A very normal family !

In the United States I had a very normal family. One husband, one son, one dog and one cat. I worked, my husband worked. We competed with our friends for who had the most and best material goods, and none of us had the time to enjoy what our hard-earned money could buy. This was one of the reasons for our move to Costa Rica. It was time to stop competing with our neighbors and start enjoying life. Another reason for our move was taxes. By the time Uncle Sam took his portion, we paid property taxes, sales tax, thisandthat tax, there wasn't all that much left over. Time to call it quits, and we did. We felt like pioneers in covered wagons, making the long journey to the land of opportunity. (Although we looked more like the Beverly Hillbillies.) So we loaded up our trucks, and we moved to Guanacaste, rich. That is rich coast, swimming pools, and bright stars.

If you're going to try something new !

I look back and think what fools we were, but I suppose if you're going to try something new, then you may as well dive in headfirst. We've adjusted quite well to life here in Guanacaste and have managed to make every mistake possible. But you know what? That's okay. Life is still better than before. Almost on a daily basis I hear somebody complain about life here, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Don't get me wrong, as I can be quite vocal, and there are a lot of changes I'd like to see. Although every once in a while I like to sit back and remember WHY we moved to Costa Rica. Sure you had to argue with the building engineer that his codebook is dated 1954, and your building is up to date. But how long would your permit take in the states? In King County, Washington, six months if you're lucky.

But how about the USA?

You spend all day waiting for a public doctor, and half the evening filling your prescription. But how about the USA? I remember calling the Pediatrician and the perky receptionist told me I could have an appointment in 2 weeks. What good was that? He's sick now!

Costa Rica is almost perfect !

Costa Rica is not perfect, but what place is? When you start to get frustrated and are ready to explode, remember the reasons why you moved. Another important thing to remember is that Costa Ricans don't like the word 'no'. So when a person not qualified tells you they can take care of you, but they can't, take a deep breath and just remember, Why Costa Rica!

Luara Hahn is the representative of the ARCR branch in Guanacaste.

© El Residente ARCR Administración S.A. San José, Costa Rica N.B. Like all information on the internet, this article may currently be incorrect or out of date.