I'm an Aussie woman, 70 years of age, and have watched you since the beginning. How exciting and real your lives are. You aren't wasting this precious gift of life and I think your little Neo will have a great life because of your choices. Take care. I love my holidays in England too.
I love that you love the community, but just bear in mind that everyone is different. As an introvert what you see as not natural is heaven to me. Give me my walls 😂
I was thinking the exact same! This type of community living is my worst nightmare 😅 I was thriving during the pandemic. Nowhere to go, no one to meet, it was great! 🤣
I wonder how their child will turn out because my parents were huge extroverts and I’m a massive introvert and it always made me uncomfortable having people around all the time and no space/time to just be alone.
Okay so I am totally with Louis on the bus having such an incredible story and being such a powerful memory bonding item for himself and Raya. Howeverrrr you could build a more useable bedroom spaces (yes boring box but yay decorating and design!), and build the bus out to be an inspiring editing suite/creative space. Still keep the front playable for the kids, deck for yoga/chilling, and inside the back more open for brainstorming/recording/editing/art. MUCH easier to build out, still honors the heart of the bus. Just a thought 😉
Guys please dont think of this first house as your temp house. The main house is realistically 10 years away considering how long it has taken to even start with the initial plans . If you keep thinking of the first house as a temp place you will make some decisions that you wouldnt consider otherwise.
Loved this Q&A. The jungle diaries have been so amazing. But I can not wait to see you back in the US and UK. Go on and enjoy life, we are here for you! Also, can't wait to see you reuniting with Cali, miss her so much!
I just want to say that i’m super proud of you guys for keeping it so real… especially with the cost of things and how much you actually paid. It really does help paint the bigger picture when you’re on the other end and only seeing it all through videos. Major kudos for that. It honestly helps your viewers appreciate your videos that much more 💕🥰 Also the fact that you’re a family, with a little one, still going out and doing things that you loved before you even became parents…. that’s just lovely. It’s so much more real and honest and it honestly makes us parents watching realize that we didn’t need to stop doing the things we loved just because we’ve got kiddos. Losing yourself in parenthood is such a raw thing and it’s not talked about enough. So thank you for that little bit of encouragement
I am from Costa Rica living in New York, and what I miss the most from my beautiful country is the community. This isn’t weird, in CR even if you don’t live in a closed community, you know all the neighbors. We are there to help each other, we go to each other’s homes and have coffee together. This is our culture and it’s lovely. I’d love to live in Alegría, just because there are so many other cultures just like in NYC. As well I don’t see it cultish, I see a community who loves nature a pachamama community.
It’s really no different than my street, our houses are so close you can spit on your neighbors doorstep. We All know each other and help each other. If you think about it most people are in some type of community even the homesteaders.
Honestly, Louis, just do whatever you want. You are right, if life would always be about what is the most practical solution, it would be boring. To me it sounds super fun to grow up in a place with different “theme areas” like a tree house, a school bus, etc. 😊
It's so true, I grew up in a community where all the neighbor kids played, and everyone's door was open. My kids got a glimpse of that, and today, my kids live in trailers on our property. So we have a family compound and I love it. There is something to be said about knowing your neighbor and being comfortable with them. Lived next to ours for 46 plus years
I think it’s really sad that anybody has any negative comments about your life and your lifestyle. It is amazing coming from a very traditional upbringing following the path that you were supposed to follow to see you guys so free and see how much time you get to spend with neo is just amazing you guys keep doing you.❤❤
No specific home school advise, just a great quote- “Don’t let school get in the way of an education.” A friend and her husband went to a talk by a National Geographic photographer who took her children on shoots around the world. When the speaker said that, my friend really connected with the sentiment.
I know you've said you are before, but if anyone can grow at the minimum 25% of their own food, the amount of pressure that would take off the worlds supply chain would be amazing. Excited to see what you all do with creating your new home and developing your land. 💜
You both are delightfully adorable!! I thoroughly enjoy watching every vlog!!! I am an 80 year old great grandmother. Love Neo and your interactions with him.
I think I've said this in another video of your guy's but Raya your laugh is the best, it's so sincere & uplifting- like when someone's laugh alone makes you laugh- like seeing someone smile and it makes you smile! It's a chain reaction 🥰 thanks for the laughs!
I was homeschooled from 6-11 grade. I graduated a year early. I found that it was an amazing experience and my mom says it's easier than you would think! I loved it and you can still spend time with other kids, other classes, and even events that children can meet each other. It was a wonderful experience. Definitely look into it more but I am glad I had that experience
Hi. Guys. I am a retired lady. Very spiritual. A free Spirit. Unlike my very conservative siblings! I travelled a lot in my youth. I love your vision. Your courage in following your dream. Keep the bus,,Louis! Ignore the negative comments. I lived in Brighton for many years with my beloved late husband. We were both veggies. I'm now by the sea in Ireland...alone but in touch with my beloveds beautiful Spirit. I've been meditating for 20 years. I love being on this journey with you and Neo. Best wishes. ❤❤❤
I have been homeschooling my daughter here in Australia for the last 8.5 years. She learns at her pace, and to her interests. She is more social then most kids who attend mainstream schools. She socializes with children and aults from young pre school age right through to adults. I am often told that she is able to communicate with adults so well. We do LOTS of interest led and life led learning. Our latest "unit" of work has been learning about historical graves and cemeteries. We have visied so many cemeteries in our loca area as well as while away on holidays. We have volunteered cleaning old graves and restoring them. This was something my daughter and her best friend hadsaid interested them so we createda unit around this. Just like you said about travelling to Thailand and learning the culture. There is so much that is now taught in schools that is truely useless. Yet so much that is not taught and is needed to live successfully in this world.
I, for one, love both jungle videos and UK videos equally! The star of the show is always Neo so it doesn’t matter where that little angel is, I’ll keep watching❤❣️
Don't give up on natural materials for building!! I live in Costa Rica and my house is in bamboo and the walls are wattle and daub. Bamboo is amazing if treating well. And earthen walls are breathable. Concrete keep house's humidity much more from what if seen if you don't use AC. You need to protect from sun and rain and of course good air flow. If you respect these 3 things you can build in natural materials that's are way more healthy and much more beautiful!! I will build on stilts the next one the prevent the humidity from the ground and also minimize insects and animals to come in. Metal structures are a good idea too all the structural stuff in galvanized and you can build around it in wood or bamboo as well.
Oh well I will watch you renovate the bus, but I still think it is not a good idea. It would be better to build bedrooms with big windows and patios/decks to open into nature off the kitchen, living room. The bus is so confining and hot. You will have to air condition it for sure. I enjoy your building either way.❤ My husband is from Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and says everything is so much more expensive than the US. He only goes back to visit his family.
I agree. If they want people to pay money to stay there and not leave bad reviews, as cool as the bus idea is in theory, it's not gonna work. If I were staying in Costa Rica I'd prefer a house with normal bedrooms with windows to the beautiful views outside.
I agree. Build a separate bedroom for you and your partner and a second bedroom for the kids. I know there’s this need for whimsy and adventure but there’s also a need for roots and structure for your family.
I started watching you guys in 2016, right before I moved across the country to New York City to try something new. I have followed your journey since then; and now, as I watch this video... I just moved back to Alabama for the very exact reasons you guys mentioned - community, friendship, and just being around people. I absolutely love Raya's view of success 😊 thank you for not settling for what the western world considers "normal," and I can't wait for the UK vlogs!
My cousin spent a year in Costa Rica researching and studying the monkeys and their habits, movements etc. I’ve always been so jealous, it looks like a gorgeous place. Such an exciting place to bring up kids in nature, neo is so lucky!
I just saw Diplo's jungle house tour over on Architectural Digest, and it was gorgeous. Wall to wall windows galore. It's all poured concrete but looks natural, organic and airy and beautifully integrated with the landscape. It's worth checking out.
My daughter and I are finishing up grade 4 next week. It was our second school year homeschooling and I have to say that it is way less overwhelming than it seems at first. The first year was harder than the second because I was learning my daughters learning style. Once I figured it out, it's been a breeze. I am planning on switching to a more balance calendar as opposed to a school year with a long summer break though. We really need more breaks throughout the year.
I was a TCK growing up and experienced a few different types of schooling! What worked best for me was a combo of homeschooling with a coop and going to international boarding school for part of the year. In elementary school I was primary homeschooled with a partnership with a private school back in the states that built the curriculum for me and when I was in the states I would go to that school. In high school I transitioned to boarding school as my education became too advanced for what my parents could offer and it was better opportunities for me. My brother however had a much different experience he started off with homeschool + coop but really struggled as he was a much more social kid than I was and my parents were working too much to be able to school him well. My family ended up moving back to the states where he went from private school to public school and it was much better for him. Anyway kids are all different when it comes to schooling and knowing your child best is what’s right for them. ❤
It has been so beautiful and inspiring to watch your life in costa rica! can't wait to see more and in the meantime of course will stay tuned for your life in the UK too
I feel like land in the US is cheaper than that (to an extent) so I was extremely shocked. They say they are paying for the infustructure and maybe if they'd bought land later down the road they'd have gotten land cheaper... dude that would make me so mad. 😅
So many questions about the bus. But I'm so happy your going to keep it and revamp it for the future. Eventually it'll be a cool hang out for your future kids and their friends. I wish I had a cool hang out like that.
The bus will be faster and the house takes longer and the bus needs lived in to survive, and not to mention they just paid $250,000 for the lot. They are doing the right thing, there are so many reasons to make the bus build happen first.
We homeschool our kids and your ideas about going to a specific country and basing curriculum around that is great! Also, our kids are no way lacking social skills. They actually see their friends often.
I've been homeschooling my kids for over 20 years. My oldest is 26, youngest 15. No regrets. You are already living an alternative lifestyle. Could you see yourselves working 9-5 and living in the same house all the time??? Then be bold with your children too. Homeschooling has come an extraordinary way in 20 years. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to have a big family yet still travel the world....the freedom to decide to study geology, astronomy and ancient history one year and build our travels around those subjects... the freedom to have all the children 5-18 studying one subject so we could talk about it around the dinner table. There are so many resources to school non-traditionally now and so many people who do it---don't be afraid to take the leap. I'm sure you don't regret the leap into a nomadic lifestyle, you won't regret homeschooling either.
Definitely look into if you can send furniture from the UK to Costa Rica might be affordable. My parents send boxes of furniture to Honduras which is Central America and the boxes are full with all kinds of things to furnish a home.
250K for 3000m² ?!😲 for that money you could have get a place close to the beach. We spend about 100k for something 3times the size of your property and we're on the beach. Hope it pays out for you.
I literally live in the US in the south and have at least three relatives who have been bitten by venomous snakes (who are perfectly fine now). We have to teach our kids about fire ants, venomous spiders, and that all snakes are bad until they understand the differences. I think it would be the same for South America personally. I've also loved getting to see so many different chapters and loved getting to see dreams start to become more real 😊🖤
Look into John holts books and other books about unschooling. I started learning and untethering/deprogramming. It allowed us to travel and learn through living. This year we had a 4th baby and a Waldorf school was 8 minutes from my property. Kids learnt so much Spanish. Such a beautiful experience. I am not ready to slow travel again and it would of been hard to move on if I didn’t do the untethering earlier. My eldest is 9. We are coming to Costa Rica to work on our build at rise. Look up pop up world-schooling events. My point is you can adjust and cater to each child as opportunity presents itself. Enjoy the early years ❤
I've lived in the desert for the last 4 years, and moved from my hometown that was a small beach town with my lil family. Since going back every year to visit, i have so much appreciation for parts of both. Excited for your journey to continue to support you in so many ways ❤
Love the passion about the bus! Can’t wait to see it all. Also this is my favorite video of you’ll! This made me love you guys even more 💕 hope the best for you both always. Great to see your big hearts 💞
Hi guys, my daughter is home schooling my grandson she actually has bought a set of workbooks that take you step by step through the school day. Her son is 5yrs old and of course also has to sign up in the local school system,but she just has to show that she is following a curriculum that coincides with what he needs to learn at his age group. There is also online schooling that she is doing in zoom chats with other children and teachers. Your idea of travel and education is great. My daughter also has him signed up for a foredging class were the children go into the forest and learn the different plants and animals. So much is more available today I wouldn't worry about his schooling. I am sure you will be totally fine by then. Congratulations on all you both have accomplished so far. If I were only younger for sure I would join you. Good luck with everything.
I like sailing vagabond and how they just do what makes them happy, they home school on the sail boat as well and yet their boys are seeing the world, I’m old so I now get to adventure with you guys……Be Kind, By Happy and Do You. Much love from this Texas grandma…
Living in a community is one of the best things I ever did with my kids! However I feel it's really important to not become over familiar ( familiarity breeds contempt)
Your community sounds amazing……I agree life is suppose to be like this…..I remember 60 yrs ago living in a subdivision that WAS similar to this. But I think this is amazing for you and BTW you two are amazing parents!enjoy life…. And thank you for sharing it with us.
homeschooling is fantastic! And it's so much simpler than you're describing. You don't have to "build" curriculum. If you follow an unschooling format, and let the world around them, their interests and what you want them to learn lead the way it will unfold naturally. Being world residents you don't want to stick to UK or US curriculum standards or you are restricting their minds into a model that probably doesn't fit your life or let them expand their minds beyond that. It took me forever to embrace the unschooling concept, but once we did, not only is my son literally thriving but life has become so much more fun and interesting! We took food to the ducks...I found an article on what ducks eat and we read it while feeding the ducks, pulling out words for spelling and learning new vocabulary words. That one lesson touched on several areas of study. It can really be that simple. I do have yearly goals in mind, but if we don't get it that year it'll fall into the next year...we go at his pace. Last year he hated math, this year he's soaking up everything investment and finance....had no idea. I read all my own books out loud to him. He's in 5th grade but he's using 7th and 8th grade level textbooks...that I got at Costco! My curriculum costs less than $50 for the 4 books on science, history, language arts and math...the rest is articles from a couple free curriculum websites or google articles (from good sources like museums, historical societies, etc.) We also fill his time with a lot of social events...he plays basketball with a community team, he is learning to play the piano and read music and this summer he'll participate in a Summer Safari Day Camp in our community. When you unschool your entire day is open for activities and gatherings. Library talks, field trips with local homeschoolers, taking him to museums and zoos with family...we have BBQ's with friends and family a lot so he's around kids and people constantly. He also does things like pay for his own purchases and the local store's cashiers know him so his sense of community belonging is very strong. He spends time in another town 3 hours away where he is establishing roots as well because my sister lives there, so don't think you have to live in one space to have a sense of community, even a sense of worldly belonging...it enhances their life experience. And, he's autistic....when he was in public school they were having him trace the ABC's AGAIN because he was incapable of testing well. Now he's asking me what the word "wealth" means in his finance studies. MASSIVE difference. Presume competence and let them lead....you'll be FLOORED by what they can accomplish! My son grew wings this past year and I wish I had done it sooner!
Love watching your videos and love your journey .. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with your path taking ... So beautiful family ... Hugs
Louis, I cannot wait ti see what you do with your bus. I am older and single, I would love a tiny home there. When you are back in Costa Rica, I would love you to film a tour of that place, if it is possible. I am so excited for you.
From an affordability standpoint i completely understand wanting to use what you have and add to it instead of getting rid of the bus and then adding onto it
Wish you all the best! Life is about the lessons that we learn. Amd as we continue to grow the experiences are all about the lessons. Always be cautious and not anxious. Follow your instincts, and if there is one hint of uncertainty, stop and rethink your plans. Congratulations to moving forward❤
Sending much love and prayers for your safety, and protection always…you are such. A precious family, and Neo is growing so well! As a grandmother who loves her children and grandchildren fiercely, I feel the excitement for your fun adventures…and keep you in my prayers! Hug Neo…Happy Birthday sweet boy, and hugs to Raya and Louis! ❤️🌺❤️🌺❤️🌺🙏
Hi! We are your neighbors in Barrio Jesùs, Atenas. Your bus idea is not as lame as the doubters believe, because you have discovered the "galera". You can build an even huge structure so cheap here using laminated metal panels attached to a metal structure over concrete. Your bus will be completely protected underneath, plus you can expand at will to create any amount of covered, cheap dry space. Or close it in, and you've got a building! Your approach to the bus will bring you surprising opportunities for dirt cheap expansion. As simple as leggos.
Why am I just realizing you guys are now just less than an hour way from my home, never thought that would happen. Welcome, late, but welcome to my country.
You might consider a trip to Africa to stay in some of the tented camps. I could really see you doing something like that, either in the short term or for visitors. I absolutely adored the ones in Kenya.
Great Q & A guys! You have a great life and can experience the beauty and community in Costa Rica as well as the UK with family and dear friends. It doesn't get better than that. Thanks for the update and safe travels back to the UK.
Hi Raya and Louis, great Q&A about your plans in Costa Rica I have really enjoyed watching your time spent there and I am looking forward to the bus build and working on your lot. Love to you both xxx
Great response to the 'cult' question...very articulate, sincere and sweet; and not defensive. You made something that is off the beaten path so relatable.
A part of me felt upset and protective at the thought that anyone would consider you guys being in a cult! 😮 You guys are in alignment with the collective one (the higher conscious) source of love. You're guy's way of life is an expansion to the values, morals and love of mother earth as Louis said it's about living in harmony with each other, nature, animals- you guys have it right- it's the standard western way of living that unfortunately has it backwards and there's a lot we can all learn when we live in love and harmony such as you guys do. You two came to earth to make change and expand people's minds, teach a better way of living. You two are a power couple and a beautiful family. Raya you're full of light and same with you Louis, it radiates off of you guys. -thank you for the video, anytime I see a new one posted it's the highlight of my day 🦋🤍 also very off topic but you two may like the book (many lives many masters by Brian weiss) it'll bring new insights. Lots of love!
I think it would make slightly more sense to let the bus go and just put bedrooms where the bus takes up space in the guest house, but I understand it’s important to Louis!
We’ve experienced public school, private school and homeschool. Hands down homeschool was the best experience we ever had. Closer relationship with children, flexibility to educate based on child gifting, talents and abilities. Opportunity to teach and learn utilizing many different teaching and learning styles. The world literally is your classroom. BEST ADVENTURE EVER!!!! Jenn
I have loved your jungle diaries. I just believe you live in a neighborhood. We do and we watch out for each others homes an kids. Wedo street parties. We know everyone and yes we are rare. So many peple dont know neighbors. Cant wait for Brighton!
Guys.. this was such a fun sweet Q&A, I couldn't stop smiling!... so excited for you continued journey!... and totally love the bus/house idea.. better for the environment because you are recycling ! I don't understand why people think it is a cult... you can tell it's not... it is just an eco-friendly community. It looks amazing! My parents live in north Devon and they are close with their neighbours and they all look after eachother. I was so happy the young families check on my parents (who are the older part of the community) because I live abroad in Europe. I love the UK.. I would love to move back (but can't due to divorce law and my kids). The UK has amazing coast and beaches and walking places.. I hope to move back (at the latest when I retire).
I think you guys would really love to explore Thailand. I am thai even living here for 16 years I haven’t seen it all. I think cost and money wise Thailand won’t break your bank. The way you guys live now is so manageable. The country is very tourist friendly and so so safe. People are super friendly I hope you guys give it a chance because their so many people with similar living conditions like you that do that here in Thailand. But just keep in mind the heat wave from February to May very very hot
Mini interviews with other residents would be interesting!
I'm an Aussie woman, 70 years of age, and have watched you since the beginning. How exciting and real your lives are. You aren't wasting this precious gift of life and I think your little Neo will have a great life because of your choices. Take care. I love my holidays in England too.
I love that you love the community, but just bear in mind that everyone is different. As an introvert what you see as not natural is heaven to me. Give me my walls 😂
I was thinking the exact same! This type of community living is my worst nightmare 😅 I was thriving during the pandemic. Nowhere to go, no one to meet, it was great! 🤣
I wonder how their child will turn out because my parents were huge extroverts and I’m a massive introvert and it always made me uncomfortable having people around all the time and no space/time to just be alone.
@@cammymaya3516!!! Such an interesting topic I’d love to hear their take on
Okay so I am totally with Louis on the bus having such an incredible story and being such a powerful memory bonding item for himself and Raya. Howeverrrr you could build a more useable bedroom spaces (yes boring box but yay decorating and design!), and build the bus out to be an inspiring editing suite/creative space. Still keep the front playable for the kids, deck for yoga/chilling, and inside the back more open for brainstorming/recording/editing/art. MUCH easier to build out, still honors the heart of the bus. Just a thought 😉
Just do a version of Live The Adventure and you'll be fine.
This! Let it be Louis’ man cave!
Guys please dont think of this first house as your temp house. The main house is realistically 10 years away considering how long it has taken to even start with the initial plans .
If you keep thinking of the first house as a temp place you will make some decisions that you wouldnt consider otherwise.
I am shocked at how expensive it is. Wow!
Loved this Q&A. The jungle diaries have been so amazing. But I can not wait to see you back in the US and UK. Go on and enjoy life, we are here for you! Also, can't wait to see you reuniting with Cali, miss her so much!
I just want to say that i’m super proud of you guys for keeping it so real… especially with the cost of things and how much you actually paid. It really does help paint the bigger picture when you’re on the other end and only seeing it all through videos. Major kudos for that. It honestly helps your viewers appreciate your videos that much more 💕🥰 Also the fact that you’re a family, with a little one, still going out and doing things that you loved before you even became parents…. that’s just lovely. It’s so much more real and honest and it honestly makes us parents watching realize that we didn’t need to stop doing the things we loved just because we’ve got kiddos. Losing yourself in parenthood is such a raw thing and it’s not talked about enough. So thank you for that little bit of encouragement
Tonight has been kinging it kara and nate and now u guys ...love it just need emman and bec xxx
Same ☺️
So true!!!
Same!
I know, right!! 😂✌
On IG Aimee visited Eamon and Bec and Frankie!
I am from Costa Rica living in New York, and what I miss the most from my beautiful country is the community. This isn’t weird, in CR even if you don’t live in a closed community, you know all the neighbors. We are there to help each other, we go to each other’s homes and have coffee together. This is our culture and it’s lovely. I’d love to live in Alegría, just because there are so many other cultures just like in NYC. As well I don’t see it cultish, I see a community who loves nature a pachamama community.
It’s really no different than my street, our houses are so close you can spit on your neighbors doorstep. We All know each other and help each other. If you think about it most people are in some type of community even the homesteaders.
Totally agree!
Honestly, Louis, just do whatever you want. You are right, if life would always be about what is the most practical solution, it would be boring. To me it sounds super fun to grow up in a place with different “theme areas” like a tree house, a school bus, etc. 😊
It's so true, I grew up in a community where all the neighbor kids played, and everyone's door was open. My kids got a glimpse of that, and today, my kids live in trailers on our property. So we have a family compound and I love it. There is something to be said about knowing your neighbor and being comfortable with them. Lived next to ours for 46 plus years
I would love to live in a community like this. Your videos are so calming and inspiring. I’m excited to see the house when it’s done!!
I think it’s really sad that anybody has any negative comments about your life and your lifestyle. It is amazing coming from a very traditional upbringing following the path that you were supposed to follow to see you guys so free and see how much time you get to spend with neo is just amazing you guys keep doing you.❤❤
Oh man, you should have seen them….people lost their minds
No specific home school advise, just a great quote-
“Don’t let school get in the way of an education.”
A friend and her husband went to a talk by a National Geographic photographer who took her children on shoots around the world. When the speaker said that, my friend really connected with the sentiment.
I know you've said you are before, but if anyone can grow at the minimum 25% of their own food, the amount of pressure that would take off the worlds supply chain would be amazing. Excited to see what you all do with creating your new home and developing your land. 💜
You both are delightfully adorable!! I thoroughly enjoy watching every vlog!!! I am an 80 year old great grandmother. Love Neo and your interactions with him.
Ahh thank you so much! ❤️
Great Q&A! Can’t wait to see your reunion with Cali when you return to the UK. She will be so happy to see you. ❤
We can’t wait either!!
I think I've said this in another video of your guy's but Raya your laugh is the best, it's so sincere & uplifting- like when someone's laugh alone makes you laugh- like seeing someone smile and it makes you smile! It's a chain reaction 🥰 thanks for the laughs!
I was homeschooled from 6-11 grade. I graduated a year early. I found that it was an amazing experience and my mom says it's easier than you would think! I loved it and you can still spend time with other kids, other classes, and even events that children can meet each other. It was a wonderful experience. Definitely look into it more but I am glad I had that experience
Hi. Guys. I am a retired lady. Very spiritual. A free Spirit. Unlike my very conservative siblings! I travelled a lot in my youth. I love your vision. Your courage in following your dream. Keep the bus,,Louis! Ignore the negative comments. I lived in Brighton for many years with my beloved late husband. We were both veggies. I'm now by the sea in Ireland...alone but in touch with my beloveds beautiful Spirit. I've been meditating for 20 years. I love being on this journey with you and Neo. Best wishes. ❤❤❤
I love Louis passion for the bus!
I have been homeschooling my daughter here in Australia for the last 8.5 years. She learns at her pace, and to her interests. She is more social then most kids who attend mainstream schools. She socializes with children and aults from young pre school age right through to adults. I am often told that she is able to communicate with adults so well.
We do LOTS of interest led and life led learning. Our latest "unit" of work has been learning about historical graves and cemeteries. We have visied so many cemeteries in our loca area as well as while away on holidays. We have volunteered cleaning old graves and restoring them. This was something my daughter and her best friend hadsaid interested them so we createda unit around this. Just like you said about travelling to Thailand and learning the culture.
There is so much that is now taught in schools that is truely useless. Yet so much that is not taught and is needed to live successfully in this world.
I love this!
I, for one, love both jungle videos and UK videos equally! The star of the show is always Neo so it doesn’t matter where that little angel is, I’ll keep watching❤❣️
Don't give up on natural materials for building!! I live in Costa Rica and my house is in bamboo and the walls are wattle and daub. Bamboo is amazing if treating well. And earthen walls are breathable. Concrete keep house's humidity much more from what if seen if you don't use AC. You need to protect from sun and rain and of course good air flow. If you respect these 3 things you can build in natural materials that's are way more healthy and much more beautiful!! I will build on stilts the next one the prevent the humidity from the ground and also minimize insects and animals to come in. Metal structures are a good idea too all the structural stuff in galvanized and you can build around it in wood or bamboo as well.
Oh well I will watch you renovate the bus, but I still think it is not a good idea. It would be better to build bedrooms with big windows and patios/decks to open into nature off the kitchen, living room. The bus is so confining and hot. You will have to air condition it for sure. I enjoy your building either way.❤ My husband is from Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and says everything is so much more expensive than the US. He only goes back to visit his family.
I agree. If they want people to pay money to stay there and not leave bad reviews, as cool as the bus idea is in theory, it's not gonna work. If I were staying in Costa Rica I'd prefer a house with normal bedrooms with windows to the beautiful views outside.
I agree. Build a separate bedroom for you and your partner and a second bedroom for the kids. I know there’s this need for whimsy and adventure but there’s also a need for roots and structure for your family.
I started watching you guys in 2016, right before I moved across the country to New York City to try something new. I have followed your journey since then; and now, as I watch this video... I just moved back to Alabama for the very exact reasons you guys mentioned - community, friendship, and just being around people. I absolutely love Raya's view of success 😊 thank you for not settling for what the western world considers "normal," and I can't wait for the UK vlogs!
Community living is going to be the way of the future, loved this series, lots love from Australia 🦘🌏
Good to hear yall are planning on a bigger main house down the line! That makes me feel better about your design idea for the bus house.
My cousin spent a year in Costa Rica researching and studying the monkeys and their habits, movements etc. I’ve always been so jealous, it looks like a gorgeous place. Such an exciting place to bring up kids in nature, neo is so lucky!
I just saw Diplo's jungle house tour over on Architectural Digest, and it was gorgeous. Wall to wall windows galore. It's all poured concrete but looks natural, organic and airy and beautifully integrated with the landscape. It's worth checking out.
My daughter and I are finishing up grade 4 next week. It was our second school year homeschooling and I have to say that it is way less overwhelming than it seems at first. The first year was harder than the second because I was learning my daughters learning style. Once I figured it out, it's been a breeze. I am planning on switching to a more balance calendar as opposed to a school year with a long summer break though. We really need more breaks throughout the year.
I got really ill when visiting Costa Rica in 2022 and the healthcare was amazing, I was really well looked after!
Let the bus goooooooo Louis 😂
Don't worry " Revenge of the ants / termites 2024" will come on youtube around Christmas 😅🐜
@@larsstougaard7097 next time the bus will be entirely covered 😂
I pick my phone to comment the same thing😂😂😂 Let it go - its a health hazard.
Or You get over it. It's one if his passion and project...if he enjoys doing it, then he should go for it😊
I was a TCK growing up and experienced a few different types of schooling! What worked best for me was a combo of homeschooling with a coop and going to international boarding school for part of the year. In elementary school I was primary homeschooled with a partnership with a private school back in the states that built the curriculum for me and when I was in the states I would go to that school. In high school I transitioned to boarding school as my education became too advanced for what my parents could offer and it was better opportunities for me. My brother however had a much different experience he started off with homeschool + coop but really struggled as he was a much more social kid than I was and my parents were working too much to be able to school him well. My family ended up moving back to the states where he went from private school to public school and it was much better for him. Anyway kids are all different when it comes to schooling and knowing your child best is what’s right for them. ❤
It has been so beautiful and inspiring to watch your life in costa rica! can't wait to see more and in the meantime of course will stay tuned for your life in the UK too
very expensive for land in CR.
I feel like land in the US is cheaper than that (to an extent) so I was extremely shocked. They say they are paying for the infustructure and maybe if they'd bought land later down the road they'd have gotten land cheaper... dude that would make me so mad. 😅
Well white people coming here and buying our land is what has made the prices so high and made it impossible for us the locals to buy land
This is a beautiful update. I enjoy hearing about your plans and I wish you the best of luck in all your adventures!!
So many questions about the bus. But I'm so happy your going to keep it and revamp it for the future. Eventually it'll be a cool hang out for your future kids and their friends. I wish I had a cool hang out like that.
Great Q&A love how genuine you both are!! 💖💖
thanks for being real, a very refreshing Q&A.
Just start building your main house. I know you love that bus, but guys just focus on the house. That bus build can come after
Agreed
We definitely can’t afford our main house yet 🙈
The bus will be faster and the house takes longer and the bus needs lived in to survive, and not to mention they just paid $250,000 for the lot. They are doing the right thing, there are so many reasons to make the bus build happen first.
@@RayaandLouisYou're for real homesteading? No fancy architect, contractor and building crew hired behind the green screen and sound effects? 😂❤️
Yes agree build ur house
It is normal that is how civilization got started.❤ much love from Puerto Rico 😊😊😊
That bus is Louis inner child
It's lovely to see you so happy. Raya's hair looks fab at the moment. Looking forward to future content.
Raya, I love your necklace!
We homeschool our kids and your ideas about going to a specific country and basing curriculum around that is great! Also, our kids are no way lacking social skills. They actually see their friends often.
I've been homeschooling my kids for over 20 years. My oldest is 26, youngest 15. No regrets. You are already living an alternative lifestyle. Could you see yourselves working 9-5 and living in the same house all the time??? Then be bold with your children too. Homeschooling has come an extraordinary way in 20 years. Homeschooling gave us the freedom to have a big family yet still travel the world....the freedom to decide to study geology, astronomy and ancient history one year and build our travels around those subjects... the freedom to have all the children 5-18 studying one subject so we could talk about it around the dinner table. There are so many resources to school non-traditionally now and so many people who do it---don't be afraid to take the leap. I'm sure you don't regret the leap into a nomadic lifestyle, you won't regret homeschooling either.
Definitely look into if you can send furniture from the UK to Costa Rica might be affordable. My parents send boxes of furniture to Honduras which is Central America and the boxes are full with all kinds of things to furnish a home.
I love the bus! Upcycling is such a good idea, we need to get out of the mindset of throwing stuff away and start new
250K for 3000m² ?!😲 for that money you could have get a place close to the beach. We spend about 100k for something 3times the size of your property and we're on the beach.
Hope it pays out for you.
Yep, it seems sooooooo expensive. But it's kind of a kibbuzim concept, I guess. Everyone putting in money for the community
I literally live in the US in the south and have at least three relatives who have been bitten by venomous snakes (who are perfectly fine now). We have to teach our kids about fire ants, venomous spiders, and that all snakes are bad until they understand the differences. I think it would be the same for South America personally. I've also loved getting to see so many different chapters and loved getting to see dreams start to become more real 😊🖤
Look into John holts books and other books about unschooling. I started learning and untethering/deprogramming. It allowed us to travel and learn through living. This year we had a 4th baby and a Waldorf school was 8 minutes from my property. Kids learnt so much Spanish. Such a beautiful experience. I am not ready to slow travel again and it would of been hard to move on if I didn’t do the untethering earlier. My eldest is 9. We are coming to Costa Rica to work on our build at rise. Look up pop up world-schooling events. My point is you can adjust and cater to each child as opportunity presents itself. Enjoy the early years ❤
Polished concrete is really eco friendly and can look very organic....You could actually look to ancient Mayan stone architecture for inspo
I've lived in the desert for the last 4 years, and moved from my hometown that was a small beach town with my lil family. Since going back every year to visit, i have so much appreciation for parts of both. Excited for your journey to continue to support you in so many ways ❤
I love this place you call home. It's part of your adventures of life with family, friends, and love ❤️
Came to your channel after viewing Eamon & Bec's latest video, looking forward to following your journey 🥰
Love the passion about the bus! Can’t wait to see it all. Also this is my favorite video of you’ll! This made me love you guys even more 💕 hope the best for you both always. Great to see your big hearts 💞
Thank you!! ❤️
Hi guys, my daughter is home schooling my grandson she actually has bought a set of workbooks that take you step by step through the school day. Her son is 5yrs old and of course also has to sign up in the local school system,but she just has to show that she is following a curriculum that coincides with what he needs to learn at his age group. There is also online schooling that she is doing in zoom chats with other children and teachers. Your idea of travel and education is great. My daughter also has him signed up for a foredging class were the children go into the forest and learn the different plants and animals. So much is more available today I wouldn't worry about his schooling. I am sure you will be totally fine by then. Congratulations on all you both have accomplished so far. If I were only younger for sure I would join you. Good luck with everything.
Homeschooling is the best! All 3 of my kids graduated from homeschool!
I like sailing vagabond and how they just do what makes them happy, they home school on the sail boat as well and yet their boys are seeing the world, I’m old so I now get to adventure with you guys……Be Kind, By Happy and Do You. Much love from this Texas grandma…
Living in a community is one of the best things I ever did with my kids! However I feel it's really important to not become over familiar ( familiarity breeds contempt)
I'm so happy for you and your little family! You definitely will have the best of both worlds...loads of adventures to come😍
Your community sounds amazing……I agree life is suppose to be like this…..I remember 60 yrs ago living in a subdivision that WAS similar to this. But I think this is amazing for you and BTW you two are amazing parents!enjoy life…. And thank you for sharing it with us.
I´m Costarican, and yes, we call it "rainy season" for a reason. Just prepare very well. and ahead.
homeschooling is fantastic! And it's so much simpler than you're describing. You don't have to "build" curriculum. If you follow an unschooling format, and let the world around them, their interests and what you want them to learn lead the way it will unfold naturally. Being world residents you don't want to stick to UK or US curriculum standards or you are restricting their minds into a model that probably doesn't fit your life or let them expand their minds beyond that. It took me forever to embrace the unschooling concept, but once we did, not only is my son literally thriving but life has become so much more fun and interesting! We took food to the ducks...I found an article on what ducks eat and we read it while feeding the ducks, pulling out words for spelling and learning new vocabulary words. That one lesson touched on several areas of study. It can really be that simple. I do have yearly goals in mind, but if we don't get it that year it'll fall into the next year...we go at his pace. Last year he hated math, this year he's soaking up everything investment and finance....had no idea. I read all my own books out loud to him. He's in 5th grade but he's using 7th and 8th grade level textbooks...that I got at Costco! My curriculum costs less than $50 for the 4 books on science, history, language arts and math...the rest is articles from a couple free curriculum websites or google articles (from good sources like museums, historical societies, etc.) We also fill his time with a lot of social events...he plays basketball with a community team, he is learning to play the piano and read music and this summer he'll participate in a Summer Safari Day Camp in our community. When you unschool your entire day is open for activities and gatherings. Library talks, field trips with local homeschoolers, taking him to museums and zoos with family...we have BBQ's with friends and family a lot so he's around kids and people constantly. He also does things like pay for his own purchases and the local store's cashiers know him so his sense of community belonging is very strong. He spends time in another town 3 hours away where he is establishing roots as well because my sister lives there, so don't think you have to live in one space to have a sense of community, even a sense of worldly belonging...it enhances their life experience. And, he's autistic....when he was in public school they were having him trace the ABC's AGAIN because he was incapable of testing well. Now he's asking me what the word "wealth" means in his finance studies. MASSIVE difference. Presume competence and let them lead....you'll be FLOORED by what they can accomplish! My son grew wings this past year and I wish I had done it sooner!
Love watching your videos and love your journey .. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with your path taking ... So beautiful family ... Hugs
Idea for the bus-house build: use the top of the bus for a really cool and unique loft
Louis, I cannot wait ti see what you do with your bus. I am older and single, I would love a tiny home there. When you are back in Costa Rica, I would love you to film a tour of that place, if it is possible. I am so excited for you.
I have faith in your vision for the bus Louis! Cant wait to see your upcoming adventures ❤
You inspire me so much! I would love to live in community as well in a village like Alegria, it's a dream now and it's because of you! Love you guys!
Thank you for sharing your lives with us!!
This sounds like an amazing community to be part of
I’ve loved watching your jungle diaries!!! I love your love for life and openness. Your joy for life resonates with me so much!!
I loved this video so much. I feel like we saw a whole different side of Louis.
From an affordability standpoint i completely understand wanting to use what you have and add to it instead of getting rid of the bus and then adding onto it
Wish you all the best!
Life is about the lessons that we learn.
Amd as we continue to grow the experiences are all about the lessons.
Always be cautious and not anxious.
Follow your instincts, and if there is one hint of uncertainty, stop and rethink your plans.
Congratulations to moving forward❤
Sending much love and prayers for your safety, and protection always…you are such. A precious family, and Neo is growing so well! As a grandmother who loves her children and grandchildren fiercely, I feel the excitement for your fun adventures…and keep you in my prayers! Hug Neo…Happy Birthday sweet boy, and hugs to Raya and Louis! ❤️🌺❤️🌺❤️🌺🙏
Hi! We are your neighbors in Barrio Jesùs, Atenas. Your bus idea is not as lame as the doubters believe, because you have discovered the "galera". You can build an even huge structure so cheap here using laminated metal panels attached to a metal structure over concrete. Your bus will be completely protected underneath, plus you can expand at will to create any amount of covered, cheap dry space. Or close it in, and you've got a building! Your approach to the bus will bring you surprising opportunities for dirt cheap expansion. As simple as leggos.
Why am I just realizing you guys are now just less than an hour way from my home, never thought that would happen. Welcome, late, but welcome to my country.
I love watching this journey with you guys, it really inspires me to hopefully be able to live in nature in the future
the best way to settle into what resonates for homeschooling our kids is to take some time and DEschool the parents first
Loved the Q&A. Thanks for the transparency. Really appreciate it. Hi from Quebec, Canada! 🤩
I can't wait to see Louis restoring the bus
This is a wonderful video!!! YES! KEEP THE BUS! ❤
You might consider a trip to Africa to stay in some of the tented camps. I could really see you doing something like that, either in the short term or for visitors. I absolutely adored the ones in Kenya.
Great Q & A guys! You have a great life and can experience the beauty and community in Costa Rica as well as the UK with family and dear friends. It doesn't get better than that. Thanks for the update and safe travels back to the UK.
Hi Raya and Louis, great Q&A about your plans in Costa Rica I have really enjoyed watching your time spent there and I am looking forward to the bus build and working on your lot. Love to you both xxx
Thailand is beautiful I'm from Bangkok I use to go alot with my mom when I was child
Great response to the 'cult' question...very articulate, sincere and sweet; and not defensive. You made something that is off the beaten path so relatable.
Thank you!
How does living in Costa Rica as a non-native work? What type of visa do you need? How does taxing work?
omg i laughed so hard at "i get triggered by "settle down"" xDD THANK YOU!!! i feel exactly the same !!! what is wrong with people ??
A part of me felt upset and protective at the thought that anyone would consider you guys being in a cult! 😮 You guys are in alignment with the collective one (the higher conscious) source of love. You're guy's way of life is an expansion to the values, morals and love of mother earth as Louis said it's about living in harmony with each other, nature, animals- you guys have it right- it's the standard western way of living that unfortunately has it backwards and there's a lot we can all learn when we live in love and harmony such as you guys do. You two came to earth to make change and expand people's minds, teach a better way of living. You two are a power couple and a beautiful family. Raya you're full of light and same with you Louis, it radiates off of you guys. -thank you for the video, anytime I see a new one posted it's the highlight of my day 🦋🤍 also very off topic but you two may like the book (many lives many masters by Brian weiss) it'll bring new insights. Lots of love!
The HOA fees, along with the lot and house, made it out of my range. But I'm retired and not up for going back to work full-time.
I think it would make slightly more sense to let the bus go and just put bedrooms where the bus takes up space in the guest house, but I understand it’s important to Louis!
We’ve experienced public school, private school and homeschool. Hands down homeschool was the best experience we ever had. Closer relationship with children, flexibility to educate based on child gifting, talents and abilities. Opportunity to teach and learn utilizing many different teaching and learning styles. The world literally is your classroom. BEST ADVENTURE EVER!!!! Jenn
I absolutely loved this Q&A! Can’t wait to see the vlogs when you’re back in Brighton ❤
I have loved your jungle diaries. I just believe you live in a neighborhood. We do and we watch out for each others homes an kids. Wedo street parties. We know everyone and yes we are rare. So many peple dont know neighbors. Cant wait for Brighton!
Guys.. this was such a fun sweet Q&A, I couldn't stop smiling!... so excited for you continued journey!... and totally love the bus/house idea.. better for the environment because you are recycling !
I don't understand why people think it is a cult... you can tell it's not... it is just an eco-friendly community. It looks amazing! My parents live in north Devon and they are close with their neighbours and they all look after eachother. I was so happy the young families check on my parents (who are the older part of the community) because I live abroad in Europe.
I love the UK.. I would love to move back (but can't due to divorce law and my kids). The UK has amazing coast and beaches and walking places.. I hope to move back (at the latest when I retire).
If you have seen the Nomadic Movement, they are building in Panama and have learned a lot about building in that climate.
I think you guys would really love to explore Thailand. I am thai even living here for 16 years I haven’t seen it all. I think cost and money wise Thailand won’t break your bank. The way you guys live now is so manageable. The country is very tourist friendly and so so safe. People are super friendly I hope you guys give it a chance because their so many people with similar living conditions like you that do that here in Thailand. But just keep in mind the heat wave from February to May very very hot