moving to costa rica during a global pandemic

settled back into my life in central america, I feel a deep sense of peace. the decision to come back to costa rica amidst a global pandemic was one of the most difficult, yet intuitively, it was the easiest decision to make.

during the fall, in the months leading up to the move, I was continuously pushed in the direction of returning back here. in the early stages of covid, I was meant to work a full guiding season in canada with the anticipation of exploring south america after during the winter. but with no let-up of covid in the latter part of 2020, I knew my travel plans would be put on hold. however, when the guiding season ended in early october, with no physical work or home in canada, returning back to canada for the entire winter didn’t feel like an option either. I could return to my parents during the transition phase, but I knew I would have to figure something out.

grateful for my loving parents for the weeks in between, my intuition continued pushing me back to central america after finishing my seasonal guiding work. with costa rica’s borders open and following the covid regulations, I knew this is where I needed to be. my fifth time coming back now, I’ve recognized I feel more at home sprinkled across central america, than I do in canada anymore.

with that said, this was a very thought-out and difficult decision to come to. I knew many places were hit hard with the drastic drop in travel, so my desire to support local communities who rely on tourism was a draw to go. however, I also felt a deep sense of pressure and responsibility at the potential risk of stressing any health care system outside of canada if I happened to get sick. quite honestly, I also felt crippled by the ongoing travel shaming and ridicule of others.

but as the internal back and forth continued, my intuition kept drawing me back here, as everything was falling into place. finding additional remote work, connecting with a good friend and finding an apartment to rent together on the caribbean coast. everything was directing me back here. essentially, I would move here to work and live in one space and ‘isolate’ in the same manner I would be if I was living in canada. it felt reassuring knowing I’d have a main base, opposed to jumping from hostel to hostel and travelling around sporadically. this was one of my biggest factors in finalizing my decision. I’m certainly not trying to endorsee travel with my choice to come here, but relocating my home base was the decision I, ultimately, needed to make for myself. so all of that said and done, I’ve been back for about two weeks and feel a great sense of peace with it all.

it’s a weird time for everyone and we all need to make decisions with our best judgement. some may think it’s irresponsible, others may not. ultimately, I had to do what felt right for me, while still being incredibly mindful of the space I’m taking up in another country. respecting the local laws, following local regulations and mandates, wearing masks, washing my hands, trying to do my best in these moments and continuing to spread massive waves of kindness to others.

I will never take travel for granted and I’m incredibly grateful to have moved down here during this time.

wishing you all happiness, health, and peace.