Albert and Keith Toney may seem like an ordinary gay couple.

But when the Massachusetts men moved to Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, their new cultural surroundings held some surprises.

While being interviewed and photographed recently by the regional newspaper La Voz de Guanacaste, the couple garnered reactions from passersby that spanned the spectrum from shock to warmth.

“Not five minutes went by when a man passed in front of the Toneys and nearly fell off his bicycle as he watched the couple embracing and kissing,” said La Voz.

Keith and Albert told La Voz they sense the province is becoming more inclusive for people with different sexual orientations. “There is a new generation, like among people under 20 years old, that is more public and open. They come out of the closet earlier and live happier,” said Keith.

This was reflected by the attitude of two high school girls who strolled past the photo shoot and remarked, “Hey, look, that’s cool!”, and continued on, unphased.

In 2004, Albert and Keith legally married, becoming the first same-sex couple to do so in the small town of Holden, Massachusetts.

After marrying, they realized their legal recognition was only part of the battle. The couple went on to challenge Massachusetts’ pension laws so that same-sex couples could inherit their partner’s money in the event of death, reported La Voz.

Now in Junquillal, Guanacaste for the past three years they say they wouldn’t trade their beach lifestyle for anything. Albert, 50, was the first openly gay police officer in the Worcester Police Department; now he’s retired. Keith is 45 and works as an accountant, although he’s never liked what he does, reported La Voz.

Now volunteers on the Junquillal community safety committee: Albert is president and Keith is secretary.

And though they have never had problems with neighbors or have felt openly discriminated against, the couple says Guanacaste “faces the same challenges that any rural place in the world does.”

In the United States, “urban areas are more open to the LGBTQ community, while rural areas are more conservative, the couple said in an interview with La Voz.

Living as an expatriate gay couple in Guanacaste turned out to be the right decision for the Toney’s who enjoy entertaining at their home and the beauty of the coastal region. They told La Voz they feel inspired to share their story with other gay couples.