What began as a spontaneous decision at 18 turned into the most transformative chapter of Penélope Florez’s life. With nothing but a suitcase and a feeling, she landed in Tamarindo—where strangers became family, and freedom found a new meaning. In her own words, she reflects on the journey of building a life from scratch, guided by sunsets, self-trust, and an unshakable belief that everything happens for a reason.
Text and model Penélope Florez
Photography by Bri Mancini
“I had no idea what I was doing when I decided to move to Costa Rica at 18. I didn’t overthink it, I didn’t weigh the pros and cons, I didn’t even Google what Tamarindo was like. I just packed a suitcase, got on a plane, and trusted that everything would work out. And it turned out better than I could have ever imagined. It had been a year since I graduated high school in Venezuela, and during that time, I wasn’t studying, I wasn’t working—I was doing nothing. At first, it seemed fine, but eventually, I got tired of feeling stuck. That’s when my best friend, Loha, who had already been living in Costa Rica, suggested I move with her. I talked to my parents, and we agreed that I would give it six months to a year to study or learn English. If it didn’t work out, I would go back.
But life had other plans. To stay legally, I had to apply for refugee status, and just like that, my time in Costa Rica was no longer temporary. I found myself in a small town, surrounded by strangers who, over time, became family. Meanwhile, my actual family was still in Venezuela. It’s been almost four years since I last saw them, and even though I miss them so much, I know this was the path I was meant to take. Tamarindo has taught me what true freedom feels like. Here, time flows without pressure, the ocean sets the pace, and every sunset reminds me of how lucky I am. I used to think I would never live in a small town; now, I can’t imagine a better home. Walking out my door and greeting five people within ten minutes, feeling the hot sand under my feet, diving into the ocean without hesitation—every detail is a gift.
“When I think of home, I think of the ocean, of freedom, of the sunsets that remind me that no matter what happens, I will always find my way back.”
I love going to the beach at the end of the day, alone or with friends, reading a book, or simply watching the sun disappear into the horizon. I don’t know if it’s the golden light reflecting on the water, the warm breeze, or the sound of the waves, but every sunset feels like a miracle. As if the universe is reminding me that everything is okay, that everything happens for a reason, and that, in one way or another, I always end up exactly where I’m supposed to be.
It’s been almost four years since I arrived, and I am no longer the same person who left Venezuela with just a suitcase and an uncertain dream. I’ve learned to be independent, to trust myself, to create the life I want. Now, I work in photography, modeling, and content creation. And while I still work as a host and promoter at Tasty, (wich is a company that I love and has allowed me to meet amazing people whom I love working with) I know this is just the beginning and I also know that in the near future, I want to fully focus on content creation, photography, and modeling.
Of all the things I’ve learned in this journey, the most important one has been to trust myself. Many people didn’t think I would last long here. Honestly, if I had seen myself from the outside four years ago, I probably wouldn’t have believed in me either. But deep down, something inside me always knew I could do it. I was certain that no matter how difficult the road was, I would find a way. And that’s the most valuable lesson I take from this experience: the confidence that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
One thing that has always guided me is my mindset. I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, and whether it’s “good” or “bad,” it always turns into something good. And I also know, with every cell in my body, that I am so lucky and everything works out for me. Tamarindo has given me everything, and every day I try to give back a little of its magic. This place is my home. And while my heart will always belong to Venezuela too, when I think of home, I think of the ocean, of freedom, of the sunsets that remind me that no matter what happens, I will always find my way back.”
Model and Text – Penélope Florez @penelopeflorez
Photography – Bri Mancini @bee.roll.bri
