"Pura Vida" ...What a Wonderful Phrase
"Pura Vida," or "pure life" in Spanish is a phrase that you hear on a daily basis in Costa Rica. It is used as a greeting, a farewell, a phrase of thanks, and also describes the perpetually good attitude of the Ticos.
Someone lends you 100 colones for a snack? Pura Vida.
Thanking the bus driver for the ride across town? Pura vida.
Plans change on short notice? Pura vida.
When I said the phrase to my Mama Tica, she laughed and said back, "Hakuna Matata!" Even though the phrases are indeed very similar, I think that Pura Vida is even more. More than a motto for the country, it embodies the relaxed way of life of the Ticos. It is being ever thankful for the things and people you have in your life, the kindness that you receive, and gracefully accepting unforseen changes.
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