Since we've landed in Costa Rica, our Spanish skills are improving. Improving our Spanish, allows us to talk to more people, and therefore get a better understanding of what it means to be a Costa Rican, or Tico.

Perhaps the best phrase that defines Costa Ricans, is "pura vida," or pure life.

Ticos use pura vida as a greeting and a farewell. They stick in the middle of sentences, or when they're shaking a stranger's hand. The phrase pretty much sums up the way Ticos look at life.

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Ticos enjoy a beautiful country and have a great sense of relaxation about them.

Ticos say pura vida like Simba says, "Hakuna Mattada." It really means, no worries.

Costa Ricans love life. They love their country. And pura vida is perhaps one of the best examples of that. When things go wrong, pura vida. When things go well, pura vida.