Costa Rica Pura Vida

I just spent about a month in the U.S. visiting some relatives and close friends, shopping  and relaxing. I have lived in Costa Rica for almost 30 years and obviously love the country. Nevertheless, I do need to travel once in a while to recharge my batteries or as they say in Spanish, “cargar las pilas.”

When I go to the States I find everything so impersonal and rushed. I really feel like a “fish out of water” since I lived outside of the U.S. for so many years. It is a completely different culture and world up there. I am not saying that it is better or worse but just different. I don’t find it compatible with the laid back lifestyle of Costa Rica. Don’t get me wrong! I always enjoy myself when I go to the States. I relish the time I spend with relatives and old friends.

What I really like about Costa Rica is that everything seems to be simple here. Up north things seems to be much more complicated. I have a friend from Dallas who lives here and he always remarks about the simplicity of thing here. You would have to live here to really understand what we mean.

Another friend remarked that the first time he came to Costa Rica, he was immediately stuck by the peacefulness the minute he stepped off the plane. That feeling is hard to find or non-existent up north.

Costa Rica is the land of friendly smiles and happy people. The locals seem to exude this vibe  and the pura vida (pura life) lifestyle which make the country a fantastic place to live. I don’t ever get that feeling in the States. Everything seems so cold in comparison to the warmth of Costa Rica.