Chances are that you’ll hear “pura vida” from friends and friendly people all over Costa Rica. It’s our way of saying hello, making you feel welcome or saying goodbye in a happy way. Remember “hakuna matata” from The Lion King? “Pura vida” is the Costa Rican version of that laid-back philosophy. Being in Costa Rica makes it pretty easy: We have an excellent quality of life and we live in the middle of a country with lush valleys and crystal-blue shores. “Pura vida” is a tiny bit of wisdom that changes the way Costa Ricans look at the world. If you try it out, we’re willing to bet it will work for you too.