Pura Vida—It’s a typical Costa Rican phrase.
Directly it translates into “pure life”, but there’s so much more to the expression than that.
A more accurate rendition might be ‘to live life to the fullest’, or—like Urban Dictionary so eloquently puts it— hakuna matata.
Pura Vida is a greeting used in passing. It’s an adjective for something excellent. It’s a way of life that embodies the relaxed, happy and peaceful Ticos (Costa Ricans).
It didn’t take us long to discover the Pura Vida lifestyle. We first heard it as a welcome from the man at the farmers’ market who sold us his homemade cheese and then as a goodbye from the woman at the taco stand that didn’t really sell any tacos. We’ve observed the Pura Vida mindset in the friendly handshakes and animated smiles from everyone who passes us on the street. Now that we are in the tourist-center of La Fortuna, we’ve even seen the expression on souvenir shops, hotels and t-shirts.
We know we haven’t seen much of Costa Rica…yet. And we’re only starting to understand what the expression Pura Vida symbolizes to a Tico. However, we’re certain that if ever there was a town that encompasses the Pura Vida lifestyle, it’s San Ramon.
San Ramon is a small University town located amidst valleys, mountains, and cloud forest. The only sizeable town near our housesitting gig, this was our go-to for buying groceries and interacting with civilization. There’s not a ton to see and do in San Ramon, but it’s this lack of tourism that makes San Ramon such a gem in the first place.
One of the best things to do in San Ramon is walk. The city centers on the San Ramon Church, an ideal place to start from (partially because of its centrality but mostly because of the numerous ice cream shops flanking its sides).
San Ramon consists of small stores and restaurants, a lively bus stop and a central market. It has everything a town needs, and we certainly understand why a handful of foreigners have decided to retire in the area.
Apart from the practical necessities of San Ramon, the highlight of the town is its weekend farmers’ market. I love farmers’ markets, no matter where they are, but this one certainly had a special charm to it. It’s quite possible to get anything you might need here, with rows of vendors selling everything from colorful produce and locally made cheeses to freshly cut flowers and organic dark chocolate. The products are priced incredibly fairly whether you’re a Tico or a gringo, and making our purchases without having to barter was a welcome respite from the markets we typically frequented in Asia. But what really got us about the San Ramon farmers’ market was that it oozed of Pura Vida. There was something about the charming welcomes between locals and the heartwarming smiles we received; something in the way my deteriorating Spanish was patiently praised. Each person we met seemed to have plenty of time to strike up an animated conversation with us, inquiring about our lives and how we had made it to San Ramon, talking about the community and the beauty of the area. It kept us strolling up and down the lanes even after we had long finished making our purchases, seeking to soak in a little bit more of the lively ambience while we could.
We look forward to experiencing more of the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica, though our expectations have been set quite high after San Ramon.
Have you experienced the Pura Vida lifestyle—in Costa Rica or elsewhere? How would you characterize it? What’s your favorite thing to do in small towns?
I really like discovering these sleepy towns when travelling. Away from the tourist traps you see life as the locals see it. And also pick up these little phrases :-)
I love the pictures of the church.
The Guy recently posted…Porto San Paolo – gateway to Isola Tavolara
We have really grown to appreciate the slower pace of places like San Ramon. Sometimes all we want is an ice cream in the park :-p
I was just in Costa Rica – I don’t know how I missed this town.. very pretty!
Escaping Abroad recently posted…Lake Atitlan – The Most Beautiful Lake in the World?
It is quite easy to miss. Where all did you go? We just finished up in Arenal and are headed to Monteverde before exploring the Nicoya Peninsula. Anything you would recommend?
I could use a little pura vida right about now! I’ve experienced that feeling in South Carolina, where things move a little slower and the locals call you “honey.” I’m heading there in a few months and can’t wait to relax!
Heather recently posted…My Perfect NYC Weekend
Being from North Carolina we love that southern hospitality! I can’t even remember the last time I was called honey.
Oh my goodness!! That farmers market looks DIVINE. I’m not so far away over in Honduras but we get the absolute worst veggies over here… wilting and rotting on the grocery store shelves. I must get to San Ramon!
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown recently posted…Rain, rain, rain = new look!
It is pretty fantastic. Bummer the Honduran veggies aren’t up to par. You’re welcome in San Ramon anytime!
Smaller places (often off the beaten path)that are not so full of tourists are sometimes great finds for us too. I love the farmer market :)
Franca recently posted…Our Camera Is Dead, Long Live Our Camera
Especially after being on the move everyday cycling through Vietnam it was nice to get to a farmers market and cook our own food for a change. :-)
I love towns like this: places that lack obvious attractions, but make you search for the hidden gems and allow for more time to interact with people and just watch the world go by. Sounds lovely!
Sam recently posted…Expat Living in Peru: Mari in Lima
San Ramon is pretty special in that way. Since there are no big draws there is no need to rush around and see anything. Just sit back, relax and enjoy an ice cream in the park :-p
I like the way you think, starting at the ice cream haha. Looks like a beautiful place. :)
Sally recently posted…An Honest Review of 16 Months Studying Korean
San Ramon is a pretty special place. We’ve found that ice cream is a great idea most days of the week! :-p