“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!

While being in Costa Rica has been nothing short of an amazing experience, it’s not all fun and games. I’m an intern at a local foundation (Fundacion Rahab) that is dedicated to serving women, men and their families that have been victims of the sex trade industry. In Costa Rica, prostitution is legal and there are no legal forms/laws that protect these women, Fundacion Rahab is a resource that they are able to utilize to get back on their feet and get out of that life style. Being part of Fundacion Rahab has been an amazing opportunity that has allowed to me to see the other side of palm trees, beaches, and the occasional monkey roaming around. I’ve been able to see a different part of Costa Rica that many people don’t even know exists. It’s pretty amazing what happens when you immerse yourself in the community and without doing an internship I would have never discovered this other side to San Jose, Costa Rica.

Being an intern I’ve been able to read case files for women that have gone through the organization and I’ve also been able to work the kids at the onsite day care. And let me tell you, run around little kids is no easy job. My first day at the daycare, I was exhausted, at that point in time I realized the tremendous amount of body, mind, and soul that daycare givers give to these children and it was amazing.

This is Mateo. My little friend that I made while working at the daycare at Fundacion Rahab. He was adorable and had the sweetest smile I have ever seen.

My next post will be adventure updates, until then!

The days have become weeks and the weeks are slowly turning into months on this adventure of a lifetime. Costa Rica continues to amaze me with all its beautiful beaches, where I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the most beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen. The past month has been filled with completing an advanced conversation Spanish course, visiting the national soccer stadium for a friendly game (Costa Rica vs Uruguay) exploring different parts of the country (where we were able to kayak and see bioluminescent lights in the ocean) , horse back riding, waterfalls, hikes, visiting Panama, and experiencing Costa Ricas independence day like a true local.

As the first month is coming to a close, I start my second month at my internship with Fundacion Rahab and I can already tell that it will be an experience that I will remember for many years to come. Being placed at the child care center these past couple of days has given me an enormous amount of gratitude for people that are able to be so patient with children and watch over them as their own.

The food is good, the people are friendly, and the adventures continue.

Until next time! 🙂

The first week of my Costa Rican adventure is coming to a close and I can safely say that I have survived. Being away from friends and family is proving to be harder than I expected, but my Tico family is anything but welcoming and helpful while I try to adjust. Its been a week filled with orientations, meeting new people, and getting to know San Jose, Costa Rica. This city has a lot to offer, from incredible street art to amazing french pastry shops. There’s still much more to learn about this country and I cannot wait to discover it all.

Pura Vida!