As the sun sets on a remarkable year for us, it's time to reflect on 2023 and the extraordinary journey John and I embarked upon – a journey that took Me and Johnny V from the shores of Madeira Beach, Florida to the serene waters of Golfito, Costa Rica.
When we made the move from Texas to Ojochal, Costa Rica two and a half years ago, we did not think that this would be our "final stop" so to speak. We knew that we wanted adventure, and wanted to see the world, and logically, we thought that would mean that Costa Rica would be a "stop" for a few years before we moved on to other horizons.
We enjoyed our time in Ojochal, but after we brought the boat down and docked in Golfito, the completely unexpected happened. We both fell in love. I am not sure what we were expecting from Golfito. Admittedly neither of us knew much about the little port town other than its Duty Free zone and the marina we chose.
We certainly did not think we would find;
A dock full of incredible talent, from boat captains to engineers to experts in haul-outs. Such kind, hardworking, and accommodating neighbors and staff here at our marina. And finally, a group of Tico and Expat friends that have become family to us.
The fact that we get to enjoy our morning coffee on the aft deck while watching the macaws fly over us, and listen to the howler monkeys wake up and start their day is just the icing on an already very sweet cake!
This year has been a season of learning and growing for both of us. We have learned so much about our boat and her systems, cruising in general, life in another culture, how to be flexible, and how to adapt. We have learned how important it is to appreciate the little things in life and how to slow down. You know that quote "Busy-ness is not a badge of honor"? yeah...we've learned how to embrace that instead of fighting it. Mind you, I still make my daily to-do lists, but I don't beat myself up if every single item is not crossed off at the end of the day. I often say that Costa Rica teaches you patience. This has not been an easy lesson for me to learn, but it has certainly been taught to us both...in spades. Some days all of our well-laid plans get completely sidelined, and we've learned to say "Pura Vida" there is always manana.
The question we get asked most often is "How did you do it?" And our answer is simple....we just did.
We made up our minds that we wanted to explore and experience this world while we are still healthy and young enough to enjoy it. We both decided that we want our "Rocking Chair Moments" to be happy ones. Know what I mean? One day, when we are old and gray, in our rocking chairs on our porch watching our grandbabies play in the yard, we want to look back on a life well lived, not one of regrets or "I wish we would have gone...." So....how did we do it? We had the idea, we researched, we planned, we learned as much as possible and we took the leap.
I don't want to give you the wrong impression. Life in Costa Rica is not always rainbows and butterflies! It is all about embracing a new culture, instead of fighting against the fact that "things are different than the U.S." because they are different!
There is no Starbucks every few miles (we have the best coffee here and it doesn't cost $6.00 a cup!). You'll not find any fast-food chains in our neck of the woods (we have both lost weight, feel better, and don't even eat fast food when we visit the States anymore). We don't have a target 15 minutes away, and it's a one-and-a-half-hour drive to pick up our Amazon shipments. (We make a day trip of it and meet up with friends for lunch or dinner when we have to pick up packages)
What we do have? Authentic friendships, gorgeous scenery, abundant wildlife, a slower pace of everything, and the opportunity to live a life by our design instead of one that holds us hostage. Is it for everybody? Absolutely not. Do we have any regrets? Not. Even. One.
So as this year comes to a close and we are staring at the blank canvas of 2024, I offer you this question to consider. If nothing was holding you back, what would you do this year? Where would you go? Then start your planning. If you have a question, shoot us an email.
Because life is short, and it is meant to be lived.
Cheers to 2024. May it be your best year yet.
-John & Benita
Comentarios