Відео

Great conversation! I wouldn’t even think of buying or building without consulting Chris (or someone from his firm 😉). Those suicide showers are to die for. Seriously, as a commercial facility professional, you see all this stuff that’s so cringe worthy and you know there’s a better and safer way. Super presentation Chris at the retreat too!

Poor thing

Hi Michael, Hi Pablo - Thank you for a great conversation! We're going on three years (wahoo!) and are grateful for this adventure. For us, leaving/selling everything was definitely the way to go; keeping things simple has made things easier in the long run. I had remote work in place before we moved and hubs is retired. But more than anything else, for me, this has been/is a Spiritual journey of faith seeing God at work. We rent in a very traditional Central Valley town and I'm thankful for a wonderful church and women's small group. I met a friend at church who connected me to my awesome Spanish teacher. Through Instagram, I found Costa Rican Sign Language classes and the Deaf Community. I never imagined how how wonderfully this new life would progress, but one open door leads to others! :-)

Compare the cost of food to the US.its 20% less in general in CR. You don’t need to go to the restaurants on the Main Street, go down the side streets.

Freedom

I came here to learn spanish in 2003 and within a few years I noticed that there were people who were trying to leave. However, they were stuck because they had purchased properties/ cars. In 2006, a desperate (and kind) man from El Salvador gave me the keys to his house under the condition that I buy the remainder of his furniture and take care of it until it sold. I took pictures, advertised, and was there to open the door (basically filter out the riff-raff). Some properties are bigger headaches than others but generally I fix what needs to be fixed, paint, upgrade, landscape, etc. Security (in for form of ‘presence’) is part of the gig. Anyway, I have been doing this for a while. Like you said, among the ‘retirees’, Family is a big reason for leaving. Also the inability to adjust. Another reason is because of the bars on the windows. At fist they say, “Petty crime happens everywhere.” Eventually they realize that it happens here more than they can handle. The increased violence of the Cartels is not helping. For working-age people, they leave because it is a nationalistic work force and the opportunities are limited. You have to be a self-starter and your opportunities are often limited to a business in tourism, sports books, real estate, a large U.S. corporation, or education….good luck. Getting paid is not always easy. And it is hard to get protection from the law. For younger americans who get married and have children, they often leave when their kids are ‘school-age’. The education system throughout Latin America is segregated between the rich and poor. An american will ask themselves, “Why would I pay $1,500 each month to send my kids to a small private school when I can get a better education at a U.S. Public School…FOR FREE?” I volunteer at Public Schools…it’s a no-brainer….so they leave. Regarding the culture….some call it ‘relaxed’ or ‘the simple life.’ The reality is that it is undependable. Americans get tired of being ‘stood-up’. In Latin America, ‘dejando la personas plantadas’ is normal behavior. For many gringos, it is highly disrespectful….so they leave. Another cultural condition is ‘irresponsibility’. The most obvious statistic is the number of kids who have been abandoned by their fathers. Lack of Teamwork. Empty promises. In the U.S. we "make it happen"....in Latin America, we "wait for it to happen." Even the Chinese refer to Costa Rica as ‘bureaucratic hell’ (which is typical in Monarchy Cultures). Dirty streets and rivers (around the GAM). Public urination. Dangerous drivers and excessive honking. Costa Rica is just like anywhere…good, bad, and everything in between. I personally love the weather. The Central Valley has the best year around temperature in the World (opinion). I love the beaches. The ocean water temp is phenomenal. Sunshine almost every morning. General friendliness on the streets and in the parks. Good attitudes towards life. The Farmers are the salt of the earth. The fruits and vegetable are amazing. I am an athlete so I work with kids and volunteer at schools. There are a lot of good people here making improvements.

🙏

Chris is spot on about the p-trap thing here in CR! I remember how shocked I was the first time that I came across the lack of what we consider standard plumbing.

People drink just to get the self validation of the person they re drinking with. Alchol is simply a form of validation. Most people dont drink alone unless they re truly self harming

Michael, are you coming up on your 19th anniversary of living in CR?

If you’re building in CR you must hire someone like your guest , I finished our house in palmares a year ago and the electrical had to be done all over again, the floor on our second floor, re done, the paint was trash, all kinds of issues, I’m at least at $50k in repairs, builders esthetics in CR are trash unless of course you hire a reputable contractor!

Great info! Doesn’t hurt you’re cuties ❤

Great interview with good insight. Michael getting up for a refill of coffee while the guest is mid-answering a question is the TCRN I am here for

When the CR Government will take action and jail all these renter a car thieves I will go to CR. Tolerated dishonesty for decades on an on is bad for tourism. Pett thievery is endemic too. No more for me.

As a contractor in L.A that just finished building a house here in CR with local builders Chris is spot on. Yeah I hear ya in the waterproofing. U’d think they know how to waterproof a roof. A simple request of putting silicon on roof screws was foreign to my contractors when I suggested it.

The Single BEST Interview You’ve Done ✅! I work in Residential Real Estate( Philly ) Chris Is Spot On!

Seven year itch is one reason

I was talking to a prefabricated home builder and when I asked about piping for water he said they use PVC ! I said not in my house for water ,drainage no problem,but not water. He said upgrade to copper ,but I’m concerned about it being bury in concrete since concrete and copper isn’t good when in contact and it has to be protected. I asked about pex but he didn’t know about pex. I’ve been in construction myself from sheet metal to metal roofing to being a building superintendent fixing everything in apartments when. needed. I’m coming down in Aug to look at property,maybe buy ,but I think I’ll rent 1st. I may need your help Chris . Let me know if you come across homes with PVC as piping for water. Great video Mike you are the best when it comes to interviews with the right people to help me make my decision.

Another great interview! Always appreciate the perspectives and insights of different people. Thanks for sharing with us!

Michael, I had such a great time with you and the guests at the retreat. It was truly a pleasure getting to know you a little better and in person.

Thank You!

Great video. Chris and his wife have so much to offer the future and current expat community. Please interview his wife next and him more. Saludos from tx.

Good morning 🌺 Thank you for another great interview! I love these! Chris is quite an asset to Costa Rica. He is also fortunate to join such an amazing group of presenters that you have at the retreat! I almost wish I had something to offer! Haha, keep up the good work, Michael!

I have another video coming out with Chris where we talk exclusively about construction in Costa Rica which is very informative and showcases Chris's knowledge on home building. But, if you would like to contact Chris about buying a quality home or building a quality home and making sure the home is up to standards, email him here- Email- crdhconsult@gmail.com

Only 2k a month needed to live? That sounds great.

Trim that nose hair, lol!

Great work. Vets. On. Holidays in. Bali🎉🎉🎉

don't they believe in anesthesia inn these countries?

The love of my life was a heroin addict. He died in a house fire when he nodded out with a lit cigarette in bed. My first husband was a functioning alcoholic (violent when he drank), and the daughter we created was chasing the dragon by the time she was 15. It took 18 years of dancing in and out of sobriety until fentanyl took her life. I don’t have a substance abuse problem and never have. But I have been to an NA meeting where I felt the presence of God more than I ever did in a church. I have watched addicts “in recovery” snort wasabi at dinner prior to going to that NA meeting. I shit you not - with a straw, like it was a line of coke. Why? Was it to feel something other than the discomfort they felt in recovery? So called experts, and laymen, will debate all this until their next life (if there is one - now we could debate that too). I have no answers. The world’s a beautiful place and a fucking mess all at the same time. So are people. I love my freedom! But I abhor the loneliness. It’s never an either or. Some of us will appreciate another’s willingness to be vulnerable, to be open, and honest. Some of us will appreciate this episode. I think a lot more will want to make you uncomfortable for that. And we know where that leads. (I watched all 7 episodes, btw, and you were not the asshole on that island. 🏝️)

Every time I hear Call Me by Blondie a TCRN video pops into my head.

Do you have any recommendations for rent camping during travel?

I definitely need a car. Just filled out a form

Hi Michael and Sarah, I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for the incredible retreat. The seminars were enlightening and gave me a lot to think about. The zip lining and ATV tour were absolute highlights - such an adrenaline rush! Your attention to detail and passion for the area really shone through, and it was clear how much effort you put into making sure everything went smoothly. Your hospitality and the overall vibe made the experience unforgettable. Thanks for everything! Best, Jenn White

Awesome! That sounds like a great time!!!

I need to get in touch with Pablo looking to transport a vehicle from Ft. Lauderdale / Miami area My name Evelyn Marti' DeLeon

Good stuff!

Everything happens for a reason. many times we just never know what that reason was.

Saludos from tx. Thanks for the video.

Según datos del OIJ, a la fecha se reportan al menos 393 casos, hace un año a la misma fecha hubo 403, o sea, 10 asesinatos menos.

Volcano looking good today.

if shes really into hair and beinga stylist i know a person in la fortuna she used to live in barva where i was at before her name is marie alfaro

Beautiful.🎉🎉

Thank You!

It was an excellent time! The venue was great, the information was good, and the group was fun! I'm looking forward to November! Pura Vida! ✌🏻❤

So glad it all came together successfully. La Fortuna is definitely a great location for all of this. My son and I certainly enjoyed the area when we were there, thanks to your services and the beauty that is Costa Rica. I dunno if I'll ever be able to afford the retreat, but I'm glad it exists and that you two are involved! In the meantime I'll keep watching both of your videos and keep spreading the word about what you both provide.

We did have a great time!! Woohoo! Great job on the event :)

Glad you all your hard work came together. And glad everyone had fun and learned a lot!

Happy for you and Sarah 😊. Sounds like a good time 😁. Love the background of this video!! Hope to come visit you again in near future 🙏. PURA VIDA

Nice tee just showing support

La Fortuna is a great place to have relocation retreat!!!