As most of you know by now the term “pura vida” (pure living) is the national motto and is reflect by the Costa Rican’s laid-back and carefree lifestyle. Because of this omnipresent attitude and view of life, the people here tend to enjoy life more than we do and live in the moment. Costa Ricans were recently selected as the happiest people on earth according to a study. They also live longer than most Americans. This is probably due to the country’s “cradle to grave’ health care system and the lifestyle. Most Americans who retiree here adopt this pura vida lifestyle and usually end up living longer and happier.

Unfortunately there is a downside to the “pura vida’ lifestyle. The people here tend to procrastinate and take longer to get many things completed. At time this attitude can be frustrating to foreigners. Especially when they are trying to get things done and the ticos seem to be dragging their feet.

Pura vida can also be an excuse for general inefficiency and a pretext for not acting on important matters. Maintaining the country’s highways, combating crime, passing and enforcing traffic laws and fighting poverty and drugs use are important areas where progress is slow. An example of this indifference is the new highways which were recently completed during the Arias administration. The highway between the costal towns of Quepos and Dominical took over 40 years to complete. One administration after another delayed the construction this vital link for one reason or another.

There are countless other examples of the pura vida outlook keeping the country form being proactive and making it more reactive. All of this has combined to stunt the county’s growth. Don’t get me wrong Costa Rica is making huge strides in many areas but could probably be miles ahead if the people were a little less carefree and more responsible.

Despite all of the above I still love living here.