From Costa Rica and beyond

As we head towards our next trip it has been fitting to read the latest statistics from the World Happiness Report revealed today, and just 24 hours after the International Day of Happiness.

 We had travelled to Costa Rica with the knowledge that the country had been voted top for ‘happiness’ three times in the last decade – in 2009, 2012 and 2016.

 Our trip there certainly made us happy. It was wonderful, made especially so by our tour guide Ed and his enthusiasm for taking visitors around his country; the flora and fauna; and the different climatic zones. One can travel through the wet, cool, mountainous highlands, via the mid ranges that are dryer and warmer, and then experience the extreme heat of the lowlands all in one day.

 There was so much in Costa Rica that I had not expected. I knew that wildlife and plant species were abundant, but the nature reserves and the efforts people were putting into the ecosystem in some areas was impressive and encouraging.

Views in the Puntarenas region

So what of my first blog on the country and the happiness aspect? If guide Ed was anything to go by, citizens of Costa Rica were happy. He was always cheery and laughing and full of get-up-and-go (particularly for our daily 4am starts). The local people we came into contact with all seemed happy and polite, and welcoming to tourists.

 However, Costa Rica is not without its problems, and these are not unique to the country. There is poverty, although we did not see it; and an influx of illegal citizens from nearby countries, some of whom were sleeping on the streets of San Jose. There is child exploitation, which agencies are working hard to prevent. There are high pregnancy rates including amongst younger girls. There is also deforestation, particularly due to increasing numbers of plantations and the infrastructure they require.

 But the country has so much to admire, especially its strive in some quarters to protect its ecosystems. The protected land is vast and requires several organizations to oversee it. The numbers of wildlife species are enormous, with many unique to Central America. A lot are endangered. Recycling bins are everywhere and we rarely saw litter. I noted during a three-hour walk in the rainforest there was not a single piece of rubbish. And the food is good. Although the portions are generally large they are not greasy, and the range of vegetables used is far wider than in the UK. Family life and the extended family support system also appear to be strong.

 But how does Costa Rica fare in the latest Happiness Report? It seems its rating is declining, dropping from 12th in the last report to 13th, although it is doubtful a tourist would detect that. Instead it is Finland that is top dog, having been number one in the last two reports. Maybe one day we will put that to the test. In the meantime we are heading to Hungary, currently in 62nd position but on the up since 2012.

So yes, the Costa Rican people we met appeared happy, but this must not mask the fact that they have their troubles just like any other country. It is the way these matters are handled which is most important. And now to Budapest!

 Copyright text and photos: Sue Barnard 2018