"Pura Vida"

Pura vida ~ Pronounced POO-rah VEE-dah literally means "pure life", but the meaning is closer to "full of life", "purified life", "this is living!", "going great", or "cool!" It can be used both as a greeting and a farewell, to express satisfaction, to politely express indifference when describing something or even to say "thank you". The phrase has become widely known; this highly flexible statement has been used by many Costa Ricans (and expatriates) since 1956.  Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time, and of wanton friendliness. 


However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, resilience in overcoming difficulties with good spirits, enjoying life slowly, and celebrating good fortune of magnitudes small and large alike.  It is true that life can throw you some curve balls that you were least expecting but you can choose how you will let that affect your happiness.  Of course you should treat those unexpected obstacles with the respect they deserve as they are part of the process of forming who you are and how you are going to move forward in your life journey.  It is obvious when you arrive in Costa Rica and spend some time here you realize that these wonderful people, no matter what their lifestyle, are blessed with a pure happiness that when shared uplifts your spirits to share in their "Pura Vida".  You see how much they value their quality of life over material possessions.  A quality of life that is abundant with friends, family, good health and spiritual growth.

According to an article published  last month in International Living, Costa Rica tops the Happy Planet Index as the happiest place on earth!  International Living has been covering Costa Rica as a great retirement haven for many years, thanks to its eco-conscious policies, lack of standing army, relatively low cost of living and world-class health care system. The country is a favorite with retirees and second-home buyers from the U.S. and Canada, and is also a hotspot for medical tourism. Last month, International Living named Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula as one of the healthiest places on earth to live in its Health Index.

So are YOU ready to experience some Pura Vida?  Would YOU like to become one of the happiest and healthiest people on earth?  Does the idea of a kinder lifestyle living in a wonderful gated community surrounded by tropical beauty where you can enjoy chatting with the neighbors, community pot-luck dinners, gathering with friends on the beach to cook out and watch the sunset or going on eco adventures appeal to you?  A place where you can spread some Pura Vida of your own ....Come On and try it.....It truly is a great feeling!  

 Pura Vida 
"Living the Good Life" in Costa del Sol!

The definition used in the post for Pura Vida was taken from wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Costa_Rica

Cooling off in the pool!

Even the frogs in Costa Rica enjoy the Pura Vida life!

 

 

 

  

Pura Vida "Living the Good Life"!

Good Food, Good Friends and BEJUCO BEACH!

The saying     " It just don't get better than this!" rings true when a Sunday afternoon impromptu gathering of friends in Costa Del Sol heads out for some relaxation and good food on Bejuco Beach!  Load up the golf carts and cars with beach chairs, hammocks, a Tico charcoal grill and some ice chests filled with your favorite beverage and you are good to go! 

The menu of choice on this day?  Grilled chicken and fish tacos!   This group just happens to be blessed with some fine grilling chefs  and the wonderful Tico grill that was a gift from a local Tico makes the beach grilling experience even finer!  Throw in a few favorite appetizers, and secret sauces and you are in for one of the finest dining experiences that you will find in beautiful Costa Rica!

There is just something so relaxing about the break of the surf on the sand, the hot sun, the cool shade under the palm trees topped off with refreshing ocean breezes and sipping on a cold beverage while listening to great stories with friends.  

 

And what better way to top the day off than with a 

beautiful Costa Rican Pacific sunset!

Yep.....they were right when they said....

"It just don't get better than this!"

Pura Vida from your friends in

Costa Del Sol!  

An Elegant Aerial Ballet!

One of the most exciting things about living in Costa Rica is that the simplest outing to the bank and grocery store can turn into an afternoon of the most engrossing entertainment!  Of course when you are as adventuresome as we are you tend to stray off the beaten path to explore for new and interesting sites.

On this day as we were taking care of those daily tasks we came upon a group of Pelicans in the bay at Los Suenos.  I had actually ventured over to take a photo of the beautiful cove and the waves crashing on the rocks.  And there they were....these massive birds with their long beautiful bills gracefully sitting on the water.  They did not sit long and as they lifted up my first thought was that they were going to fly away.  And then the show began...........

They would fly in a circular pattern with the grace of an elegant aerial ballet and then pause midair and plunge down into the water.  After resting there momentarily they would repeat the show again and again!  It was so fascinating that I could not stop watching and clicking away!  We watched for quiet a while and I wondered just how long they could continue this intriguing pattern of flight.  I assume that they were feasting on the fish of the sea with each swoop.

FOR BETTER VIEWING CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.

 

 

 

 

There is just something so peaceful about a bird in flight.  

I hope that you enjoyed the "dance" as much as we did! 

 

A Birdwatchers Paradise!

We have a beautiful plant in our yard that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds and I have tried to get a pic of one .....but  every time I get there they are gone.

Today we were just hanging around the house with all the doors and windows open letting the cool and balmy Pacific breezes blow through the house.

I walked into the bedroom to get something and was greeted by a flying object that zoomed past my head!  

This beautiful little hummingbird had flown right into the house and was most distraught with not being able to find the way out.   So off I went to grab my camera in hopes of capturing the moment.

The poor little thing flew back and forth from one curtain rod to the other and wore herself out to the point where when she landed on the headboard we  scooped her up for transport back to nature and the great outdoors! (Yes, I called her a she....something so beautiful would just have to be a girl!)

Confinement does play a role in allowing for capturing photos of your subject so while in flight I was able to get some really good pictures of our new feathered friend!

BYE BYE BIRDIE!  I am so sorry for your stressful experience.....but thank you for the photo op!
Hopefully we will find you again feasting on the sweet nectar of our butterfly bush!

2 Fishermen....

Our home in Costa del Sol is only a country block from the beach and leaves no excuse for not getting that much needed exercise by walking on the beach.  On this morning we had loaded up the doggies on the golf cart and took the scenic drive down to enjoy the nice cool breeze off the water and put our toes in the sand!  It is not unusual to see the local Ticos fishing at the beach.  Today we ran into two very unique fishermen!  One was a young Tico fishing with a net!   It was so interesting to watch him throw it out and drag it back in.  What was even more interesting was to see it filled with fish!


He was very happy to have his picture taken with his catch of the day even though he did appear to be very shy.  His bucket was almost full and I am sure that his family will be very happy to enjoy some wonderful fresh fish for dinner tonight!

 The second fisherman was not a man at all but what appeared to be a hawk!   He only caught one fish but seemed to be enjoying his feast.  I don't think he was interested in sharing with anyone and when he was done perched up on top of a beautiful piece of driftwood with the proud pose of a great hunter after catching his prey.  I felt like I should offer him a toothpick!  

Click on Photos to enlarge and view the amazing detail of this beautiful bird!

The beauty and interesting things you find in Playa Bejuco compel you to come back for more as you never know each day what or who  you might meet along the way.

I am thinking that fresh fish sounds yummy for dinner.....maybe I should go to the ferretaria and purchase a net for fishing!  Who knows I might even pull in a crab or two for an appetizer!

Why don't you join us in Costa del Sol and Playa Bejuco for a relaxing day at the beach and some fishing? 

 

We would love to have you!          Pura Vida!