by Dagmar Reinhard

Indira Pintin and Patrice Racine are FrenchCanadians from Montreal; they decided to take a sabbatical from their jobs. Indira had been working as an IT business analyst and Patrice as a high school math teacher. Indira, originally from El Salvador, wanted a total immersion in Latin culture and customs for their two kids. They chose Costa Rica; it became their favorite destination after a pura vida experience in recently year when they swapped houses with some Uvita residents.

The kids attended Escuela Verde, where they made plenty of friends, both ticos and foreign kids. Their Spanish and English improved exponentially. As a family they experienced the warmth of a welcoming community, filling their social agenda with pool and birthday parties. They were very pleased with the sense of belonging and the support they experienced whenever they needed it.

Indira and Patrice enjoyed their yoga classes at Bodhi Surf, worked out at the Uvita gym, and the whole family participated in their new passion: surfing. They were really pleased with the quality of teachings they received in this small town.

On the weekends, they took advantage of the proximity of Nauyaca waterfalls, mangrove tours at Sierpe, and whale watching when the humpbacks visited Costa Ballena. What a great experience for the whole family who truly enjoyed nature and playing soccer all year round. They never had a problem with the warm weather! This lovely family is taking home many new skills and the “pura vida experience”