From being in the classroom to a tour of Heredia and then returning to the classroom, I noticed one major pleasantry: how natural everything is in Costa Rica. I noticed how our time in the classroom was gifted with open windows and raised blinds. I saw how the market in Heredia was open air with minimal artificial lighting. Even in riding around on the bus I saw people clearly walking around just for the sake of enjoying the weather. I can tell from our first day in Costa Rica how much the phrase “Pura Vida” really means to the Ticos. It seems like a country where naturalness is valued more than modernity or sheer appearance.

From hearing in class that the Pura Vida lifestyle was the essence of Costa Rica’s people to actually seeing it has been two different things entirely. I figured it would just mean everyone walks around in flip flops and a Hawaiian shirt, but it really means so much more. I got to see a more natural side of life compared to the artificial, abrasive lighting of grocery stores or the stuffiness of our typical classrooms. After one day of Costa Rica I have been very pleasantly surprised with the true relaxed feel of the country, and I’m excited to see more. Pura Vida!