Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: 2 foot handsaw—$5 (my husband said the men would like to know this)
I’m running into the most interesting people lately, people who have decided to change their profession into one that includes making a living off the things they enjoy doing.
I watched this photographer—his tripod vicariously positioned on the rocks— take pictures of surfers darting in and out of the waves. It turns out this is his job; tourists purchase these snapshots, happy to pay for a professional picture that they can show off to all their friends and family. I know if I caught a good wave, I would love a photo as well.
This guy was cool (as I am finding lots of photographers are) and he gave me tips on what cameras work well in this salty environment. He smiled a lot while telling me he is living his dream every single day. “This is what I was born to do,” he said.
I’m glad I walked out onto those rocks to introduce myself, even if my wedge sandals got stuck in a tide pool. No souvenir photos were taken of that.
just finished your book. it is beautifully written and transports one to this amazing place you have made your home. i seriouslydoubt however that i could ever convince my husband to follow in yourfoot steps. you arevery lucky that Rob is risk taker and easy in making adjustments. at least your fabulous book provided an escape though short lived from our not so exciting realty. pecking on my kindle so please excuse my punctuation. you are a very good writer and oh so witty.
Anna, thanks for stopping by. I really enjoyed writing that book. When your husband maces himself in the face, you can’t help but want to write about it. It’s been such a journey…still is. It was risky doing what we did, but I just couldn’t see myself in that office for another 25 years. I think it would have crushed me.
I love your blog posts. Life is good in Hawaii but I’ve been considering moving my silk business to CR for a few years now, I will be there late August to get a feel for the different areas and hope to make the transition in a year. It’s tough to leave Hawaii but I’m attracted to a more affordable cost of living.
I always wanted to live in Hawaii, but the cost of living was too high for us. I hope you enjoy your trip here. I’m sure you will find many similarities, as well as, striking differences in this country. But it may just resonate with you like it did with me.
Just got back from a trip to costa rica, loved the area. I am now in my 50,s . In the automotive repair business that is failing. Looking for I new start, or retire early. Any help would be great. Not sure what to do.
Not sure how much you have saved, but I would try living here for a few months. Even up to a year so you can get an idea if this is somewhere you want to stay permanently. Then you can decide if going into business here is the right decision. The longer you live here, the more contacts you make, and the easier it is to grow a business.
I think the key to talking my husband into the five-year plan of getting’ outta the US is probably the knowledge that he/we can open and run a business while there (really it’s just “he” since I am not averse to relaxation, ha). Do you have any helpful resources or contacts who are knowledgeable about the legal requirements? Thanks so much. And of course you are hilarious. Was never a question for me!
I’m not sure what type of legalities are involved. Next time you are down, I would stop in and talk to an attorney and tell him/her your plans. Things constantly change here. I suppose what’s most important is really scouting out the area, living there for a while, so you can really see what type of business is needed in the area.
Love hearing stories of people having the guts to put themselves out there! My hubby and I will be doing the same in October, quitting my teaching job to try my hand at photography… I am wondering which cameras he recommended for salt water? We will be moving to a tropical place (most probably Costa Rica). I have a Canon 7D, hope that was one of them
He was a really cool guy. I’m like you, it’s fun when you come across people who have designed a life for themselves…one that looks exactly the way they want it.
And he did have a Canon 7D. He said he talked with Canon and that was one that had the weatherproofing he needed. I’m planning on saving up and hoping to buy one. These cameras are so pricey, but I’m really enjoying photographer and looking forward to one day getting an SLR.
Great to hear that the 7D was the go to camera! I’m really enjoying it. It was well worth the investment, and you have so many lovely thing to photograph..
It’s on my list of things to buy. It would really open up the doors for more spectacular pictures. I’m squirreling away the pennies and hopefully the price comes down a bit so I can purchase one by the end of the year.
Nadine, Did you receive any contact information from this photographer? We will be renewing our wedding vows in Tamarindo this July for our 25th anniversary and was hoping to find someone willing to take a few pictures. We don’t want a whole photography package, just a few poses. If not, Any suggestions?
Sorry Kathryn, I don’t but I will keep my eye out for someone.
That ocean look gorgeous. I cannot believe that guy is barefoot on those rocks, ouch! $5 for a handsaw, I don’t know if that is a good deal or not, because like Tim “the tool man” Taylor I like power tools
My husband really wanted me to post that for some reason. I was not very glamorous but as least gave an idea how much tools are. I’ll have him check on the power tools to see how expensive they are.
Very interesting, and typicaly Very funny. My wife and I think you are the cutest thing ever. Are you and Rob that funny in person?
Hmm…I’ve been trying to convince Rob for years how incredibly hilarious I am. This just proves that I am right.