Pura Vida - Here we come!

Preview of later today at La Gata! 

But right now, I’m at the airport all checked in watching cars pull up to drop passengers off at the departure area. Finally resting. No more to-do lists, no laptops, and no sleep. Yep, no sleep. I probably got 1.5 hours waking up every few minutes to drop something else in my suitcase: portable charger, playing cards, water bottle… whatever.  

I first decided I wanted to go to Costa Rica almost 10 years ago when I worked with a team of software developers based there. They were always so cheerful. 

Every standup: 

Them:  “¡Buenos Dias!” 

Us: “Good Morning, how’s it going” 

Them: “¡Pura Vida!”

And from then, I said I gotta go there and experience this Pura Vida. Apparently it’s something Costa Ricans say all the time. I’ll find out soon if that’s legit or some antiquated lingo from the early 2000s. 

Will probably post again later today… but for now napping at the gate 💤 🥱 

Landed this morning just before noon local time. And was welcomed by several collages and signs at the airport reading “!Pura Vida!” so apparently it still is a thing! I met my cousin outside with several other volunteers and we headed over to the center coordinating our trip. We were starving so walked around the corner for lunch at an outdoor food court called La Gaga. I enjoyed some delicious fried fish and papas bravas. 

We had an orientation at 3 and it started around 3:15… we were told that it would start late, typical Tico Time fashion. Basically Costa Rican term for CP time. There are probably about 20 others here volunteering for various things. About half of us are doing construction and renovation. We get more details about that tomorrow!

And now I’m here at the host family with my cousin overhearing an American girl chatting with her friend who I surmise is back home. I wonder if she knows we can hear her every word? Anyway tomorrow’s a new day. And as I said that some upbeat country music just came on. Maybe it’s Mariachi actually… I’m so tired though after my shower I’m sure I’ll be knocked out! Looking forward to what the day tomorrow will bring!