This is the close of our Finding Pura Vida blog for 2020. It has been a great year … and a terrible year. It has not been what we expected when we left Florida and moved to Costa Rica, but not counting the pandemic it has been good. I am reminded of the old Chinese Proverb; may you live in interesting times.
Literally it 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 (Ticos and Ticas) use this phrase for about everything; to say hello or say goodbye, to say everything's great or its cool, and a whole lot more.
¡Pura Vida! can be a greeting and a farewell; you can use it for “I'm doing well” or “Everything's cool”; you can use it for “Oh well!” or “That's life!” It also can be used for “You're welcome” or “No worries”–or just about any exclamation like “That's great!” Its a lot like Aloha in Hawaii or c'est la vie in French.
¡Pura Vida! (pronounced poo-rah vee-duh) represents Costa Ricans' relaxed attitude towards life, no matter the circumstance. It's used to say hello, goodbye, to say everything is okay, and to brush off any negativity. It's a way of life and an attitude, and using it can help you fit in with the locals.
And Yes, Costa Ricans really do say Pura Vida and they live the
Did we find it? Well more about that in the coming year.
Costa Rica is “pura
vida”! The most commonly used phrase in Costa Rica literally
means “Pure life”, but the saying goes beyond its simple
translation: it's a way of life which symbolizes the idea of
simply enjoying life and being happy. But can an Expat live the Pura Vida life? We will see!
So, until we post again, remember, ¡Pura Vida!
