Please join us at El Velero Hotel on January 27, 2024 from 12-4pm for a memorial celebration for our good friend Mike Tesluk.  We want to take a moment to reflect on Big Mike’s life and share all the memories that you have from over the years.  It should be as great a time as when Mike and the El Velero were in full party mode back in the day.  Hope to see everyone there to spread some love!

RIP Big Mike Tesluk

Sad news from paradise. Big Mike Tesluk passed away October 27 2023. Mike was an Iconic part of this community and a fixture from the early days in Playa Hermosa, known as the Wild West. He was part madman, part Teddy Bear, but was as loyal as a dog. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you knew that he would take a bullet or lie in front of a train for you. My best memories from my very beginnings here in the land of Pura Vida, involved sitting with Mike, drinking vodka, and watching the sunset. I can honestly say that I would never have been as successful as I have become without his support. The guidance and encouragement he gave me along with the introductions that he made; I will never forget. His laugh was classic, and his energy filled the room. Everyone who had ever met him, came away knowing that they had crossed the path of a one-of-a-kind human being. He was not only a friend, but he was my brother. I love you Mike, and I will miss you more than I could ever put into words. Thank you for being such a huge part of my life, for the last 24 years. RIP pal. Enjoy the Big Harley Davidson Rally in the sky.

Your friend always.

Tank Tops Flip Flops News Letter edition no. 228

EXPATS in Paradise – Mango Baby Beach Rentals

John and Rebecca Murray were a typical young family coming out of the Pandemic.  They grew closer as a family while being confined to close quarters and when the world started to open up they began to reevaluate their situation.  John did not want to continue traveling for work a few days a week and the thought of putting their kids back in daycare so Rebecca could return to the office was not appealing either.

So at the a drop of a hat they basically sold everything they had in the United States and moved to Costa Rica.  Their plan was to do a year “Sabbatical” and see what happened after that.  Those of us that have made our lives down here in paradise all know that those were famous last words.  Sure enough, within months, they had fallen in love with the Papagayo Area and settled on a nice home in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste.  

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 223

Why are we telling this story here?  First of all – It is amazing that a family with 3 young kids could move to Costa Rica without ever having been here.  And second – Both John and Rebecca left successful careers without a moments hesitation in search for a better life for themselves and their growing family.  It is important to note that many people came out of the pandemic saying they wanted to make a change in their lives and lifestyles but never did!