Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Black and Decker Toaster Oven—$65 (normally $30 in the US)
We’ve been busy guys, but it’s a good kind of busy. Our house is almost finished, although one would never know by the amount of workers still around. One morning I’m sure they will all be gone, but for now, there are a dozen men staring through my window in the morning waiting for Rob and I to wake up.
Unfortunately for them, I am not a pretty sleeper. I am what the medical community would call a mouth breather: my jaw so gravely unhinged it looks like I’m trapping Japanese Beetles. This, combined with eight hours of drool, has the capacity to frighten even the most macho of construction men.
I open one eye and scan the crowd: the tile workers are here to finish grouting, the gutter guys are waiting for drool lady to get the ladder she unwisely locked inside the pool house, and there is always some random man to assist any of these crews. It’s an assorted bunch, but one I’ve grown to love.
The actual building of this house—the steel beams and concrete—was fun to watch, but it’s the finishing touches that make a home, and it’s here that Rob takes special care to get it right. We want rooms that sparkle, where the golden Costa Rican light bounces off every surface. We wish for a place to watch sunsets, a spot for others to feel inspired like we were when we first visited this beautiful country. This dream, one we had for eight years, is finally coming true and we have been blessed to be able to share it with all of you through my books.
Heavens, I could never have predicted this moment when I stepped off that plane all those years ago. I could never have imagined that I would have these life-changing experiences, or get a chance to meet so many of you who have followed our journey from the very beginning. I know I’m lucky, and I am more than grateful for this incredible opportunity.
I’m pleased to say The Happier House will be opening soon for business, and I’ll share more pictures shortly. For now, I have to find that ladder in the pool house and open the second-floor bedroom for the tile workers. It’s the very best kind of busy day, and it’s one that sparkles with the very best kind of Costa Rican light.
(Please email me at puravida@happierthanabillionaire (at) com for rates and more information)
I just finished your first 2 books, the last one ended while you were still in the rental and had your land . Is this the house on that land? Do you live there and rent some of it out ? We have just come back from CR and we will be visiting again !
Hi! I explain much of that in my next book that I’m working on. There were so many funny things that happened with this house and can’t wait to share them with you.
And yes, we are renting it out and you can read more about that here: https://www.happierthanabillionaire.com/happier-house/
I’m so excited to hear about the updates on the house. I just got back from Costa Rica yesterday. I’ve spent 6 months of this past year in Monteverde and am thinking of building a small house there. Reading your blog helps reinforce the idea. When I do go back, I’ll be sure to stay at the Happier House. Can’t wait to read more and see more photos!
You are more than welcome here Rachelle. It’s been such an amazing journey so far, and looking forward to what’s next!
Awesome, congrats! That sunset photo is ridiculous (in a good way). How long does it take to get down to the beach from your new house?
Hi Erin! Can’t beat a Costa Rican sunset. The beach is only a couple minutes by car, but fifteen to twenty if you walk.
Congrats to you both! I hope to stay with you in the near future 🙂
Thanks Gail, I’ll be updating my website and there will be more information and pictures on The Happier House.
Hi Nadine. My husband and I came across your video with Samantha Buffet a while back and I just now got around to buying your CR Manual. Should a gotten it sooner as we already mahave plane tix in hand for 3 months from now when he, I and our 4 year old son will be leaving everything behind in Denver for Uvita indefinitely. We are so excited and I am just loving your stories and advice.
The rat race and rising cost of living has completely fried me and I don’t see us surviving another year here. We are getting out just in time.
Anyway I wanted to tell you that even though we’ve planned this for 5 years, I have had a lot of nervousness and anxiety but reading your book has really made me much more excited than anxious so I just wanted to thank you for that.
So excited for your new adventure and we would love to come visit and stay at your B&B someday.
Hi Marianne. You sound like me when we started this adventure. I was full of nerves, but also full of excitement. It was all so new, and I learned so much about myself in the process. I realized how short life is, and how easy it is to stay in one place the rest of your life. We should appreciate each day and look forward to new things. Maybe that’s how we stay young, always looking to learn and be inspired by others.
Jody and I would love to stay at your place in October 2016! I will be visiting Costa Rica in Grecia for one month and one half, visiting friends and going to Spanish classes
before traveling to your side of the country. Hope to see you then!
Let’s do it!
Nadine, I’ve said this from the very beginning, I am sooooooo happy for you two. That pool is absolutely breathtaking! I have always dreamt of having a view like that (one day–one day). You inspire me. Take care and may God continue to pour out blessings until there is no more want.
You are the best Sandra. This view takes my breath away every single day. I don’t take any of this for granted, and are grateful that I get to share it with others.
The two people who deserve the best. we hope to visit you soon, I still have a quilt for you I made.
Linda b
Thanks Linda, I hope you stop by sometime.
We are about 1 1/2 months from the completion of our home in Tamarindo. Luckily so far no surprises! Let’s see how it all goes with the container coming from the states and the furniture we ordered from here comes together. In the meantime we have rented a condo in town and enjoying all the restaurants! Pura vida!
How wonderful! Let’s cross our fingers and hope that container shows up on time. And “on time” is relative in Costa Rica!
You two are an inspiration to many many people. My wife and I look forward to our July visit with you and Rob.
Looking forward to it as well Rich!
Oooh I am so happy for you and Rob! Your new home is beautiful!! You never know, we might make it back to the Happier House one day for another round of cocktails. Tammy & Dave on Vancouver Island
I make a mean pina colada guys!
What a very exciting time of your life!
You can say that again Ashley. This has been a crazy adventure, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.