Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: 5.3-ounce bag of Raisins—$1.60 (with the weirdest Chinese writing stamped all of over it)
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a book signing at Marie’s Restaurant in Flamingo, Costa Rica. It warmed my heart to see so many people come out to show their support.
When I left my hectic life in the United States, I was optimistic about finding a happier one. It wasn’t always easy, but I never gave up and kept working toward my dream. Like those Blow Pop lollipops I enjoyed as a kid, I knew if I could get past that hard candy coating, a bubble gum surprise would be waiting for me in the center.
The other night was something I could never have predicted. If someone would have told me at the airport five years ago—when my cat peed on my husband while walking through the metal detector—that I’d be signing books under palm trees, I would have thought you hit the airport bar a little too early. So I can’t thank all of you enough for following my story and making my book a success.
As I sit on my terrace this morning and watch the baby monkeys in the trees, I think back to all the crazy experiences my husband and I have had since moving to Costa Rica. Even with all of the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I think I finally cracked through that hard coating and found the bubble gum I was searching for. And what a wonderful surprise it is.
Good site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data
are well written.
I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made.
I’ve subscribed
to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
Hi Nadine!
I stumbled on your blog while researching our relocation to CR and I became obsessed with it! I read your first book in 2 days and just completed the sequel. Just wanted to say thank you for writing the books, they are a delight. Please do not indulge in any negativity or people’s weird reviews, the books are fabulous.
My husband is a CR native, came to NYC when he was 6. I first went to CR 3 years ago and it completely changed my life – unlike any other travel/trip/destination. I came back, sold my business, got rid of my blackberry, got married and am about to have a baby (Monday) hence the time to read. It hits some people, such as myself and you and your husband, with full force.
Your book was hilariously accurate on CR, it’s culture, customs and lack of concept of time as well as the overall ability to appreciate each moment and live in the present.
I am a yoga instructor and my husband is a chef (used to own gourmet deli on Greenwich Ave) so our plan is to spend next winter in CR researching a good spot to open a small bed&breakfast/yoga retreat/restaurant.
I hope you are working on another book or project and look forward to following your blog/facebook for daily inspiration that my husband and I are not crazy for leaving it all behind and that there are many others who are living life the same way.
Cheers,
Jill
Thanks Jill. Working on the third book, the “how to” on moving to Costa Rica. But I promise it won’t be dry… there is no way I can write about residency without joking around. It will include a lot of useful relocating information, and more chapters about different parts of the country and why it’s nice to live in that area.
Great book, kept me on my toes the whole time. Definitely retiring to Costa Rica
Love it! There is plenty of room.
Just finished both books. Thank you so much. We live in central Canada and it was -45 with wind chill the other day. Your books have made me feel warmer. I laughed allot which is also good medicine. Costa Rica is on my bucket list for sure. Thanks again.
Ann
You are very welcome Ann, I hope you felt the ocean breeze in those stories. There is one in the air right now and I’m sending it to Canada!
So happy for your success. Your book is the reason I moved to Grecia. I type this sitting in my living room staring across at rolling hills of maturing sugar cane, coffee plants and the volcanoes off in the distance. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
How wonderful Robert. I left a piece of my heart there. That town changed me, made me believe that this journey was worth it. It’s like this little paradise, and I can’t wait to go back and visit my friends Darlene and Frankie!
Congratulations, you deserve it!!
Thanks Brett. So happy that people are laughing and enjoying the books. It warms my heart with all the responses I’ve been getting. Thanks for stopping and supporting me!
So glad to find your blog so I can keep up to date on what is going on with you and your life in Costa Rica. I just finished your first book and loved it as much as I did the sequel. I will be leaving a review for you on Amazon. I do want you to know that I have loved your books and although we can’t all pick up and start over, you have reminded me that there is beauty in my own world if I will just take the time to look for it.
You are the best Ann. It means so much to me when people stop by my blog or facebook page to tell me what they thought of the books. I write from my heart, and love to share what’s going on in my life down here in Costa Rica. What a journey so far.
Nadine & Rob
It was great meeting you at the book signing at Maries. I bought both on Kindle and devoured them. Both were great reads and we have shared many of the same crazy experiences here. When you get ready to build give us a call!
It was great meeting your too! Living in Costa Rica is a lot of fun if you have a sense of humor!
Just finished the book – will be posting a review shortly to amazon but yet again I loved it. Please keep writing. Question..has Rob gotten his Scooter license yet 🙂
We just heard that he doesn’t need the special license anymore. But that information came from a guy renting scooters. What’s the truth? We are still looking into it! So funny but so typical.
Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m hoping for another book since I’m near the end of the sequel and the house is not built yet. Enjoy!
Thanks Paul. As long as my husband gives me funny material, I’ll keep writing.