THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Happy Hour on the Beach- $2/drink

There is only four days left for Costa Rica Tourism Board’s contest Costa Rica’s Million Dollar Gift of Happiness . Upon viewing the video, I could not help but notice the similarities between the name of this ad and that of my book, Happier Than A Billionaire. I was excited to think that my story could have had some influence. However, it is obvious that the connection between Costa Rica and happiness has existed long before my book ever did.

There is no mystery as to why Costa Rica is a happy place. The talking sloth’s laid back style nails the Pura Vida lifestyle and friendliness of the people. Mr. Sloth points out the fact that Costa Rica is bordered by two oceans and is one of the most bio-diverse places left on the planet. It’s an environment where you have the opportunity to escape your hectic lifestyle and witness some of the world’s most wonderful creatures.

The way in which we have come to stay connected at all times is fascinating: Facebook, Twitter, email, instant message, and texting. We can stay in touch with each other by easily turning on a modem or switching on a cell phone. But we have also learned that this comes at a price; we lose touch with the world in front of us. What was once a guest bedroom is now a home office and emails that used to be sorted at work are now being answered at home after dinner. It’s no wonder so many are looking for a little more pleasure in their lives. Costa Rica is uniquely suited as the perfect get-a-way for those needing to unwind.

You will feel the excitement seep in as early as the shuttle ride from the airport to your hotel. The varying shades of green rolling down the mountains are a sharp contrast to the passing shades of grey from the strip malls back home. Costa Rica reminds you that there is an inherent need to be around nature, to participate and delight in the beauty of unspoiled rainforests.

The size of this country can be deceiving. There are so many miraculous things to see in an area the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined. One can enjoy watching the wild Scarlet Macaws dart from one almond tree to another in the Osa Peninsula or enjoy snorkeling in turquoise waters off the Caribbean. One might choose to observe a family of squirrel monkeys at Manuel Antonio or surf the waters off Jaco. These activities do not require an iPhone or internet connection, only the requirement to enjoy the present moment.

Whether it’s darting through the canopy on a zip-line adventure or observing leatherback turtles lay eggs on the beach, these activities help us detach from our hectic lives. It also reaffirms that happiness does not always mean another flat screen television or buying a new car. It’s about sharing a wonderful experience with a species that has been on the earth for thousands of years.

When I wrote my book, I wanted to share the experience of leaving my stressful life behind and trading it for a happier one in Costa Rica. However, one doesn’t have to live here for long before agreeing with Mr. Sloth. The people are friendly, there are incredible places to explore, and it’s just a happy place to spend time. And who better to convey this message than a charming, talking sloth.

Don’t miss your chance to enter this contest and win a free trip to this incredible country I now call my home.

(for a chance to win, go to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/visitcostarica )

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:34-04:00 January 31st, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: , |10 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

10 Comments

  1. Kathryn May 31, 2012 at 7:12 am - Reply

    This is truly pura Vida! Today is day 6 of our gift of happiness tour. We flew in on Friday and spent the first 2 nights at Capiatn Suizo in Tamarindo. Not only was the beach beautiful, but we got to hold the orphan monkeys and feed the racoons by hand. We also took put first surf lessons. It was a blast (but wasn’t pretty).

    Our next stop was at Arennal Kioro. The most fascinating experience was watching the clouds pour into the valley. The next morning I laughed when I was re-reading your description of how the clouds roll through the house. It was amazing. We did the hanging bridges tour and saw more monkeys.

    Today we are leaving Quepos, We toured Manuel Antonio and saw more wildlife, including sloths. We were transported from Tamarindo (still one of my favorite places) to the other locations by a small plane. It was an amazing experience. Now as I watch the sun about to rise over the ocean, I must pack for our next journey to Finca Rosa Coffee Plantation.

    I hope you continue to inspire more people to visit this beautiful country and enjoy the rich and friendly culture!

    • admin June 2, 2012 at 5:53 pm - Reply

      Sounds like you are having an incredible time! Isn’t it incredible? Every time you think you saw the most beautiful thing, Costa Rica surprises you with something else!

  2. Kathryn May 19, 2012 at 10:11 am - Reply

    Friday my oldest daughter and I leave for our “Gift of Happiness” Adventure! We fly into Liberia and spend 2 nights at Capitan Suizo, followed by 2 nights at the Arenal Volcano, 2 nights at Manuel Antonio, 1 night at a coffee plantation, then the final night in San Jose prior to our flight. I was hoping to go with my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary, but couldn’t find a sitter for my youngest child. Consequently, we will HAVE to return in July to celebrate our anniversary and to include the other kids 😉 I’m bringing your book to read again while I’m down there.
    Pura Vida!

    • admin May 27, 2012 at 1:35 pm - Reply

      Wonderful Kathryn! Sounds like a great trip and thanks for letting my book tag along with you.

  3. Nadine February 2, 2012 at 10:19 pm - Reply

    If I win, do I get to cuddle a sloth? He looks like he’s down to cuddle.

    • admin February 3, 2012 at 7:43 am - Reply

      You get your choice….a sloth, monkey, or kinkajou. The sloth has lots of bugs and algae on him, so that’s something to consider. The monkey has a tendency to toss their excrement at you, so perhaps one should prepare for that. And the kinkajou….hmmm….can’t think of a bad thing he brings to the table. I’d vote for the kinkajou!

  4. juan carlos vega January 31, 2012 at 11:15 pm - Reply

    never been in Costa Rica but i heard it is a vey nice place to visit

    • admin February 3, 2012 at 7:40 am - Reply

      It’s a lovely place. Where can you be at the top of a volcano and a few hours later be sitting at a beach. The biodiversity here is incredible, and such a great place to live.

  5. Kathryn January 31, 2012 at 10:32 pm - Reply

    I can’t believe it! I received a call and email today that I am a winner in the Million Dollar Gift of Happiness! I won the “Adventure Happiness” package. I’m so excited! I’ve enjoyed your books and the blogs and follow along with great anticipation of your great stories. I plan to re-read the book as I head down to CR. I’ll be staying in Tamarindo next month, and now it looks like I’ll be coming back early this summer for my prize. Pura Vida!

    • admin February 3, 2012 at 7:39 am - Reply

      Wow…congrats!!!!

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