“Pura Vida!” a typical saying in Costa Rica that all locals use on the daily translated to “Pure Life”. It’s used to say hello, goodbye, how are you and everything in between. However, Pura Vida to Costa Ricans (Ticos) is so much more than just a saying, it’s their way of life. Being in Costa Rica for over a month now has really shown me what “Pura Vida” really is. Ticos take one day at a time, they are in no rush to get to places, no time lines, no meetings with friends/family that they want to rush through. They take things at an easy pace and value what’s in front of them; they have a simple way of looking at life.

I live la Pura Vida by venturing out into Costa Rica.

Two weekends ago we ventured onto one of our program excursions that took place in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica which is on the Caribbean part of the country, very close to Panama.

Where we ate delicious coconut rice, stayed in a hotel with hammocks right outside our doors and where we were able to snorkel and see some pretty amazing things underwater, including a shark and squid!

I do have to say though that my favorite part of Puerto Viejo had to be the sunrise. A few of my friends and I decided to rent bikes the night before and bike to the next beach over, Cocles, where the sunrise was supposed to be amazing. We got up at 4:30am Sunday morning to and started our 15 minute bike ride. While we were riding over, we began to notice that what was once pitch black was beginning to have hints of orange and pink hues so we peddled as fast as we could to witness this. Although there were clouds in the sky, the sunrise was still breathtaking. I would definitely do it all over again and perhaps wake up even earlier to be there right when it barely starts.

This past weekend we went on our other program excursion, but this time we went to the Pacific side of the country; Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Or how Ticos like to call it, “Tamagringo”. Tamarindo was a very touristy place, nice resorts and restaurants. Tamarindo is said to be the best place for surfers to catch some great waves.

We stayed in probably one of the nicest hotels that we have stayed at while in Costa Rica.

It was amazing. I’m a sucker for a good sunset, so when I was told that the best sunsets were seen on this side of the country, I had to get a front row seat at the beach. And I was not disappointed. At 5:28pm on the dot, the sky turned into this incredible pink/orangy hue and it was absolutely mesmerizing. I could have stared at it all day if I was able to do so.

While I have enjoyed visiting many of the beaches that Costa Rica has to offer, I do have to say that I enjoy the time that I spend at home with my host family. One of the things that I enjoy most is teaching them of my own culture. Being Mexican in a Latin country isn’t all that different, but the differences that are there, I have been able to share with them just like when they share their Costa Rican culture with me. Ticos are wonderful people and Costa Rica is a wonderful country that I cannot wait to explore some more.

Pura Vida!