In 1989 just as tourism was beginning in Costa Rica, the author moved to the tropics with his wife and two young daughters.

This is the saga of their often humorous adventures in their newfound paradise. The Costa Rican saying pura vida "pure life" summed up their hopes, but they soon learned that there is no such thing as heaven on earth.

This is a must read for those contemplating dropping out to live on a tropical beach. Steve and Mary Lou now live in Montana and maintain their home in Manuel Antonio as a vacation rental, visiting as tourists when they can.