Recently, I saw two television commercials that really caught me eye. The first was from Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism. It seems the country have a new national motto used to promote travel there—“Ecuador, life in a pure state or pure state of life.” Colombia has also jumped on the bandwagon with there own national slogan — “The risk is you may end up wanting to stay.” Both phrases are catchy but never will approach the originality of Costa Rica’s national motto, “Pura vida” or Pure Life.

If it is all in a name, Costa Rica certainly has it. Pura vida reflects everything about this wonderful country especially the fantastic lifestyle of the people. The spirit of this national motto fills the air and is infectious. Many tourists can sense it the minute they get off the plane. Foreigners who move here become imbued with it. It is really an intangible but will overwhelm you if you embrace it. It is so uplifting and is everywhere.

No wonder Costa Ricans are among the most happy people in the word according to a recent survey. If you decided to live or retire here you will become part of this pura vida spirit.

By the way, I just purchased a fantastic coffee table book.”The Life of Costa Rica” by Gloria Calderón. It is a must purchase and filled with incredible photos which truly reflect what the spirit and life of Costa Rica are all about. I have put it on top of my living room table so that everyone can leaf through it and experience this wonderful publication.