La Pura Vida is a lifestyle in Costa Rica like no other. The people and culture of Costa Rica is a positive experience. You have less stress and worry when you are in a tropical paradise. During my time in San José and Limón, Costa Rica, the natives were friendly and talkative to foreigners trying to practice their Spanish. It is a good country to practice your Spanish because the Costa Rican people speak in the traditional way and can understand each other. Costa Rica is a peace-oriented country that does not even have a military man. The saying called "La Pura Vida" translates as pure life and to live a slow and appreciative life of all that life has to offer. Live life to the fullest with everything I can do in your power. The small Central American nation is home to incredible biodiversity and rich cultures. A vibrant mix of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence, with a hint of Jamaican, Chinese and other immigrant cultures that lend character and customs. The result is a nation of calm, kind, and happy people. The people of Costa Rica use the saying for everything, how to say goodbye and how to describe their day. Not only is the culture-rich, but so is the ecosystem and landscape within the country that is the size of Lake Michigan!

It is an agricultural culture to this day, with a small-town atmosphere, even in the middle of the largest cities. Costa Rica has a significant number of Afro-Caribbean people. This population lives mainly in the Caribbean province of Limón. The Jamaican travelers and refugees who came to work on the banana plantations and on the railways. The east coast of Costa Rica has a feeling of Rastafarian lifestyle feeling. There were many Bob Marley murals and statues in Limón. The country is definitely a third world country as the US dollar goes a long way compared to its currency known as Collones. The environment within this country is so diverse and beautiful for such a small Central American country. During my trip to multiple national parks, I saw all kinds of animals, from sloths to poison dart frogs. It is very easy to get distracted in nature there as there are animals and plants around you wherever you are. I saw so many butterflies during my spring break trip that I saw all the colors of the rainbow with butterflies. You must be careful about where you are and know your environment because there are thousands of poisonous and dangerous animals that have the ability to kill humans! My favorite animal that I had seen was the sloth because they move so slowly in the trees and look at joy all the time. I am jealous of these animals and the environment they live in because the colors in the rain forests are incredible and they look like there are in a painting.

In conclusion, Costa Rica has a lot to offer and it was definitely one of the safest countries I have ever been to, even in the capital of San José. People are amazing and they love Americans! They always try to make you feel welcome and help you as a courtesy of being a good person. There are almost no beggars in towns and cities and the scenery and rain forests left me breathless as the lush vegetation was visually appealing. I would love to go on adventures and enjoy the outdoors because there is so much to see and so much to do in this country.