pura vida??

Why pura vida? Good question! Literally it is Spanish for "pure life." But here in Costa Rica it has a slightly different connotation. It is much like saying "It's all good." Or "life is good." For example, if you come up to me and say "How are you doing?" I might answer, "Pura Vida!" As in: I'm good; life is good right now. If I meet a friend in passing on the street he might catch my eye and say "Pura Vida!" as he walks by. Or if there is a big soccer game and my husband is walking down the street with his Costa Rican National Team soccer jersey on and another fan spots him he will shout out "Pura Vida!" It's really a catch-all phrase! Kind of a national motto. I often hear people say "Pura Vida, Costa Rica" as if it is all one big happy Costa Rican vibe! Everyone here uses it. I love it because it always has a good, happy, up-beat, optimistic feel to it. I've never heard anyone say 'pura vida' with a sad face or a dejected look. It's a good thing! When Costa Ricans ask me how I like it here or what I think of Costa Rica so far I often answer "Pura Vida!" And it never fails to bring a big smile to their face. I guess that is what I hope for this blog. In the middle of busy life, I hope you can come here, pause for a minute, and leave with a smile on your face! Pura Vida!