. 

La pura vida no se compra, no se vende y ahora casi no se da. Sin embargo siempre existe, eso sí, cuesta verla o reconocerla casi siempre frente a nuestros ojos, en los actos de nuestra gente buena, en nuestro empleado valiente, en nuestro servidor público honrado, en nuestro socio, en nuestro cliente o en nuestro amigo real. 

Raramente, la pura vida se esconde en lugares remotos, donde al agua aún es limpia, donde los ríos aún tienen peces, donde al bosque es espeso y la gente es pura. Donde ni siquiera hay radio, mucho menos internet, allá en Dos Bocas de Aguirre, o en Mogos o en California de Paramo, donde abunda el aguadulce y el café, donde todavía los cachetes son rosados.     

Este estilo de vida consiste en mañanear a trabajar, en trabajar duro honradamente, pero a la vez en disfrutar y en descansar. En tener vergüenza y en hacer el bien. Consiste en ser orgulloso y en proteger nuestra cultura, en seguir siendo un ejemplo de paz y de trabajo. 

Nuestra tierra, viva, linda y verde es terreno fértil, que nos da la vida fácil. Como ese árbol de Corteza un estilo de vida se siembra, se cultiva y se protege, y con los años y en su tiempo floreará, y con los años su madera fructificará. Así la pura vida preciada y perseguida, casi extinta se puede cultivar y con el tiempo esta sociedad actual y muchas veces no tan pura, será podada, retoñará y podrá reconvertirse en esa vida viva, buena, verde y pura, en la cual el tico siente correr la sangre por sus venas. 

Pura  Vida

Written by David Zuniga, Lawyer at CR Tropico Law Firm in Costa Rica.

The post What is “Pura Vida” According to David Zuniga appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.

The decision to stay was easy for me as the tropical waters, surf, and lifestyle in Costa Rica was a dream come true for me, and at such a young age. After a few years of working locally I recognized the opportunity, and growth potential of what Costa Rica offered, especially along the Ballena Coast. So I dug my feet in and opened my own business in real estate. Soon after it all came full circle, and I met my best friend, and life partner, my wife, Vanessa. 

The sense of community, family, and the locals are my favorite part of life in Costa Rica. My wife comes from an amazing family of nine brothers and sisters, and I love the feeling of being part of a such a big family. Over the years I have also grown very close to many local families that work with my company or whom are just friends/family now that we spend lots of time together enjoying what Costa Rica has to offer. 

Family is the glue that keeps life together.

Costa Rica can be filled with many challenges from banking to getting your kids to school in the rainy season, but we have become accustomed to working through any of the challenges that are tossed at us as a family. Nowadays, most of those challenges have become a lot easier due to the growth along the coast. 

After 20 years of living along the Ballena Coast my family and I look forward to meeting new families and supporting new businesses opening. Being big foodies, we are super excited about the new local cuisines opening in the area. Seeing our small towns grow in a managed and sustainable manner is amazing. The introduction of new families has created a community unlike no other. The atmosphere throughout the coast attracts like-minded individuals from around the world, we are proud to take part in the multicultural community that has and continues to develop.

Written by Daveed Hollander

After arriving in Costa Rica in 1996, Daveed began his real estate career by co-founding Dominical Realty. In 2001, the company obtained an independent franchise, and by 2004, they partnered with another Coldwell Banker franchise in Costa Rica to become the President of the Master Franchise for the entire country of Costa Rica. Daveed and his wife Vanessa have two children, Ethan and Zoe, and enjoy they their family time at the beach, surfing has become a family passion!

The post Family Ties appeared first on Costa Pacifica LIVING.