I am sure many of you have watched the award-winning TV show Dr. House M.D. It is a medical drama about a cantankerous doctor who is devoid of bedside manner and wouldn’t even talk to his patients if he could get away with it. What saves the character is House is a brilliant diagnostician whose unconventional thinking and flawless instincts afford him a great deal of respect. An infectious disease specialist, he thrives on the challenge of solving medical puzzles in order to save lives.

In Costa Rica, I am proud to say we have Dr. Arieh Grunhaus. His last name is pronounced groon-HOUSE. He is a highly-skilled urologist. He only resembles the fictional character above in that he is a brilliant medical specialist.

Dr. Grunhaus was recommend to me by a friend a couple of years ago. I went to see him for a minor urological related problem. I was immediately impressed by his professionalism, flawless English, ability to make the patient feel at ease and the fact that he takes the time to answer all of his patient’s questions. In addition, he is also happy to provide the names of other specialists in a variety of fields.

On my monthly reclocation/retirement tours my clients always ask me about the medical care in Costa Rica. I give detailed accounts of my own experiences with the doctors here. I make it a point to talk about Dr. Grunhaus as an example of a consummate professional and the quality of medical care which is available to foreigners.

Life is so much simpler here in Costa Rica.

A friend of mine who has lived here for a couple of years just returned from the U.S. He spent a couple of weeks in his hometown of Dallas, Texas. When  I asked him how everything went there, his reply was, “Life is so much simpler here in Costa Rica.”

About an hour or two later I started to think about what he had said and realized that he was right. I believe that the search for a simpler lifestyle is the driving force behind so many Americans who move here. They just want to take a deep breath and smell the roses after so many years in the rat race.

Costa Rica is a refreshing change and offers an exciting lifestyle for most people who make the move. It gives them the chance to start over and enter a new stage of their lives. I know dozens of people who relocate or retire here who are so happy to finally be doing what they want to with their lives.

The bottom line is “lifestyle” and that is what ultimately sells people on the country. It’s is kind of hard to explain unless you have experienced it. That is why you need to visit here and experience the country and all it has to offer to see if it is right for you.  It seems to have been the correct choice for many since Costa Rica has more American residents proportionately that any other country outside of the U.S. They can’t be wrong!

So, simplify your life. Come to Costa Rica. It may be just what the doctor ordered. Pura vida (pure life, pure living, enjoy life etc.) is the national motto and sums the lifestyle in a nutshell.

Aquí se cura todo.

The Costa Rican Institute or Tourism (ICT) recently started a new ad campaign entitled “Aquí se cura todo” which in English means “Here everything gets cured.” I would be lying if I said that Costa Rica cures everything but the phrase is true to some extent.

During the almost 30 years I have lived in Costa Rica I have seen many Americans turn their lives around by moving here. Perhaps it is the great weather, the lovely people or the spirit of “Pura Vida” (pure life) which causes changes in people. It may even be something that  is completely intangible. Who know? All I can say is that I have seen people fulfill their dreams and find true success and happiness by moving here.

Don’t get me wrong Costa Rica is not for everyone. Unofficially about 30 percent of Americans who move here return home for one reason or another. Probably they just cannot adjust to the Latin culture. But those who end up staying say they have a much more rewarding lifestyle than they could ever have at home. You couldn’t drag most of them back to the States or Canada.

On my monthly relocation/retirement tours, I talk at length about the wonders of Costa Rica the rewarding lifestyle that is available here. It may just what you need to cure some of your ills.