Pura Vida: It’s a way of life. In Costa Rica, it kind of sums everything up. This catch-all phrase elicits smiles, nods, general agreement that in the end, it’s pure life. Costa Ricans get that distinction between living life and letting it pass by.
We’re smitten. The Costa Rican (Tico) way of honoring life resonates. But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself!
As Lalo says, “pura vida is something a person says when everything’s good. ”
Pura vida indeed. The country has not had an army since the 1940’s, a fact proudly emblazoned on t-shirts in the San Jose airport. There is an open-armed welcome to tourists and travelers from all over the world with many restaurants, cabs and hotels taking American dollars as well as colones. Trash is separated into five categories. Only one is landfill. Their land is vivid, alive and thus they don’t want to spend more of it on landfill than possible. Their appreciation for the natural beauty makes toilets in the jungle part of a fragile septic system and they go to interesting lengths to not disturb the flow. Additionally, they have earmarked land near the beach that is off limits in Nosara from development. I spoke with our canopy guide and we agreed that environs like these can’t be bought. They’re precious as are all of the indigenous wildlife and birds.
Our merry travelers talk about their favorite moments in Costa Rica. Perhaps the zip line Beck describes or the Olive Ridley turtle tour at dusk might tip the scales for you. Costa Rica is calling…
Over the next few weeks, I will share recipes and restaurant reviews from our time in Nosara, so stay tuned.
Pura vida: How do you define the good life?
Okay, I want to hear about the turtles in detail. Next time I see you…
Pura Vida: for me, I had many, many moments of this over the past three days, in fact. Shared meals with beloved friends; long drives across beautiful land; sipping a glass of wine outside in the fresh sea air; watching a condor soar right in front of my rocky hill. Amazing. I guess a short definition would be: experiencing God through His creations.
Yes! Pura vida in action. I love to hear the examples you shared of how pura vida found you (or maybe the opposite). 🙂 Thanks for sharing!