I read these days certain web sites and blogs that tout Costa Rica as “el gran escape” from the current misery being experienced in the U.S. Some even go so far as to say, escape the changing of “America” into a “communist” “martial law” state by moving to Costa Rica. Don’t you think all that is a bit overdone? Are those really good motivations to move to Costa Rica? I seriously don’t think so. If you are considering a move to Costa Rica, here is a better reason to do it. There is simply a different attitude of life here, which can be frustrating for us gringos, but is also quite refreshing. The attitude of getting by with less, because, in reality, Costa Ricans have less…at least when it comes to those hard-core materialistic things that we covet so highly in the U.S. But their having less doesn’t affect their attitude about life. Costa Ricans as a whole aren’t resentful about not having as much. In fact, I don’t believe they even think twice about it. Because what they do have is one of the most beautiful backdrops to the daily grind of life imaginable. The land and all the seemingly infinite number of living things it contains are Costa Rica’s most valuable asset, and the ticos understand and appreciate that. They cherish and guard it because they know the richness of Costa Rica’s environment is the true secret to happiness. If I am feeling down and blue and troubled by those foolish games we play all I have to do is jump in La Poderosa and power off in the direction of know-where in particular and in moments I am overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and serenity. I feel that way because I have the privilege of experiencing one of God’s greatest wonders…the rich biodiversity of this incredible place. Now if that sounds motivating to you, then by all means come on down. But just remember that if you are going to be moving to Costa Rica, you must (I repeat, MUST) adopt the same love, respect and care for Costa Rica’s environment that the ticos display. Don’t come with notions of changing Costa Rica to be like back home…I thought that was what you were trying to escape? It really amuses me to hear a captain of the capitalistas like Rush Limbaugh threatening to move to Costa Rica if so and so and such and such takes place in the U.S. And believe me, down here we view that as a serious threat to that peace and serenity I was previously mentioning. But really, why would he want to do that? And please tell Glenn Beck that we do love our soccer (fútbol) down here. I am sure that will be enough to at least keep him away.
Comments