Life is a beach - Black in Costa Rica

Uh, was it me who said (only a short week ago) that she didn't want to live at the beach and would not even consider it?

Well, I certainly can't deny that I said it because I put it in writing
but... today I am having second thoughts and have decided to consider at least one beach in particular.

That beach is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in the town of Puerto Viejo.

Saddled with a bad reputation, it is one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets! (I hear the locals would like to keep it that way)

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a coastal town in Talamanca in Limón Province in southeastern Costa Rica, known simply as Puerto Viejo to locals. It is very south and close to Panama. It is also home to the BriBri, the original inhabitants of Talamanca.

For some reason there has been a lot of misinformation and myth spread about the Caribbean coast.  It appears that the only reason for this has something to do with the fact that this side of the country is  home to the majority of the African-Caribbean population.  Until yesterday, I had not heard one good thing about this part of the country.  I first mentioned that I was considering visiting Puerto Limon (Costa Rica's largest port city) in 2013.  To any and every question regarding visiting or living on the Caribbean side the responses were always negative with added warnings about increased crime and advice to stay away from the area.  So, of course it made me very nervous and hesitant to venture over to that side of the country.  

But, had any of these naysayers lived in the area or even bothered to fact check their warnings? 

I tend to think not! It's more like an urban myth that just keeps on going. 

The reason I am reconsidering the beach town of Puerto Viejo is because I discovered that just about ALL of the information I had received was incorrect.

What I found out was that Puerto Viejo is the largest tourist destination on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.  It is multi cultural and diverse with an international vibe and laid-back, Caribbean-style.   Its appeal includes stunning, unspoiled beaches and abundant wildlife with a healthy mix of music.   The food is also supposed to some of the best in the country. 

This kool mix of people and blending of cultures and bohemian lifestyle speaks to me (to us).  Our group is ready to live off the grid!

My favorite travel guys!

Can't wait to check out this restaurant
(be sure to watch to the end to see the cool restaurant photos)

We spent most of the day researching information and I found at least 4 great hotels or beach houses that are available during the time we plan to visit. They meet my initial specs of being rated at least 4 stars.  My hotel does not need to be off the grid - as a matter of fact, I'm looking for all the luxurious comforts of home.  After all this is a vacation.

Our research dispelled the myth regarding the dreadful weather.  It turns out that although it is HOT and it does rain, this area is actually one of the driest in Costa Rica and most of the rain falls at night.

I'm looking forward to checking it out in person. Whether we ultimately decide to live there, remains to be seen.

There is one HUGE fact that still remains.  It is HOT !!!

Lesson: 
Don't believe everything you hear about the places you plan to visit 

(even when you think it is coming from so called "reliable sources") 

Stay open and research, research, research 

then check it out for yourself!

I'm Just Sayin!