If you know much about Costa Rica, then you know that the country is most frequently associated with the phrase Pura Vida. Literally translated, it means “pure life” and it describes so much about the atmosphere here. It’s a totally legitimate response to the question “How are you?” and even an adjective to describe people. It can be a greeting, a farewell, or anything in between.
To live pura vida is something that the Ticos seem to have grasped and are embracing to it’s fullest. At first, I thought it was only a phrase for tourists- something to put on t-shirts and mugs and for hotel owners to say when you walk in. I felt like the whole “pura vida” idea was just an act, an elaborate show put on for foreigners. But the more I listened, the more I heard the phrase spoken between locals all the time and saw what it looks like to live out pura vida.
Costa Rica isn’t the kind of place you come to experience the “culture.” It doesn’t have the super clear cultural distinctions that you might find in exploring somewhere more “exotic.” But I think that most Ticos (Costa Ricans) would describe their own culture as pura vida. Pura vida signifies full of life, things are going great, all is well. Think “hakuna matata.” It’s the laidback appreciation for everything that’s passing around you. Running on a clock that’s a lot slower than that of the United States lets you actually enjoy life instead of packing it as full as we love to do. Instead of running a million miles a minute, Ticos have a better idea of what it means to enjoy the smaller (and bigger) things and revel simply in existence. There’s a certain sense of peace and contentment that comes with being happy where you are. Not constantly striving to get out of a situation or living in discontent. Giving thanks in all circumstances. I think we could all use a little more pura vida.