Under Grumpa's Hat

The Good, the Bad, and the… Pura Vida Before I dive in, let me say this: opinions are like belly buttons: everyone's got one, and some are a little more exposed than others in a place like Costa Rica. So, no, this isn't a travel brochure or a scientific breakdown. It's just my personal take on why I’ve fallen for this little mountain town called Atenas, nestled in the heart of Costa Rica.

It’s not a travel guide. It’s not a rant. It’s one man’s take on life in the hills of Costa Rica—where beauty meets chaos and lizards become roommates. #PuraVida #CostaRicaLife

Did you know that…

Costa Ricans pay ~40% less for high-speed internet than Canadians. Stream Netflix in the jungle on fiber optic for less than your Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal bill! #CostaRica

Embrace Life: Finding Peace Amidst the Noise Experience the beauty of life beyond fear and noise. Discover how to live fully, love wildly, and find peace in every moment.

Missed it this morning?

SM2: Tired of being told the world is falling apart? Maybe it’s not and you just need to unplug. Read this and start breathing again. #Perspective

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Our country lost its true identity when more value was placed on suits and a signature rather than overalls and a handshake.

Once again, my new country is helping my native one... 🇨🇷💕🇨🇦

I fully support @mark-carney.bsky.social for what he's been doing but the decision to force Air Canada's flight attendants back is NOT democracy. They are NOT an essential service and they have a right to strike.

If This Were My Last Day There’s a strange heaviness in the air these days. You can feel it, can’t you? It seeps in through the TV, through your phone screen, through conversations in coffee shops and checkout lines. It’s like the world has been put on a steady drip of fear, anger, and hopelessness. Every headline screams disaster, every opinion is an argument, and every quiet moment feels stolen by the next crisis we're supposed to worry about.

What if the biggest rebellion is turning off the noise and living fully? This piece might just change the way you see the world. #Peace #ChooseJoy

YouTube video by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show Drum-Off: Will Ferrell vs. Chad Smith

Such a good segment. 🤣

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Did you know that…

Costa Rica invests 7% of GDP in healthcare vs Canada’s 12%, yet both achieve top-20 global life expectancy. Efficiency matters! #CostaRica

The Queen of Comebacks: A Flight Attendant's Flair Experience the wit and charm of a fabulous flight attendant as he delivers sassy comebacks and ensures a memorable landing moment!

Missed your chuckle this morning?

A flight attendant, a “royal” passenger, and a comeback that had the whole plane howling. 👑 #AirlineStories #TravelHumour

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YouTube video by JD Lagrange August 16, 2025

Brunch for Dia de la Madre at Restaurante Elevé.

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Did you know that…

Canada’s poutine meets its tropical match: Costa Rica’s "chifrijo" (fried pork + beans). Swap gravy for fresh lime & avocado! #CostaRica

Sassy Skies and Safe Landings On a recent flight, I witnessed something so fabulous it deserves its own chapter in the “Manual of Memorable Moments.” Our flight attendant was a firecracker of personality—charming, quick-witted, and so full of sass you’d think he bottled it at home. He wasn’t just serving drinks; he was serving a whole vibe. As we began our descent, he strutted down the aisle like it was his personal runway and grabbed the intercom with flair:

Long live flight attendants who make us laugh, even when they’re outranking royalty. ✈️ #FeelGoodStory #TravelLife

I asked Mom if I was a gifted child...she said they certainly wouldn't have paid for me.

Embracing Human Connection Beyond Borders and Labels Explore how human connection transcends borders, highlighting moments of joy and laughter in Costa Rica amid global division.

Missed this #CostaRica life lesson earlier?

Borders divide on paper, but in real life, laughter and hugs tend to ignore the rules. Here’s how two kids-at-heart proved it. #PuraVida #Kindness

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YouTube video by JD Lagrange August 15, 2025

¡Feliz día de la madre! It's a special day here in #CostaRica

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I accidentally gave my boss a cannabis candy and he gave me high praise the next few hours.

Today is Mother's Day in Costa Rica. It's a National Holiday! To all the Moms in this beautiful country, enjoy your day!
#CostaRica #PuraVida
Hoy es el Día de la Madre en Costa Rica. ¡Es un día festivo nacional! A todas las mamás de este hermoso país, ¡que disfruten su día!

Did you know that…

Costa Rica’s coastline per capita is 25x longer than Canada’s. Every Tico has ~25m of beach; Canadians share ~1m per person. #CostaRica

Hear, hear!

The Pool, the Parade and the Point Every time I read about mass deportations in the USA or Canada’s not-so-warm welcome to certain newcomers, it feels like the world has learned all the wrong lessons from history. Families get split up, kids are left wondering why dad isn’t there for supper, and people who’ve lived somewhere for decades are suddenly told they don’t belong. Governments seem to think geography and paperwork decide a person’s worth.

A splash in a pool, a hug in a parade, and a reminder that humanity isn’t about borders. Sometimes the smallest moments hold the biggest lessons. #CostaRica #LifeLessons

The Secret to a Happy Marriage: Partnership Over Power Discover the secret to a happy marriage: it's not about power but partnership, laughter, and sharing the laundry. Read more!

Missed this relatable chuckle?

Control isn't love. And wearing the pants doesn’t make you the boss. This hilarious honeymoon moment proves it. #Couples #FunnyStories

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Did you know that…

When Canadians face -30°C, Costa Rica’s dry season (Dec-Apr) offers 30°C beach weather. It’s closer than Australia and no jet lag! #CostaRica

The world and social media need more Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift, Liam Neeson & Pamela Anderson love stories and less Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre and Danielle Smith divisive and hatred propaganda. Love > Hate.

Oh wow, those are beautiful. We have some in our garden and we were wondering what they would look like when they bloom.