Plainly translated from Spanish, Pura Vida means “simple life” or “pure life”, but in Costa Rica it is more than just a saying, it is a way of life. Costa Ricans use the term to say hello, to say goodbye, to exchange convivial greetings, and as a general, universal feel-good reply to most everything. It is an emotion, an attitude, a happiness. In fact, Costa Rica has been named the happiest country in the world on the Happy Planet Index. And, yes, believe it or not, there is such a thing at happyplanetindex.org.
Costa Rica has not endured a civil war since 1948, and since then has maintained small forces capable of law enforcement, but has no standing permanent army. They are a kind, non-confrontational people who exist in a stressless and peaceful environment, a country of political stability, economic prosperity, and relaxed contentment.
Our friend and neighbor back home in Missouri, Allan, is a native Tico, the endearing, affectionate term that Costa Ricans call themselves. He and his wife, Krista, have a beautiful paradise hideaway home near Jaco, a town on the Costa Rican Pacific known for its surf beaches, nightlife, and as a gateway to the lush tropical Costa Rican national parks with the greatest density of species in the world. They come here a few times a year to rest and rejuvenate and extended their vacation just long enough to meet us when our ship arrived in the small, sleepy coastal town of Puntarenas, an hour or so away. There is something very special, even comforting, about being with friends in a different context far from home, so it was a welcome sight when Allan and Krista whisked us away to show us their slice of heaven and see for ourselves what Pura Vida really is.
Their spacious home is breezy and open, with manicured tropical landscaping and a brand new saltwater swimming pool with a cascading waterfall, next to a covered outdoor dining area and grill kitchen. We were treated to a leisurely al fresco lunch of just-caught ceviche and delicious soft fried plantains with refried beans, creamy guacamole, and chunky pico de gallo, along with cold local beers and sangria.
It was hard to resist a brief swim, but we had only enough time for a quick driving tour of the area and stopped at nearby Los Suenos, a luxury resort and marina, to get a glimpse of its gated mountaintop villas, beachside condos, onsite Mariott hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, sea view restaurant, and streamlined yachts. Costa Rica was once a relatively undiscovered haven for American expats and retirees, but has long since soared in popularity, along with its property values.
We made it back to the ship just in time, and before we knew it, we were off again to another port, left with great memories of our visit and looking forward to seeing our friends when we returned home, with a deeper appreciation of their love for Costa Rica and a new commitment to embrace La Pura Vida.
Lovely & idyllic!
Thanks for taking us along.
Marcia & Greg P
Kristy- It is so much fun to get these great descriptions of where you are. I know it is a lot of work to send as many as you have, and I hope you can keep it up.
Jack