"When you move to a foreign country, you do feel lonely sometimes. Trading texts, emails, and Facebook messages sometimes isn't enough." - Greg Gordon Thinking of moving to Costa Rica to live the pura vida lifestyle? Today's guest, Greg Gordon, is an expert in expat living. He's been living in Costa Rica since the 1990's as the founder of the country's first online surf report, CRSurf.com. In Episode 135 of Badass Digital Nomads, Greg and Kristin discuss how Costa Rica has changed over the years. They both witnessed the tourism and real estate boom firsthand. Greg shares how he taught himself to blog and code during the early internet days. He then offers tips on how to grow an online business with no experience, achieve work-life balance, and run his company from anywhere. Kristin and Greg also share their favorite places to visit in Costa Rica and explain how to stay safe and avoid common scams. Even though Costa Rica has a higher-than-average crime rate and cost of living, it's still a magical place to live or travel (if you know what you're doing). Tune in now to learn some of Costa Rica's best-kept tips secrets from two of its most experienced expats! "If you want to make a million dollars in Costa Rica, bring two million dollars." - Unknown EPISODE 135 TOPICS DISCUSSED: How Greg ended up living abroad in Costa Rica and how he taught himself Spanish. The reality of living in Costa Rica (pros and cons). Overcoming loneliness while living abroad. Crime, cost of living, and infrastructure in Costa Rica. Tips to stay safe and avoid getting your stuff stolen. Greg's various income streams as an expat over the years. Burning out in corporate America then moving to Costa Rica. Meeting your significant other abroad. Finding work-life balance as an expat or retiree versus making a lot of money. Living a vacation lifestyle with a low budget. Splitting your time 50/50 between the USA and foreign countries. Driving from California through Mexico to Costa Rica. Buying or shipping your car to Costa Rica. Crossing borders and dealing with police in Central America. Greg and Kristin's favorite Costa Rican foods and restaurants. QUESTIONS ANSWERED: How has Costa Rica changed since the 1990s? Was there less crime before the tourism boom? Is it dangerous to drive from San Diego through Mexico and Central America? How did you learn SEO by yourself? How did you teach yourself how to build a website with no experience? How do you avoid theft in Costa Rica? Do you own a house or rent your house in Dominical? What is your favorite surf spot in Costa Rica besides Dominical? What underrated destinations do you recommend in Costa Rica? Costa Rica Lightning Round RESOURCES Join the waiting list for Kristin's relocation coaching program, Ready To Relocate. Videos: 8 Reasons Why People LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left] Articles: 10 Ways Not to Get Your Stuff Stolen on a Surf Trip Podcasts: Shark Attacks, Surf Photography, and World Travel with Surfing Magazine's Jimmy Wilson The Dark Side of Costa Rica - Why Expats Leave How to Move From England to Costa Rica + UK and Europe Lockdowns Eco-Friendly Travel: How to Travel Sustainably Surfing: Surfline CR Surf Places to Visit and Surf in Costa Rica: Dominical Nosara Pavones Osa Peninsula Pan Dulce Isla Uvita Nauyaca Waterfalls San Isidro del General Best Restaurants in Costa Rica: Bar Jolly Roger Taj Mahal Escazu Lubnan San Jose Jaco Walk Caliche's Wishbone Fuego Brewery Trits Ice Cream Sandwiches by Dos Pinos Connect with Greg Gordon & CR Surf: Learn more about CR Surf Follow CR Surf on Instagram Connect with Greg on Facebook ........................................................................................... 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Thank you to Margit for the coffee! ☕️ A special thank you to Kristin's 2021 Patrons: Teklordz, Walt, Shawn, Richard Y, Heather, Karen, Kiran, Scott, Michael J, Issac, Mike M, Yasmine, Erick M, Yohji, Gary R , Ron, Gary, Ray, Henry L, Kelly, Alejandra, Keith, Stephen, Warren, James, Daniel, Gary B, Emily, Rich, Aisha, Phil, Anthony, Jennifer, Kathleen, Natalie, Dave B, Brian, Christopher, CJ, David G, Mike R, Chip, Shelly, Ron, Paul, Andy, Jeffrey, Paulo, Stephen, and Michelle. Special welcome to our newest Patrons from October 2021: Jeffrey, Paulo, Stephen, and Michelle! Become a Patron for $5/month at Patreon.com/travelingwithkristin ........................................................................................... Podcast descriptions may contain affiliate links of products and services we use and recommend at no additional cost to you.