Becoming an expat these days is very de rigueur. The trend lately, is to start a new adventure in unknown places, other than in the country whose passport you hold. Katia, from Italy, has been living in Costa Rica for several years, and she tells how life is in her host country for an expat.

In Latin America, Costa Rica ranks third in safety and is highly valued as a destination for those who are looking for exactly that, adventure in a secure and reliable country. It is for this reason that Costa Rica has become one of the leading destinations by expats seeking a brand new life. The Costa Ricans have an incredibly positive and warm attitude, and can melt the most hostile of hearts. They greet with an expression that has become famous all over the world, Pura Vida, which means enjoying the moment, and everything is always all right!

The suppression of the army in 1948 led to a much more favoured and stable economy allowing broad spectrum public expenditure in education, health and improved management of the environment. The law that regulates migration is not particularly strict, allowing newcomers to be issued with a 90 day visa upon arrival, which can easily be extended by leaving the country for a mere 72 hours. Seeking permanent residency is a bit trickier but can be obtained by investing money into the country’s economy, and with a good lawyer, the chances of obtaining a temporary permit are more favourable.

It’s like living in a fairy tale full of imposing forests, huge waterfalls, abundantly flowing rivers, majestic volcanoes, beaches of different hues, warm, deep blue oceans and an abundance of wildlife.

A large part of the country is considered national patrimony which now boasts many parks and biological reserves. As a consequence of its amazing natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna, Costa Rica enjoys a constant flux of tourists.

Everywhere you go in Costa Rica is aesthetically pleasing. It’s like living in a fairy tale full of imposing forests, huge waterfalls, abundantly flowing rivers, majestic volcanoes, beaches of different hues, warm, deep blue oceans and an abundance of wildlife. This natural plethora and the peace that characterises this nation have prompted high numbers of foreigners to start a new life in the puravida country.

Every morning I go surfing or climb mountains with my bike, filling my soul with positive energy.

This is exactly what happened to me. I have been living in Costa Rica for 14 years, surfing the waves, traveling and enjoying each moment. During the first years, I had several different jobs, from bartender to receptionist and selling handcrafts. For a few years now, my main occupation is to manage vacation properties, and this is my website: www.vacationrentalscostarica.co. I also write online for this company: www.a1autotransport.com.

I enjoy living a high quality of life and my days are blessed as I witness the most beautiful of God’s creations; mother nature. Every morning I go surfing or climb mountains with my bike, filling my soul with positive energy. I have a wonderful daughter who spends her afternoons after school playing with shells and animals, climbing trees and running on the beach instead of staying inside, hypnotized by her tablet or video games. I am Italian and I miss my family back home terribly, the wonderful food and the good wine but since it’s impossible to have it all I say PURA VIDA!

Katia Caprarella
Costa Rica
January 2017

Fotos ©Katia Caprarella

Translated from Spanish by Claudiaexpat, proofread by Sally