I am Costa Rican and I am very pleased to have people like yourself come to Costa Rica. You are respectful to our land and culture and I soo appreciate that. I love that you are encouraging African American women to move here :) Pura Vida
I'm in the process of getting my passport now. I'm considering moving out of the US by 2025 I'm just researching now. I keep seeing Costa Rica as being a great country.Ill be coming to visit soon. The US isn't where it's at anymore it isn't safe
@@franiefran3598I’m a black man who is 27. I am considering moving there with my dogs. It is the only place I have researched where people don’t hate us for existing.
I'm Costa Rican and I loved the way that you explain everything about our country, I feel excited to see brothers and sisters came to our country. You're welcome Sis !
@@classyjewel1) south caribbean Is a afrocaribbean town in Limón Costa Rica. 2) la fortuna: las termalitas hot spring water, El chollin, el salto, la fortuna waterfall 3) Río celeste 4) Conchal beach, nozara beach 5) herradura beach, Jaco beach 6) Manuel Antonio. The country offers more adventures, but those are what we Costa Ricans visit the most because of their low cost, they also eat at local restaurants called sodas, greetings, pura vida
As a Latin American, THANK YOU for saying that people shouldn't behave by colonizers and that they have to learn the local language. Because that's exactly what the Spanish did to us. You touched a nerve, in a good way. Thank you again for recognizing and acknowledging the oppression endured by the people in whose land you now live. ❤
Hi Stephanie, this is Carlos from Costa Rica. I feel very honoured when listening to your cultural shocks. There is another one I came to learn thanks to a white american guy who felt very happy when he saw that at work *WE ALL* sit together to have lunch... no matter what is the color of your skin. I feel proud of that. Of course, Costa Rica is not a perfect place, we still have criminality and women are still struggling to reach equality, but we are a society who wants to do things right for everyone. I feel pretty confident to say that any black person will be welcome to live and grow with us.
As a Tico (Costarican), Bienvenida! It is nice listening to people talk about my country, good or bad (criticism is always welcome in order to improve). I'm glad you've had a nice time here and I hope it continues that way. Pura Vida!
I have been to Costa Rica, and as a black American i didnt really like the vibe. I also learned that Blacks were made to live only in Limon CR until the late 1940's. I also traveled to Cartagena Colombia 🇨🇴 and realized in these Latin countries there is systematic racism built into their societies. When i started studing the history of these latin american countires it made me see them differently when it came to relocating there. I recently traveled to Tanzania 🇹🇿 and Ghana 🇬🇭 and love the way our Africa countries feel. It almost feels i am not only connected to the people but the land itself. Currently i am a resident of Tanzania and a working on becoming a citizen of Ghana. Reconnecting to our people and motherland land is amazing
Thanks for this, Stephanie. I also enjoyed the culture shock of how Costa Ricans respond to gracias / thank you. In many Spanish speaking countries, a common response to 'gracias' is 'de nada,' which literally translates to 'it's nothing.' In Costa Rica, the reply I heard most often was 'con mucho gusto,' which translates to 'with much pleasure'. Like 'pura vida,' it made me feel like I was part of the community, someone who is genuinely welcome and worthy of care.
@@Stop_The_BS_ I don't mean any disrespect to 'de nada'. It is the response I've heard and used most often. I was pointing out a difference that surprised me pleasantly in CR. And yes, I am a US American who seeks to appreciate difference whether I'm traveling or at home. Peace to you.
Stephanie I too enjoy the information you provided. I do want to move but at the same time wonder about work , but with everything you just explained; I am even serious about it. Thank you so much, keep posting. I will for sure keep look for more info.
I am Panamanian living in Costa for 30 years and I just love my Costa Rica this country has given me so much, So good that as a black woman just has me you fell good here . Welcome.
In Manuel Antonio for 11yrs. Put everything in the fridge! Spices, flour , sugar (ants love ya suga!) Also,plastic bins to store other things too. Pura Vida is everything!! ❤ Being a black woman in Costa Rica is pretty easy and their is no stress. They normally think we are from the Caribbean side until we speak and then they know, "Gringa"! I tell people to also pay in colones to make your life easier. $$ do come in handy but I normally have colones. Not all people are bilingual once you are out of SJ or the touristy areas and the expat communities. I tell all please be respectful to speak Spanish ,we are visitors in their country. Medismart is a good private health insurance to sign up with and it's a part of Hospital Metropolitano. Pura Vida!
Hello! Tico here :) Just a tiny but important clarification: Medismart is good, yes, but it is *not* insurance. It basically is a subscription service that gives you access and discounts to certain things, but you shoud not rely on it like you do on insurance. Hope this is useful!
I am a Black American male, this is cool I appreciate your insight, information and experiences. Hope you don’t mind me viewing your content, it gives me a feeling of confidence as I contemplating traveling abroad in Black skin Than You! I will be sure to share this with the Black women in my life👌🏿
Please keep in mind that Costa Rica is VERY expensive, loud (good luck sleeping in on the weekends), and you will find all kinds of creatures in the house (even poisonous creatures). It may be a dog-friendly country; BUT, the constant barking is annoying and some dogs can be aggressive. Costa Rica is safe-ish, but there IS crime there. Also, the lack of addresses is frustrating. I had problems explaining to drivers how to get me to the Airbnb because it did not have an address. I did NOT enjoy my time there.
I loved this video. Some of the people from the US that come here expect OUR country to be like the USA. And they get disappointed or mad at that. You were really respectful, and I hope you love our country and feel at home. Thanks for this really nice video
Hello❤️ As a Costarican I am so glad you feel safe as a black woman, I thank you so much for moving, learning about our culture and not moving as a colonizer. Hope you have a great time here. Pura vida! 🇨🇷
As a Costa Rican I'm always grateful for other people's take on my country. Sure, there's always things we can improve as a country but it's nice to see that we still have a nice place to live. And yes, we do say Pura Vida on multiple contexts to convey different stuff. Finally, you forgot to mention the word "Mae", used as "dude, pal" haha
@@StephaniePerry Well it's usually more common among men, we don't usually hear women saying it (except teenage girls lol) so it makes sense that you've not been called that yet, it's very informal term and some people find it disrespectful :D
siempre que vengas con buenas acciones, buenas costumbres y humildad Costa Rica será tu país también, bienvenidos todos los que vengan a aportar algo a la comunidad, no nos importa tu color o procedencia, religión o política ... Pura Vida✌
@@meaversand you are putting a highlight on something that we dont have control over like some people polluting and things being expensive but hey, you have control over choosing to go somewhere else :) or focusing on things that are very great about our country.
@meaversand if you dont like the way we are raised and feel uncomfortable by things like that, there are soooo many countries you can choose from that will please your needs :) what makes you so entitled and rude about it? were you raised like that? you are disrespectful and your opinion was just thrown bc you can't accept the fact that we have a country that's beautiful and inviting, it has a some flaws but we are working everyday as a community to be better. there are campaigns dedicated to pick up litter by volunteers who just want to see our country be better and la Municipilidad they work very hard so our streets can be clean and nice. Don't be acting all high and mighty. As someone who lives here, yes we make many mistakes but don't underestimate the people that are trying very hard to make a change and be better.
@@meaversand You can say that it's expensive because it is, but don't be saying that our country is dirty and our people weren't raised right. Because, what gives you the right?
Jeanne Calmest is the oldest documented woman...ever. You may have seen someone who was very old, but it's highly unlikely they were older than Jeanne.
As a Costa Rican I want to thank you for this video, I'm so glad you have had a nice experience here! I hope you always feel safe and happy 💓And of course PURA VIDA! 🦥
Hi Stephanie, I lost my mom in October. I have been wanting to move abroad for years, now I may be able to. You are so encouraging. I think now it’s my time.
Norma, Please be very careful. Do a lot of research before you make this decision that you will not be able to change. Do not sell your property in USA before you move to Costa Rica. It is 3rd world country and people are poor. They call Americans gringos. Prostitution is legal. Crime is high, it is not safe to be there for American tourists.
@@jenb.1889 I had two implants done in " the best dental clinic" in Escazy across the big hospital, even ex - rays were done in that "American level" hospital. They didn't not do the bone graft the way it must be done. I have to redo everything in USA. No money you will get back from. Costa Rica. I wish I would never done it in Costa Rica and I would not have all these problems. I say "Thank you, God!" that I got out from Costa Rica. I am glad it works for you.
Stephanie is always the voice i need when i am falling behind on this journey, depression fights you in every step. Encouragement to do what you need to do is nice, especially when you give it often and need some move forward words for yourself. . I have to get busy and get my coins together, get travelers insurance and find that place my daughter and i can be. its just time to travel.
We adopted from Costa Rica last year and really loved that they celebrated Day of the Child. The hotel staff greeted our child with "Happy Children's Day!" They also receive a little gift. My son asked me, why don't they celebrate the Day of the Child in the United States?😐
@@larabraver We live in the States, we only had to stay in Costa Rica for 6 weeks during the adoption process. We just happened to be there during The Day of the Child.
Oh that's true! I remember back in school our professors would give us candy or buy us ice cream on Children's Day. Even now that i'm in college a professor gave us chocolates that day and several told us 'happy children's day'. (I'm Costa Rican).
I’m so happy i found this channel. I’ve been contemplating becoming an expat for two years now. Recently my best friend passed away and he traveled a lot. He loved Costa Rica and encouraged me to travel more and move where I’d be safe and have a better life. I’m looking at Portugal and also Costa Rica but i may really consider Costa Rica! 🇨🇷 thank you for this video. ❤️
Living as a resident of Portugal, but love hearing about Costa Rica! Love black women becoming digital nomads...loving it for my life and love seeing others do the same!
Costa Rica had been on my mind forever . . . I went for a week at the end of October, stayed at a beach resort. Came back with awesome skin, and so relaxed it was noticable and still is nearly a month later. I am planning to go back and stay in San Jose area. The folks are awesome, welcoming and real. I travelled alone and did not feel unsafe. I met several families and a group of New Yorkers at my resort who did the same tours as me and they were awesome. The folks at Liberia's airport were the happiest folks I ever met. The RAIN and steam were akin to an everyday sauna and I loved it on my skin. SO much to say . . . thanks for all you do Stephanie!!
As a Costa Rican I am glad you felt good here, you are always welcome. But if you want my advise, don't waste time in San Jose. There is nothing there for a tourist, Costa Rica is about the nature. Go anywhere but San Jose.
I worked there doing IT in the early 2000s and fell in love. The people were cool and the food and weather was awesome. I was usually there in the winter months in the US so I immediately fell in love. This was before the Cali realtors ruined real estate prices. Still on the top of my list of places to retire. Pure Life!
Very LATE seeing the post. We go to the gym 6 days a week for spinning class, lifting weights, pilates, dance classes,too. Thankfully I left America in 1999 for Central America. I stayed a year and remarried! No short men for me. I have full health insurance coverage and dental FOR Free. Last month I got 2 crowns for FREE, 0 co pay. All of my prescriptions are FREE, as well. We eat clean foods No pork! ....................Speaking Frenchie Russian and Spanish, age 70, married to a tall handsome husband from central America, got my residency in 1999! Boom and boom
OMG, at 67 now, you give me hope and inspiration to take the plunge for a better life other than here in the U.S. I have been wanting to go to Costa Rica for a long time but don't know where to start. I am so happy for you. :)
Hi! I don't know how I find this video but honestly you make me cry! I am in the other side, I am a Costa Rican struggling with cultural shock in USA. The point #1 about food, is basically because Costa Rica is in the Caribbean, were there is more humidity and other ways of life, remember that the environment allows more varieties of plants to grow, more animals and MORE insect, and microorganism and fungus. FYI: In USA (in Seattle, WA) it doesn't matter if I leave all my chocolates out of the fridge but in CR all candies will be covered in ants or cockroaches if those are left outside the fridge. Point #2 this is the one that made me cry... because I can't stand the Seattle freeze anymore, after 10 years I will be always treated as the immigrant that has no good reasons to live in USA and people are always avoiding eye contact because they think it cost an Arm and a Leg just to say Hello. In fact, in here what it really cost an arm, a leg, one of your kidneys and even selling your soul to the Devil is Health Insurance or any medical treatment; OH BOY!! let's not get there... I am not going to comment on the other points but I will add another important point: In Costa Rica the words "Negro" "Negrito" "Negra" or "Negrita" are NOT derogatory, in CR those words are full of love, my aunt call me negra and I automatically know that she loves me, it is like saying "My Darling", "Honey" or "Sweetie". For me was really sad to discover all the negative connotations in USA, and it's difficult to change that meaning when you grew up thinking about something positive and now as an adult I have to change it to negative; like there isn't enough negativity in this world. If you ever hear the Cuban singer Celia Cruz singing "La Negra tiene tumbao", that song is to empower black woman to be confident and enjoy life.
Laura makes a wonderful contribution here when she clarifies the use of "negra" or "negrita" (used for people with darker than usual complexion or even tanned complexion and not necessarily for afro-caribbean descendants), but also "machita" (usually used fo people with blonde hair, very fair-coloured skin or blue/green eyes), "chinito" (used for people with eyes that are more slanted that the common population and not necessarily asian descendants), etc. As Laura says the use of these words in our culture transmit endearment and are not at all derogatory. My wife calls me "gordito" even though I am not gordito, and in fact, there is a huge amount of love in the tone that she uses when she calls me that. So if you a ever called one of these words in a pleasant tone of voice, please know that no one is trying to be insulting; as a matter of fact it is exactly the opposite, they are trying to be polite and make you feel welcomed. And if you feel uncomfortable, which you have every right to feel as it may be shocking for you, I recommend that you smile and offer the person your name, so that they may call you by your name in future encounters. This will be interpreted as you opening up to them and you will have gained a friend for life. All the best.
Yep, this is so true. My mom used to call my brother "mi negrito" as a cute nick name for him, is not a derogatory word at all. Remember, we will try to make you feel as part of the family and the community. Tuanis!
We went to Costa Rica in 2018 for 2 weeks on vacation. We loved it. Super chill. Pura Vida all day. We stayed at a resort but we were all over the place. Not a cheap place. Our time spent was Very enjoyable.
Yes please give us content on your dental journey. I am in the DMV , visited Illinois, Texas and Georgia. Each of these areas had the World Cup available in the malls, sports bars/grills and/or ethnic markets. All realized that men shopping with their families wanted to keep up with the games.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Oh, who knew? I'm surprised. I know restaurants and bars show it because they'll make money. But I'm surprised it was in the malls. I'll do a dentist video! Thanks for watching Rochelle. 💗
Stephanie, Costa Rica is on my list of retirement destinations and your trip there has confirmed that it’s the right place for me. I’ll be visiting in 2023 just to make sure. You look radiant by the way!
Please take it out, we don’t want y’all to keep on colonizing our land and pushing us towards worst living conditions, for you all might be a paradise to live here, while make it hell for us. If you have the smallest amount of respect for us, just stay in the US
Just started living in CR 2 - 4 months at a time. I think it will be my winter home which is dry season there. Amo Costa Rica en Español. I love Costa Rica from day one in December 2019. Been going back & forth ever since. I have been to e.v.e.r.y area. Love, love, love. Thanks for the video. Maybe I'll see you around for some Cacique or Chilliguarro 🥰
I love this video. After just watching a negative video about Costa Rica (we are thinking about retiring to Costa Rica), it was refreshing to hear your take on everything. I love your positive vibe!
I just got back from Jaco, Costa Rica this week, and this video popped up! I loved Costa Rica. I’m Honduran and speak Spanish so it was a really easy space to be in for us. Everyone was so kind! Me and my cousins want to get Pura Vida tatted! We learned it is a very real thing for them and a way of life. I just started following you and I am loving this nomad lifestyle. I’ve lived in New York my whole life, but I think my calling is to be more worldly. I want to be a part of this lifestyle instead! Please keep us posted on the dental visit. Very interested to see how that is over there! Good luck 🍀
I am definitely researching moving from the US to Costa Rica as a digital nomad. I work from home now and have 2 pets but no small children at home. This video from a Black Woman’s perspective is exactly what I needed. I need all the valuable information you have to offer. Thank you for this video.
I really aprecciate you mentioning how important it is to learn the language in making the difference between moving in as colonizer. Spanish, in this case, I feel very honoured to hear you say you've been learning Spanish. In my case, it really angers me when tourists or foreigners dont even make the effort. So, I wanted to say Muchas gracias! That's not to say, you can't take your time with it! Spanish and English are different languages after all, and learning an entire language from scratch is a challenge by itself.
Hi, welcome to Costa Rica. As costarrican citizen we appreciate the people that come down and explore and get in touch with the local culture. I hope you spend a nice time over here ☺️ Pura Vida
Hi Steph, I’m an immigrant too (in my case from a LatAm country) and I totally agree with your comments, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 is a very nice place to move and live!! Pura Vida!!
I recommend you go to the fairs because you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, in addition to helping national producers. Fairs are specific days, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, depending on the location.
Resonated with pretty much everything you said in this video. I went to Costa Rica on a solo trip this past October for my birthday and I absolutely LOVED it. Seriously considering living there as well.
as a Costa Rican myself, I took your "pura vida" point for granted my whole life. Having moved to northern Europe I had the opposite cultural shock and then only I knew Costa Rica was special on that regard. Yes, pura vida means you are welcome. You are not a stranger. Do you want to call this home? We're glad to have you. If you want to add to society in whatever way you can, you're one of us, welcome.
Hi Stephanie, I am a Costa Rican and you are more than welcome, hope you love it here. And thank you, this videos help Costa Rican understand they live on a privileged place. If you are looking for a middle point between being near to the city but surrounded by nature you can look up Ciudad Colón, lots of foreigns live here and it's a very beautiful town.
Thank you people from Costa Rica for being so open and inviting. Not sure if I’m planning to move there but it’s good to here that I would be accepted as a person and not as an unwanted crayon 🖍️
I just found you on RUclips! I just came back from Costa Rica and I loved it! I will be watching all your videos now. I’m too late but hopefully you documented your dental appointment 😊
Ugh, I really needed this video. I’m definitely gonna check out Costa Rica. Currently living in Spain but it’s too far and I miss my family but I refuse to live back in the US. Thanks Stephanie 💜 also, would love your dental experience video
Hi... I've been in Barcelona 3 years. It's been mostly cool for me. Moving on to a different part of the world later this month. Wishing you all the best. Just keep looking, you got this.
Hey Stephanie, what an enjoyable video!, I have dual citizenship Costa Rican and USA; having lived most of my life in CR and having spent the last decade in New York I find your video very accurate and insightful. So glad you've felt welcomed, valued and respected there; because you are ! Pura Vida is a way of understanding and living life and you are absolutely right; it implies you belong; you are not a foreigner. Costa Rica like any other country has things to improve; but I do hope we keep treating like you deserve. Pura Vida ✌🏽
I LOVE Costa Rica. Stayed for three months in Sarapiqui, 2:45 hrs from San Jose. I was in the country on an acre farm eating well. Granted when the night came it was scary and I was alone but to tell you how safe it was-i slept with the door open for 2 weeks before I realized there was another turned in the locks to fully lock it!! Went to the river, rode a bicycle daily to the bread woman and rode to town to buy groceries and fry chicken. I spoke no Spanish and yet folks were kind to me. I met the only guy who spoke English and he asked me why I was there in that town. I said for vacation. He looked so surprised and said "vacation here!?". Took the bus to San Jose and enjoyed the ride. Fresh fruits and kind people
You have convinced me to schedule vacation to check it out myself. The kid and dog friendly on top of affordable healthcare were great indicators, but when you mentioned football, you had me.
I am neither a black woman or new to Costa Rica. But I love this video and can confirm from experience (in the US and Costa Rica) that you are spot on. Petty things that have been different for us: away from San José, I haven’t seen dual currency. We just keep a small amount of colones on hand. Outside of tourist hotspots, people are not typically bilingual. There’s a good translator app that helps us while we are learning Spanish. Other than those small things that are only because we have settled in different areas, your reporting on the culture and situation here is gospel. I, too, try to encourage disgruntled North Americans and Europeans to consider moving here. It’s not for everyone, but if folks are not determined to import a high maintenance lifestyle and choose instead to adopt the pura vida way, it’s a great option. I just posted a video about the cost of living here, targeted specifically toward the average, non-wealthy expat. It’s all about the priorities and expectations people have when they come here.
I just got back from Costa Rica. Your 💯 right on your surprises. Costa Rica made me realize most of the fruits, veggies and foods that I don’t like in the US I absolutely loved in Costa Rica. Which made me realized how much of our foods are overly processed. I will most differently be visiting again. Who knows I made become a permanent resident in the future. Enjoy your stay and Pura Vida 👋🏾
Black, female, 40 something here, stayed in Puerto Viejo for almost a month. Loved it and didn't want to come back. Everything said in this video has been 💯 on point with my own experience there.
I studied abroad in Costa Rica back in the 90s. I currently live abroad in Japan for the past 6yrs and have traveled quite a bit. I still tell everyone that when I retire if I could live if anywhere outside the US it will be Costa Rica. Beautiful country, beautiful people, and the food is so fresh and good. My only downside I experienced along with the rest of my women's study group was the Tico bravado. The men would do the kissing cat call sound EVERY where we went. Most men never went further than that but one of my classmates did get gropped walking by herself by a guy riding on the back of a moped. For the most part I felt very safe as a single women in her 20s back then. My favorite area by far was the Caribbean coast with the black sand beaches. 🇨🇷
"Safe, Happy, Comfortable, and Welcomed!" Believing this is the RIGHT fit for you, Stephanie. God's speed and continued success with your endeavors! Tfs
Greetings Stephanie🙋🏽♀️ I am in Ohio and I have been contemplating moving to Costa Rica for over a year, and plan to visit early next year to embrace the culture and lifestyle. You are addressing many of the major concerns I have. As a black woman, I have reservations about traveling alone, so this video is exactly what I needed to push me into signing up for Spanish classes and do the “legwork” to plan my scouting visit. ¡Muchas gracias!
Hello Thank you for these information you share with us. I love watching your contents. You are very articulate and easy to understand. One of my fave things about you is that you speak REALNESS. I like that rawness from you. Thank you again! 🌻🌻🌻
As a Costa Rican I always feel very uncomfortable in another country, of course in the US, I have never seen a Militar and my first time was in a US airport, and now with this video I can feel very proud of our country and also I want to make a video of culture shock as a Costa Rican in what ever place jeje, you are very welcome and don't forget to visit Limón and all the Caribbean towns of our country, we appreciate a lot this places. Blessings
Thanks you for visit and stay here in my beauty country I hope you can feel the best experence here and thanks to show in RUclips all the things that we can give. pura vida 🇨🇷
Pura Vida. Costa Rica was my first home away from the States. I may have missed it but did you mention how most addresses are generic phrases like, "the building with the black gates" or "the house next to the house with the goose?" That definitely through me for a loop when I lived there.
as a costarican this video opened my eyes a bit more, i dont usually think much of USA but watching this video made me think of things i see as usual even granted and how for others those things are a blessing and something they want im glad you are happy on here, yall are totally welcome! and i do also think that when we say Pura vida it IS welcome, it is a way to say that you are one of us!
As a tico I enjoyed your perspective. The dual currency is really just from 20 bucks or less. (Outside of the tourist areas) people are really sacred to get burned with a fake 50 or 100. As for the language you're completely correct. I have friends who've been here for over 2 decades and can barely say hola and and have no problems getting around. Even if you don't have healthcare or insurance the hospitals will still attend you. Compared to other places we're a lil spendy but it's a place you wanna be at
Stephanie mentions things that most tourists don't realize because same reason: they come to Costa Rica as tourists for a very limited time. That been said here are some "tico takes" on Stephanie's points: 1. Real Food > Ticos are raised in a very family-driven environment where every activity is around the meal in a very warm and welcoming setup. Meals are thought, prepared and cooked not microwaved or rushed. 2. Pura Vida > Out motto is applied to EVERYTHING: greetings, instead of thank you, as approvals, etc. Once you understand the way how it is used, you become a local. 3. No military > Abolition happened after a civil war. There are police "special teams" who are somewhat heavily armed but they are not out and about, they are used only in specific (very limited) occasions. 4. Dual currency > Costa Rica is so highly visited by tourists and dollar being used worldwide, it becomes almost a must for businesses to accept dollars. 5. Bilingual > American culture, due to proximity, is very rooted in Costarican culture. However, because of our educational level, foreign industrial investment creates the need to be multilingual (not only english but other languages as well) 6. Health care > We get deducted a percentage on our salary where every worker contributes to the health of the rest. So, its a right and we pay for it, but it's not as outrageous as in US. 7. Kid & pet friendly > Why not? Why having a pet or a kid should be a reason to be sorry about? It's part of my take on real food, we are very family driven society. 8. Soccer crazy > Football, come on! I can compare it with american football craziness and following. We do have our own problems and areas of opportunity, same as other countries. Once you know how to handle yourself around any city in Costa Rica, you can basically go anywhere and be welcomed as well.
Glad you are having a positive experience ☺️, it's not perfect but it can be a new home for whomever wants and is open minded. The afro-costaricans are on the east coast and we are our own vibe. If u need recommendations holla at ur girl. May your journey be blessed 🙌 .
I just got back home today from visiting Costa Rica & I absolutely loved it. I look forward to returning in the summer to scout out more areas before I relocate.
Bienvenida a Costa Rica, your interpretation of Pura Vida is actually really good, ours is more like living with no stress, like our forest and beaches, as pure as possible ❤️
Stephanie, I stumbled into one of your many videos over a year ago. Your details, positive energy, willingness to help others and excellent way articulating your content is a blessing. Thank you for your hard work!❤
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I am Costa Rican and I am very pleased to have people like yourself come to Costa Rica. You are respectful to our land and culture and I soo appreciate that. I love that you are encouraging African American women to move here :) Pura Vida
African American woman here and I plan on moving to Costa Rica. The people seem very friendly and love the sound of it.
Sounds like most who immigrate there, are single and have no intention of creating a family.
I'm in the process of getting my passport now. I'm considering moving out of the US by 2025 I'm just researching now. I keep seeing Costa Rica as being a great country.Ill be coming to visit soon. The US isn't where it's at anymore it isn't safe
@@franiefran3598I’m a black man who is 27. I am considering moving there with my dogs. It is the only place I have researched where people don’t hate us for existing.
8@@jaxthewolf4572
I'm Costa Rican and I loved the way that you explain everything about our country, I feel excited to see brothers and sisters came to our country. You're welcome Sis !
What are some popular places that are good to visit? I’m planning a trip there too!
@@classyjewel1) south caribbean Is a afrocaribbean town in Limón Costa Rica.
2) la fortuna: las termalitas hot spring water, El chollin, el salto, la fortuna waterfall
3) Río celeste
4) Conchal beach, nozara beach
5) herradura beach, Jaco beach
6) Manuel Antonio.
The country offers more adventures, but those are what we Costa Ricans visit the most because of their low cost, they also eat at local restaurants called sodas, greetings, pura vida
❤❤❤❤
@@lachotacr73is their air conditioning their
Fans
As a Latin American, THANK YOU for saying that people shouldn't behave by colonizers and that they have to learn the local language. Because that's exactly what the Spanish did to us. You touched a nerve, in a good way. Thank you again for recognizing and acknowledging the oppression endured by the people in whose land you now live. ❤
As a woman from Costa Rica, I'm so happy to see the interest in our beautiful country. Welcome US black women 🙏🏻❤️
Hi Stephanie, this is Carlos from Costa Rica. I feel very honoured when listening to your cultural shocks. There is another one I came to learn thanks to a white american guy who felt very happy when he saw that at work *WE ALL* sit together to have lunch... no matter what is the color of your skin. I feel proud of that. Of course, Costa Rica is not a perfect place, we still have criminality and women are still struggling to reach equality, but we are a society who wants to do things right for everyone. I feel pretty confident to say that any black person will be welcome to live and grow with us.
❤❤❤🙏🏽
As a Tico (Costarican), Bienvenida!
It is nice listening to people talk about my country, good or bad (criticism is always welcome in order to improve).
I'm glad you've had a nice time here and I hope it continues that way.
Pura Vida!
I have been to Costa Rica, and as a black American i didnt really like the vibe. I also learned that Blacks were made to live only in Limon CR until the late 1940's. I also traveled to Cartagena Colombia 🇨🇴 and realized in these Latin countries there is systematic racism built into their societies. When i started studing the history of these latin american countires it made me see them differently when it came to relocating there. I recently traveled to Tanzania 🇹🇿 and Ghana 🇬🇭 and love the way our Africa countries feel. It almost feels i am not only connected to the people but the land itself. Currently i am a resident of Tanzania and a working on becoming a citizen of Ghana. Reconnecting to our people and motherland land is amazing
True indeed! I too am moving to Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦 for this same reason. 😊☺️🥹
Thanks for this, Stephanie. I also enjoyed the culture shock of how Costa Ricans respond to gracias / thank you. In many Spanish speaking countries, a common response to 'gracias' is 'de nada,' which literally translates to 'it's nothing.' In Costa Rica, the reply I heard most often was 'con mucho gusto,' which translates to 'with much pleasure'. Like 'pura vida,' it made me feel like I was part of the community, someone who is genuinely welcome and worthy of care.
Yes! I love that too!! Costa Ricans have been so warm to me. I'm glad you enjoyed it here. 💗
You’re really complaining about “de nada”? You’re probably American and see the negative in everything even when its meant to be nice
Jajajaja, yeah, when I do a favour to someone, I feel like I have to say 'Con mucho gusto'. If not, the deed is not done, and there was no favor.
@@Stop_The_BS_ I don't mean any disrespect to 'de nada'. It is the response I've heard and used most often. I was pointing out a difference that surprised me pleasantly in CR. And yes, I am a US American who seeks to appreciate difference whether I'm traveling or at home. Peace to you.
Stephanie I too enjoy the information you provided. I do want to move but at the same time wonder about work , but with everything you just explained; I am even serious about it. Thank you so much, keep posting. I will for sure keep look for more info.
I am Panamanian living in Costa for 30 years and I just love my Costa Rica this country has given me so much, So good that as a black woman just has me you fell good here . Welcome.
In Manuel Antonio for 11yrs. Put everything in the fridge! Spices, flour , sugar (ants love ya suga!) Also,plastic bins to store other things too. Pura Vida is everything!! ❤
Being a black woman in Costa Rica is pretty easy and their is no stress.
They normally think we are from the Caribbean side until we speak and then they know, "Gringa"!
I tell people to also pay in colones to make your life easier. $$ do come in handy but I normally have colones.
Not all people are bilingual once you are out of SJ or the touristy areas and the expat communities.
I tell all please be respectful to speak Spanish ,we are visitors in their country.
Medismart is a good private health insurance to sign up with and it's a part of Hospital Metropolitano.
Pura Vida!
Hello! Tico here :) Just a tiny but important clarification: Medismart is good, yes, but it is *not* insurance. It basically is a subscription service that gives you access and discounts to certain things, but you shoud not rely on it like you do on insurance. Hope this is useful!
@@TehOvermind thanks
@@TehOvermind Who do you recommend for insurance?
This was EXACTLY the feeling I had during my visit to Costa Rica. Absolutely LOVE Costa Rica
Thank you for your kind words. Pura vida ✌🏻😎
I am a Black American male, this is cool I appreciate your insight, information and experiences. Hope you don’t mind me viewing your content, it gives me a feeling of confidence as I contemplating traveling abroad in Black skin Than You! I will be sure to share this with the Black women in my life👌🏿
Please keep in mind that Costa Rica is VERY expensive, loud (good luck sleeping in on the weekends), and you will find all kinds of creatures in the house (even poisonous creatures). It may be a dog-friendly country; BUT, the constant barking is annoying and some dogs can be aggressive. Costa Rica is safe-ish, but there IS crime there. Also, the lack of addresses is frustrating. I had problems explaining to drivers how to get me to the Airbnb because it did not have an address. I did NOT enjoy my time there.
Lol. Black people and their exclusion of all other races is appalling and racist, very common, though. Im sure you are a black "king"
Ty
I loved this video. Some of the people from the US that come here expect OUR country to be like the USA. And they get disappointed or mad at that. You were really respectful, and I hope you love our country and feel at home. Thanks for this really nice video
As an American I don't get it, it shouldn't come as a surprise that things will be different in another country.
Hello❤️ As a Costarican I am so glad you feel safe as a black woman, I thank you so much for moving, learning about our culture and not moving as a colonizer. Hope you have a great time here. Pura vida! 🇨🇷
As a Costa Rican I'm always grateful for other people's take on my country. Sure, there's always things we can improve as a country but it's nice to see that we still have a nice place to live. And yes, we do say Pura Vida on multiple contexts to convey different stuff. Finally, you forgot to mention the word "Mae", used as "dude, pal" haha
I don't think I've heard "Mae" yet. I need to get out of the house more. 😆
@@StephaniePerry Well it's usually more common among men, we don't usually hear women saying it (except teenage girls lol) so it makes sense that you've not been called that yet, it's very informal term and some people find it disrespectful :D
And everyone says, Buenas in the streets passing by. (Black woman - U.S. born and raised but a descendant of Afro-Carribeans in C.R.)
siempre que vengas con buenas acciones, buenas costumbres y humildad Costa Rica será tu país también, bienvenidos todos los que vengan a aportar algo a la comunidad, no nos importa tu color o procedencia, religión o política ... Pura Vida✌
@@meaversand and why not bring money? What do you think we use to life? Like we trade bananas?
@@meaversand why are u pressed? if u dont like it, dont come back.
@@meaversand you are putting a highlight on something that we dont have control over like some people polluting and things being expensive but hey, you have control over choosing to go somewhere else :) or focusing on things that are very great about our country.
@meaversand if you dont like the way we are raised and feel uncomfortable by things like that, there are soooo many countries you can choose from that will please your needs :) what makes you so entitled and rude about it? were you raised like that?
you are disrespectful and your opinion was just thrown bc you can't accept the fact that we have a country that's beautiful and inviting, it has a some flaws but we are working everyday as a community to be better. there are campaigns dedicated to pick up litter by volunteers who just want to see our country be better and la Municipilidad they work very hard so our streets can be clean and nice.
Don't be acting all high and mighty. As someone who lives here, yes we make many mistakes but don't underestimate the people that are trying very hard to make a change and be better.
@@meaversand You can say that it's expensive because it is, but don't be saying that our country is dirty and our people weren't raised right. Because, what gives you the right?
Hi Stephanie!!! Your makeup is lovely.
aww Thanks so much Jené! 💗
Hi Stephanie, I am a Retired Disabled Veteran, is there Healthcare for us? What is the rent?
Been visiting Costa Rica for years and just finally moved. Love it here, the food is amazing, everything is just amazing!!
Stephanie we love to have respectful and beautiful people like you here in CR. Pura Vida ❤.
Pura Vida. 💗
@@StephaniePerry Hella important to mention. If you are leaving the United States, DON"T bring the United States with you!
Jeanne Calmest is the oldest documented woman...ever. You may have seen someone who was very old, but it's highly unlikely they were older than Jeanne.
Welcome to 🇨🇷‼️ We love all our American brothers and sisters. 🇺🇸
As a Costa Rican I want to thank you for this video, I'm so glad you have had a nice experience here! I hope you always feel safe and happy 💓And of course PURA VIDA! 🦥
Hi Stephanie, I lost my mom in October. I have been wanting to move abroad for years, now I may be able to. You are so encouraging. I think now it’s my time.
It's your time Norma. My condolences to you. I hope you're making some progress toward your move abroad dream. 💗
Norma,
Please be very careful. Do a lot of research before you make this decision that you will not be able to change. Do not sell your property in USA before you move to Costa Rica. It is 3rd world country and people are poor. They call Americans gringos. Prostitution is legal. Crime is high, it is not safe to be there for American tourists.
You will never get American level dental care in Costa Rica.
@@barsikac5098 can you explain further?
@@jenb.1889 I had two implants done in " the best dental clinic" in Escazy across the big hospital, even ex - rays were done in that "American level" hospital.
They didn't not do the bone graft the way it must be done. I have to redo everything in USA. No money you will get back from. Costa Rica. I wish I would never done it in Costa Rica and I would not have all these problems. I say "Thank you, God!" that I got out from Costa Rica. I am glad it works for you.
Stephanie is always the voice i need when i am falling behind on this journey, depression fights you in every step. Encouragement to do what you need to do is nice, especially when you give it often and need some move forward words for yourself. . I have to get busy and get my coins together, get travelers insurance and find that place my daughter and i can be. its just time to travel.
Thank you for sharing this! I’ve been researching different countries where the transition won’t be to difficult.
I felt this!
You will have all you desire. Hang in there friend.
Absolutely! @Annabella K. Just do it.
A change of environment really can feed your soul. I hope you get someplace on your calendar soon. 💗
We adopted from Costa Rica last year and really loved that they celebrated Day of the Child. The hotel staff greeted our child with "Happy Children's Day!" They also receive a little gift. My son asked me, why don't they celebrate the Day of the Child in the United States?😐
Nigeria also has a big Children's day every May.
How was your adoption experience? Did you have to become a resident?
@@larabraver We live in the States, we only had to stay in Costa Rica for 6 weeks during the adoption process. We just happened to be there during The Day of the Child.
Oh that's true! I remember back in school our professors would give us candy or buy us ice cream on Children's Day. Even now that i'm in college a professor gave us chocolates that day and several told us 'happy children's day'. (I'm Costa Rican).
This sounds fantastic
I’m so happy i found this channel. I’ve been contemplating becoming an expat for two years now. Recently my best friend passed away and he traveled a lot. He loved Costa Rica and encouraged me to travel more and move where I’d be safe and have a better life. I’m looking at Portugal and also Costa Rica but i may really consider Costa Rica! 🇨🇷 thank you for this video. ❤️
Living as a resident of Portugal, but love hearing about Costa Rica! Love black women becoming digital nomads...loving it for my life and love seeing others do the same!
Costa Rica had been on my mind forever . . . I went for a week at the end of October, stayed at a beach resort. Came back with awesome skin, and so relaxed it was noticable and still is nearly a month later. I am planning to go back and stay in San Jose area. The folks are awesome, welcoming and real. I travelled alone and did not feel unsafe. I met several families and a group of New Yorkers at my resort who did the same tours as me and they were awesome. The folks at Liberia's airport were the happiest folks I ever met. The RAIN and steam were akin to an everyday sauna and I loved it on my skin. SO much to say . . . thanks for all you do Stephanie!!
As a Costa Rican I am glad you felt good here, you are always welcome. But if you want my advise, don't waste time in San Jose. There is nothing there for a tourist, Costa Rica is about the nature. Go anywhere but San Jose.
Thanks for the information u have given me some good ideas on my next move
You are a great communicator. Thank you so much. Be blessed.
Stephanie, you look radiant! Thank you for sharing your experiences. ❤
Was going to say the same thing on her page but didn't want to sound like a creepy online guy. She's glowing!
Thanks Rachel! And you're welcome. 💗
@@johndear1592 I love compliments! 🤗
Yes, please talk about your experience and cost of going to the dentist. Great video thank you!
Thank you for sharing these resources Teacher Stephanie! You werking those afro Puffs luv!
You're very welcome! And thank you. 🤗 🤗
I worked there doing IT in the early 2000s and fell in love. The people were cool and the food and weather was awesome. I was usually there in the winter months in the US so I immediately fell in love.
This was before the Cali realtors ruined real estate prices. Still on the top of my list of places to retire. Pure Life!
Very LATE seeing the post. We go to the gym 6 days a week for spinning class, lifting weights, pilates, dance classes,too. Thankfully I left America in 1999 for Central America. I stayed a year and remarried! No short men for me. I have full health insurance coverage and dental FOR Free. Last month I got 2 crowns for FREE, 0 co pay. All of my prescriptions are FREE, as well. We eat clean foods No pork! ....................Speaking Frenchie Russian and Spanish, age 70, married to a tall handsome husband from central America, got my residency in 1999! Boom and boom
this resonates with me, thank you for sharing this!! good food and health insurance is a priority for me.
OMG, at 67 now, you give me hope and inspiration to take the plunge for a better life other than here in the U.S. I have been wanting to go to Costa Rica for a long time but don't know where to start. I am so happy for you. :)
Hi! I don't know how I find this video but honestly you make me cry! I am in the other side, I am a Costa Rican struggling with cultural shock in USA. The point #1 about food, is basically because Costa Rica is in the Caribbean, were there is more humidity and other ways of life, remember that the environment allows more varieties of plants to grow, more animals and MORE insect, and microorganism and fungus. FYI: In USA (in Seattle, WA) it doesn't matter if I leave all my chocolates out of the fridge but in CR all candies will be covered in ants or cockroaches if those are left outside the fridge. Point #2 this is the one that made me cry... because I can't stand the Seattle freeze anymore, after 10 years I will be always treated as the immigrant that has no good reasons to live in USA and people are always avoiding eye contact because they think it cost an Arm and a Leg just to say Hello. In fact, in here what it really cost an arm, a leg, one of your kidneys and even selling your soul to the Devil is Health Insurance or any medical treatment; OH BOY!! let's not get there... I am not going to comment on the other points but I will add another important point: In Costa Rica the words "Negro" "Negrito" "Negra" or "Negrita" are NOT derogatory, in CR those words are full of love, my aunt call me negra and I automatically know that she loves me, it is like saying "My Darling", "Honey" or "Sweetie". For me was really sad to discover all the negative connotations in USA, and it's difficult to change that meaning when you grew up thinking about something positive and now as an adult I have to change it to negative; like there isn't enough negativity in this world. If you ever hear the Cuban singer Celia Cruz singing "La Negra tiene tumbao", that song is to empower black woman to be confident and enjoy life.
Laura makes a wonderful contribution here when she clarifies the use of "negra" or "negrita" (used for people with darker than usual complexion or even tanned complexion and not necessarily for afro-caribbean descendants), but also "machita" (usually used fo people with blonde hair, very fair-coloured skin or blue/green eyes), "chinito" (used for people with eyes that are more slanted that the common population and not necessarily asian descendants), etc. As Laura says the use of these words in our culture transmit endearment and are not at all derogatory. My wife calls me "gordito" even though I am not gordito, and in fact, there is a huge amount of love in the tone that she uses when she calls me that.
So if you a ever called one of these words in a pleasant tone of voice, please know that no one is trying to be insulting; as a matter of fact it is exactly the opposite, they are trying to be polite and make you feel welcomed. And if you feel uncomfortable, which you have every right to feel as it may be shocking for you, I recommend that you smile and offer the person your name, so that they may call you by your name in future encounters. This will be interpreted as you opening up to them and you will have gained a friend for life.
All the best.
Yep, this is so true. My mom used to call my brother "mi negrito" as a cute nick name for him, is not a derogatory word at all. Remember, we will try to make you feel as part of the family and the community. Tuanis!
Que pena ver esa cara de la moneda. Gracias por tu comentario me llega bastante y me identifico 100%
Thank you. I agree on the terms Negrita, etc.
I really hope people from the USA don't bring the race issues here.
True! They call me negra in my family as well
I am so very appreciative of this clear & candid information.
Thanks so much for watching! 💗
We went to Costa Rica in 2018 for 2 weeks on vacation. We loved it. Super chill. Pura Vida all day. We stayed at a resort but we were all over the place. Not a cheap place. Our time spent was Very enjoyable.
Yes please give us content on your dental journey.
I am in the DMV , visited Illinois, Texas and Georgia. Each of these areas had the World Cup available in the malls, sports bars/grills and/or ethnic markets. All realized that men shopping with their families wanted to keep up with the games.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Oh, who knew? I'm surprised. I know restaurants and bars show it because they'll make money. But I'm surprised it was in the malls.
I'll do a dentist video! Thanks for watching Rochelle. 💗
I’d like to hear about your dental journey. Thanks in advance.
Stephanie, Costa Rica is on my list of retirement destinations and your trip there has confirmed that it’s the right place for me. I’ll be visiting in 2023 just to make sure. You look radiant by the way!
Please take it out, we don’t want y’all to keep on colonizing our land and pushing us towards worst living conditions, for you all might be a paradise to live here, while make it hell for us. If you have the smallest amount of respect for us, just stay in the US
Just started living in CR 2 - 4 months at a time. I think it will be my winter home which is dry season there. Amo Costa Rica en Español. I love Costa Rica from day one in December 2019. Been going back & forth ever since. I have been to e.v.e.r.y area. Love, love, love. Thanks for the video. Maybe I'll see you around for some Cacique or Chilliguarro 🥰
Loved the people and food awesome natural and you can taste the flavor and the fruits are sweet😊
Stephanie got me planning on relocating to Costa Rica within a year!🌎
"Kids belong here, have a place here, they have a part in society..." *exhales deeply* 🥹🧘🏾♀️
Always enjoy hearing your insights.
Your hair and makeup are fantastic. That style is adorable on you!
I love this video. After just watching a negative video about Costa Rica (we are thinking about retiring to Costa Rica), it was refreshing to hear your take on everything. I love your positive vibe!
I just got back from Jaco, Costa Rica this week, and this video popped up! I loved Costa Rica. I’m Honduran and speak Spanish so it was a really easy space to be in for us. Everyone was so kind! Me and my cousins want to get Pura Vida tatted! We learned it is a very real thing for them and a way of life.
I just started following you and I am loving this nomad lifestyle. I’ve lived in New York my whole life, but I think my calling is to be more worldly. I want to be a part of this lifestyle instead!
Please keep us posted on the dental visit. Very interested to see how that is over there! Good luck 🍀
Yes, speaking Spanish is important
I'm glad you loved Costa Rica! I haven't been to Jaco yet. Maybe soon. And yes, I'll share my dentist experience next year. Thanks for watching. 💗
I visited costa rica for 1 month and it was the best. I loved it and I will definitely go back
That hairstyle is super cute!
I am definitely researching moving from the US to Costa Rica as a digital nomad. I work from home now and have 2 pets but no small children at home. This video from a Black Woman’s perspective is exactly what I needed. I need all the valuable information you have to offer. Thank you for this video.
The sheer fact that you can find bagels in Latin America is amazing.
Loving this content for Black Women Expats. Watching from Costa Rica and appreciating the insights.
I really aprecciate you mentioning how important it is to learn the language in making the difference between moving in as colonizer. Spanish, in this case, I feel very honoured to hear you say you've been learning Spanish. In my case, it really angers me when tourists or foreigners dont even make the effort. So, I wanted to say Muchas gracias! That's not to say, you can't take your time with it! Spanish and English are different languages after all, and learning an entire language from scratch is a challenge by itself.
I do too. Not to mention, its such a beautiful language
I stumbled into this video looking for something else.... but I couldn't take my eyes away from it. Loved it! I hope you're still here in CR.
Thank you Stephanie you always share the goodies
You're very welcome Winnie B!! 💗
Hi, welcome to Costa Rica. As costarrican citizen we appreciate the people that come down and explore and get in touch with the local culture. I hope you spend a nice time over here ☺️ Pura Vida
Hi Steph, I’m an immigrant too (in my case from a LatAm country) and I totally agree with your comments, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 is a very nice place to move and live!! Pura Vida!!
I recommend you go to the fairs because you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish, in addition to helping national producers. Fairs are specific days, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, depending on the location.
Resonated with pretty much everything you said in this video. I went to Costa Rica on a solo trip this past October for my birthday and I absolutely LOVED it. Seriously considering living there as well.
I want to go solo as well for my birthday next week. I waited late but can you suggest places to stay?
as a Costa Rican myself, I took your "pura vida" point for granted my whole life. Having moved to northern Europe I had the opposite cultural shock and then only I knew Costa Rica was special on that regard. Yes, pura vida means you are welcome. You are not a stranger. Do you want to call this home? We're glad to have you. If you want to add to society in whatever way you can, you're one of us, welcome.
BEYOND GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THIS INFORMATION! I've been planning to volunteer in Costa Rica next year and this just sold me on becoming a resident!
If you don’t mind me asking? Is there a particular organization your volunteering through and what are the duties required?
I have the same question as Pansy Rose. Who are you planning to volunteer through?
I also am interested in the volunteer organization.
Hi Stephanie, I am a Costa Rican and you are more than welcome, hope you love it here. And thank you, this videos help Costa Rican understand they live on a privileged place. If you are looking for a middle point between being near to the city but surrounded by nature you can look up Ciudad Colón, lots of foreigns live here and it's a very beautiful town.
Thanks for sharing. Please do a video on your dentist experience.
Will do! 💗
Thank you people from Costa Rica for being so open and inviting. Not sure if I’m planning to move there but it’s good to here that I would be accepted as a person and not as an unwanted crayon 🖍️
Hello Ms. Lovely. Thanks for sharing such great info.Much appreciated
Thanks so much for watching! 💗
I just found you on RUclips! I just came back from Costa Rica and I loved it! I will be watching all your videos now. I’m too late but hopefully you documented your dental appointment 😊
Ugh, I really needed this video. I’m definitely gonna check out Costa Rica. Currently living in Spain but it’s too far and I miss my family but I refuse to live back in the US. Thanks Stephanie 💜 also, would love your dental experience video
Hi... I've been in Barcelona 3 years. It's been mostly cool for me. Moving on to a different part of the world later this month. Wishing you all the best. Just keep looking, you got this.
@@mrsmoore4937 Aw, thanks for this message. Wishing you all the best as well!
Good luck on your new journey ✨🥳🥂✨
Hey Stephanie, what an enjoyable video!, I have dual citizenship Costa Rican and USA; having lived most of my life in CR and having spent the last decade in New York I find your video very accurate and insightful. So glad you've felt welcomed, valued and respected there; because you are ! Pura Vida is a way of understanding and living life and you are absolutely right; it implies you belong; you are not a foreigner. Costa Rica like any other country has things to improve; but I do hope we keep treating like you deserve. Pura Vida ✌🏽
Thank you Stephanie, for sharing your experience with us in Costa Rica and other places you've traveled, it's really opened my eyes to moving abroad.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching. 💗
How much are apartment to rent in nice areas? How much are homes there?
I LOVE Costa Rica. Stayed for three months in Sarapiqui, 2:45 hrs from San Jose. I was in the country on an acre farm eating well. Granted when the night came it was scary and I was alone but to tell you how safe it was-i slept with the door open for 2 weeks before I realized there was another turned in the locks to fully lock it!! Went to the river, rode a bicycle daily to the bread woman and rode to town to buy groceries and fry chicken. I spoke no Spanish and yet folks were kind to me. I met the only guy who spoke English and he asked me why I was there in that town. I said for vacation. He looked so surprised and said "vacation here!?". Took the bus to San Jose and enjoyed the ride. Fresh fruits and kind people
You have convinced me to schedule vacation to check it out myself. The kid and dog friendly on top of affordable healthcare were great indicators, but when you mentioned football, you had me.
Gives me a lot to think about. 👍🏾
I am neither a black woman or new to Costa Rica. But I love this video and can confirm from experience (in the US and Costa Rica) that you are spot on. Petty things that have been different for us: away from San José, I haven’t seen dual currency. We just keep a small amount of colones on hand. Outside of tourist hotspots, people are not typically bilingual. There’s a good translator app that helps us while we are learning Spanish. Other than those small things that are only because we have settled in different areas, your reporting on the culture and situation here is gospel. I, too, try to encourage disgruntled North Americans and Europeans to consider moving here. It’s not for everyone, but if folks are not determined to import a high maintenance lifestyle and choose instead to adopt the pura vida way, it’s a great option. I just posted a video about the cost of living here, targeted specifically toward the average, non-wealthy expat. It’s all about the priorities and expectations people have when they come here.
Welcome to Costa Rica, I'm a Tico who resides in the USA. Its awesome see Americans exploring Cost Rica.
I just got back from Costa Rica. Your 💯 right on your surprises. Costa Rica made me realize most of the fruits, veggies and foods that I don’t like in the US I absolutely loved in Costa Rica. Which made me realized how much of our foods are overly processed. I will most differently be visiting again. Who knows I made become a permanent resident in the future. Enjoy your stay and Pura Vida 👋🏾
Black, female, 40 something here, stayed in Puerto Viejo for almost a month. Loved it and didn't want to come back. Everything said in this video has been 💯 on point with my own experience there.
Wanted to add...my leave list is Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama in that order.
I love to hear it. Now I need to make travel plans to Costa Rica. Sidebar, your hair is soooooo cute!! 🖤
We have made Costa Rica our 1st choice! This was confirmation!
I studied abroad in Costa Rica back in the 90s. I currently live abroad in Japan for the past 6yrs and have traveled quite a bit. I still tell everyone that when I retire if I could live if anywhere outside the US it will be Costa Rica. Beautiful country, beautiful people, and the food is so fresh and good. My only downside I experienced along with the rest of my women's study group was the Tico bravado. The men would do the kissing cat call sound EVERY where we went. Most men never went further than that but one of my classmates did get gropped walking by herself by a guy riding on the back of a moped. For the most part I felt very safe as a single women in her 20s back then. My favorite area by far was the Caribbean coast with the black sand beaches. 🇨🇷
That’s so sad 😢 I must tell you that two years ago they passed a law that prohibits street harassment to punish this type of behavior.
Greetings! Did you take a women's studies' class from Syracuse with a black female professor??
I've been to Costa Rica a few times, and it doesn't disappoint! It's just a fantastic place, the people are awesome, and I felt safe!
"Safe, Happy, Comfortable, and Welcomed!" Believing this is the RIGHT fit for you, Stephanie. God's speed and continued success with your endeavors! Tfs
Thank you so much fdoctor. 💗
Greetings Stephanie🙋🏽♀️ I am in Ohio and I have been contemplating moving to Costa Rica for over a year, and plan to visit early next year to embrace the culture and lifestyle. You are addressing many of the major concerns I have. As a black woman, I have reservations about traveling alone, so this video is exactly what I needed to push me into signing up for Spanish classes and do the “legwork” to plan my scouting visit. ¡Muchas gracias!
Oh my gosh! Love the hair and makeup!
Hello Thank you for these information you share with us. I love watching your contents. You are very articulate and easy to understand. One of my fave things about you is that you speak REALNESS. I like that rawness from you. Thank you again! 🌻🌻🌻
As a Costa Rican I always feel very uncomfortable in another country, of course in the US, I have never seen a Militar and my first time was in a US airport, and now with this video I can feel very proud of our country and also I want to make a video of culture shock as a Costa Rican in what ever place jeje,
you are very welcome and don't forget to visit Limón and all the Caribbean towns of our country, we appreciate a lot this places.
Blessings
Thanks you for visit and stay here in my beauty country I hope you can feel the best experence here and thanks to show in RUclips all the things that we can give. pura vida 🇨🇷
Pura Vida.
Costa Rica was my first home away from the States. I may have missed it but did you mention how most addresses are generic phrases like, "the building with the black gates" or "the house next to the house with the goose?" That definitely through me for a loop when I lived there.
That's a joke by itself, here in CR. We know we give awful adresses but we're just used to it and make fun of it.
Lol! I am Costa Rican and this is so real! We also say 100 mts north from xxxx and those 100 may actually be 300 meters hahahahah
You are glowing in this video. Thank you for sharing your experience 💜
You are glowing! Nice new look!
as a costarican this video opened my eyes a bit more, i dont usually think much of USA but watching this video made me think of things i see as usual even granted and how for others those things are a blessing and something they want
im glad you are happy on here, yall are totally welcome!
and i do also think that when we say Pura vida it IS welcome, it is a way to say that you are one of us!
As a tico I enjoyed your perspective. The dual currency is really just from 20 bucks or less. (Outside of the tourist areas) people are really sacred to get burned with a fake 50 or 100. As for the language you're completely correct. I have friends who've been here for over 2 decades and can barely say hola and and have no problems getting around. Even if you don't have healthcare or insurance the hospitals will still attend you. Compared to other places we're a lil spendy but it's a place you wanna be at
Stephanie mentions things that most tourists don't realize because same reason: they come to Costa Rica as tourists for a very limited time.
That been said here are some "tico takes" on Stephanie's points:
1. Real Food > Ticos are raised in a very family-driven environment where every activity is around the meal in a very warm and welcoming setup. Meals are thought, prepared and cooked not microwaved or rushed.
2. Pura Vida > Out motto is applied to EVERYTHING: greetings, instead of thank you, as approvals, etc. Once you understand the way how it is used, you become a local.
3. No military > Abolition happened after a civil war. There are police "special teams" who are somewhat heavily armed but they are not out and about, they are used only in specific (very limited) occasions.
4. Dual currency > Costa Rica is so highly visited by tourists and dollar being used worldwide, it becomes almost a must for businesses to accept dollars.
5. Bilingual > American culture, due to proximity, is very rooted in Costarican culture. However, because of our educational level, foreign industrial investment creates the need to be multilingual (not only english but other languages as well)
6. Health care > We get deducted a percentage on our salary where every worker contributes to the health of the rest. So, its a right and we pay for it, but it's not as outrageous as in US.
7. Kid & pet friendly > Why not? Why having a pet or a kid should be a reason to be sorry about? It's part of my take on real food, we are very family driven society.
8. Soccer crazy > Football, come on! I can compare it with american football craziness and following.
We do have our own problems and areas of opportunity, same as other countries. Once you know how to handle yourself around any city in Costa Rica, you can basically go anywhere and be welcomed as well.
Waiting for this.
I hope you enjoy it! 💗
Thank you so much. I’m glad you are enjoying Tiquicia (Costa Rica) and I’m glad everyone is making you feel welcome
Costa Rica sounds fabulous! I’m ready to visit
Giiirl.... You make me SO excited!!! I've been dreaming of Costa Rica for years. I can't WAIT!!
Glad you are having a positive experience ☺️, it's not perfect but it can be a new home for whomever wants and is open minded. The afro-costaricans are on the east coast and we are our own vibe. If u need recommendations holla at ur girl. May your journey be blessed 🙌 .
I’d love to hear recommendations on places to stay and tours to know the areas (black coast and CR in general) more
I just got back home today from visiting Costa Rica & I absolutely loved it. I look forward to returning in the summer to scout out more areas before I relocate.
Bienvenida a Costa Rica, your interpretation of Pura Vida is actually really good, ours is more like living with no stress, like our forest and beaches, as pure as possible ❤️
This was so informative. Thank you
Stephanie, I stumbled into one of your many videos over a year ago. Your details, positive energy, willingness to help others and excellent way articulating your content is a blessing.
Thank you for your hard work!❤
Thanks for you kind words! And thank you so much for watching a being part of the community. 💗
I love Costa Rica.. The people are so nice and authentic food is delicious. Everything is fresh. It’s absolutely beautiful. I want to move there.