Justin Blachman

Pura Vida

 

      Pura Vida is an expression used throughout everyday life in Costa Rica.  Although its direct translation means, "Full of life", "This is living", or even "Real living", the true meaning is in the hearts and souls of almost every single Costa Rican. 

 

    When I visited Costa Rica, I was constantly surrounded with the words Pura Vida.  It was used in the simular situations that we uses thanks and hello, but the way the native Costa Ricans articulated the word really gave the word cherish a whole new meaning.  Although I never met them, and they never met me, two small words, Pura Vida broke down the barriers between us, and really connected us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     I personally believe the saying Pura Vida is the secret for happiness and the warmth I recieve from most of the Costa Ricans I encounter.  Pura Vida to me means living live to its fullest, treated everyone respectfully, and always having remembering to have a good time.  Pura Vida is the key to joy in the Costa Rican community, and I can't wait until we get our own embraceful saying. 

 

      When I visited Costa Rica, many, especially my homestay family would great my with Pura Vida.  These two words expressed kindness, and an immediate sense of care and saftey amount people you barely even know.  Pura Vide brings out the best of people, connecting the country.