Jul19

pura vida.

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my home away from home

in the rainforest on the caribbean side

water, more water, water from the sky

crocs, orchids, trees, coconuts, mangoes, sloths, monkeys, birds

rice, beans, fish, bananas, coffee, veggies, guava, papaya,

calm

pura vida

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The term “Pura Vida” is an expression of happiness, optimism, and living life to the fullest.  It is impossible to visit Costa Rica without hearing this phrase continuously.

As a question, it is equivalent to “how are you?” As a response, it means “very well.”

Curiously, the person does not necessarily have to be very well — the greeting arises automatically because, deep down, its meaning is: “I’m glad to see you and that makes me happy”.

it is also used to say goodbye:

it is the equivalent to saying “yes” to any question and used to say “you’re welcome” or “it’s nothing”.

regardless of the context, Pura Vida is always expressed with enthusiasm, sympathy, gratitude and motivation, because it emerges from the soul.

Pura Vida is an expression so embedded in the culture of Costa Ricans that no one would suspect that it may have arisen from a 1956 Mexican movie with the same name.  The phrase is used by the protagonist throughout the film to refer to good people and beautiful things or situations.

Ticos (people native to Costa Rica) adopted the term, morphing it to a distinct meaning yet with varied manifestations. It is now so ingrained that it is used by different generations and is part of Costa Rican mainstream culture and identity. More than just a term, it’s a lifestyle.

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55 responses »

  12. Thank you for the lesson on Pura Vida, Beth. I hope you continue to use the phrase when you’re back home. The kinders will love it. Your photos are beautiful!

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  13. Oh my god, I could live in that lovely little house by the river forever. It looks like pure Pura Vida..if that makes sense. It reminds me of the Hawaiian word, (concept) Aloha. Is that crocodile anywhere near your front porch? :)
    We just visited the US Everglades because I wanted to see alligators in the wild..the closest I could get to crocodiles. Lucky lucky you!

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