¡Pura Vida!

This is an infectious saying that you will quickly catch on to after just a couple days in Costa Rica. Locals, referred to as “Ticos“, use this phrase for almost everything, which translates to P U R E ♥ L I F E. Not only is it a lifestyle but also a culture, and captures the true essence of being in Santa Teresa. Living an authentic or simple life is emphasized by this phrase, and is use interchangeably as a greeting or response to anything that happens in life – to say that everything is good and everything is cool. The general consensus is a relaxed, carefree and happy attitude. I mean, what is there to stress about? Let’s hit the beach, go surf, sip smoothie or Imperial cerveza, and relax in a hammock. No worries, no fuss, no stress —pura vida (pronounced: poo-rah vee-dah) To Ticos it means being thankful for what they have and not dwelling on the negative while giving a “hang loose” hand sign.

This emotion and perspective becomes so ingrained in me that I’ve sacredly protected it and carried it home with me. Other unintentional habits I’ve noticed since returning home are: I still have the instinct to throw away toilet paper in the trash bin, since I was bombarded with a million signs telling me to do so for the past week, and shutting off the water while I brush my teeth or lather in the shower to conserve and reduce water waste. I am not entirely upset about any of these routines that have stuck with me. Another way to conserve water is to shower with a friend 😉 Our outdoor showers are surrounded by nature and greenery, while after nightly pool dips, a tranquil night shower under the stars and moonlight brings happiness – to be so in touch with mother earth at all times, I’m feeling especially grounded 🙏✨

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Hola! another incredible day was spent surfing in the morning with a group of lovely ladies. Our mascota, Hurley the Lion, came to cheer us on as we perfected our skills and took on more challenges on the boards. The growing tides eventually get the best of me as I get wiped out and taken under, tumbling like socks in a washing machine. The effects of this was seen later on in yoga class in downward dog position, where water would randomly start expelling from my nose still. My face says it all as I catch the S W E L L !

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For lunch, Becky, Jamie and I are eager to hit up The Bakery as it came highly recommended from everyone as a must do. My eyes are immediately fixated on all the scrumptious looking desserts behind the glass counter: passion fruit cheesecake, strawberry and cream pastry, freshly baked chocolate croissants and pistachio cronuts. I’m definitely saving room for postre later. I order tacos de pescados con cerveza and is served a magnificent and playful platter of food. With little persuasion, I return to The Bakery almost every day before I leave this town for a little bit of indulgence.

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The next couple days I hang out with the girls, who are great companions for horseback riding and hiking at the nature reserve – Cabo Blanco. Jamie does a brilliant impression of a monkey howl, which always gets everyone cracking up, and Becky is our designated driver as the three of us squeeze onto a single ATV (and with enough liquid courage, maybe sometimes even four) Cabo Blanco is located at the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, so we can hear the ocean roaring in the distance during our entire hike. Jamie & Becky both have an amazing eye for spotting wildlife on our 4hour long expedition: pelicans, vultures, coati, anteater, iguana, snakes, bats, monkeys, and a deer! Montezuma is always a nice bet afterwards, as we get ceviché and mango smoothies, and support some local artisans who have set up little booths along the main street selling handmade jewellery. I stop to chat with Fermin the rastafarian who’s eager to share his stories on which part of the world his precious stones and gems were discovered. He’s very passionate about his work and tells me he will be going to Switzerland at the end of summer for vacation and to Poland for a BBoy dance competition. We all get some bracelets and souvenirs and head back to Funky Monkey for the much anticipated SUSHI NIGHT!

Horseback riding at sunset was a special treat, Chocolate and I have a romantic stroll together for the next two hours. We tromp along Mal Pais beach front and cliff top for a beautiful view. Jamie and Becky have been riding all their lives and are galloping gracefully while Chocolate is my steady Eeyore ♥

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The girls departure is celebrated with a night of dancing at El Carmen – a chill open air restaurant lounge facing beach front. I love the ambience and decor here, perfect for people watching, sharing appetizers and having cocktails in the golden light. At night, the DJ takes on the decks and a dance floor is cleared out for those techno enthusiasts.

My week seems to be winding down now and I’m feeling more mellowed out, spending more time yoga stretching in the pavilion in the early mornings, journaling by the pool, reading and meditating alone. I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with all the group socializing and activities, getting caught up in the excitement and whirlwind of it all. I’m finding a better pace and feel more relaxed when I make time for myself to reflect on my day and my emotions. My yogi has brought up setting an intention for this week which I have been working on – self love & self worth. This trip was really meant for me to find more balance and center myself, focus on me, and know that I deserve everything that I want. I am still learning that h a p p i n e s s is a state of mind, is an awareness and consciousness – and not a destination that you can arrive at. Alina asks us to think of 2 things that we are proud of today – whether it’s that we showed up on the mat, making time for self care, or trying something new and exploring the world more. Anything. She then paints a very vivid scenery while we close our eyes. Imagine – the burning sun sinking lower and lower towards the horizon, while the amber and orangey-red hues reflect and dance across the waters, each wave is bringing this powerful healing and positive energy closer towards us. With our palms open face up resting on our knees, we receive this divine energy that the universe is sending us, and fills our body and soul – nourishing us. Introducing our mantra now:

“I am healthy, I am strong, I am one with all that surrounds me. Love heals me. “

boho beautiful

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I am enlightened everyday by the people I meet here, whom exchange knowledge, inspire me and allow me to become more open minded. It is serendipitous that I should encounter Diana aka Dianita who joins me in my dorm. She is a down to earth, charismatic, vibrant and full of life woman. I listening intently to her fearless travels, backpacking adventures and Vipassanā meditation retreat in the Philippines. We easily form a bond. Nacho #2 is another gentle soul that I’ve really had the pleasure speaking to. Originally from Argentina and now residing in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I’m instantly drawn to his hipster and unassuming character. He introduces me to ecstatic dancing, something that he enjoys doing – which is a community event that welcomes all, where rhythmic music is played and self-expression without judgement occurs. No phones, no talking, no drugs or alcohol. Just a safe space for pure freedom of self and movement. I’m absolutely intrigued by this creative outlet that exists and know that it’s something that I definitely want to try out. The notion of reverting back to our roots, stripping all external distractions, and just to connect fully with yourself or others emotionally, physically and spiritually is such a grand idea. Our stimulating conversation then branches out to his studies in reiki, mate drinking, and book recommendations. I will always remember the kindness in Nacho’s words — that I am on my own journey, and life will reveal itself to me in the right moment, as I sit in awe in his presence of zen-ness.

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On my last days, I lay out by the beach and feel extreme gratitude for all my experiences and insights gained. With hope in my heart, I feel that a very large door opened in my life, and that there are so many paths I can take or travel on. I no longer have fear of the future or try to grasp on to my past – what is meant for me will come, and I feel so much acceptance and peace. Traveling solo liberates you, it breaks down barriers and inhibitions, and pushes you out of your comfort zone. Vibrate at your highest potential, always.

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Dianita, Sille, Juliann and I discover ourselves in a unexpected union. The four of us go for lunch at Earth Café – a charming spot that serves homemade gelato (pistachio, yum!), beautiful hearty bowls bursting with flavours, carrot cake and power balls, smoothies and coffee. My favourite part is the outdoor space, with globe lights strung across, lined with bench seating and cute vintage pillows, all completely shaded by a huge mango tree. I am so pleased with this revelation, while enjoying my Earth Bowl and sipping on a Kale Boost. I learn that both Sille and Dianita have their own brands. KØVL (Sille): which originates from the Dutch word keuvelen meaning “chatter” — promoting spaces and opportunities for people to connect and integrate ideas and passions. Mirazo (Dianita): is Greek for “I Share” — with a rich background in French, Greek, Serbian, Cameroonian and Spanish, the idea is to incorporate and draw on various cultural inspirations and provide something unique and special for everyone to enjoy. I am blown away by these young and passionate entrepreneurs, feeling truly inspired and supportive of them. Then there’s Juliann, the OG big friendly giant, soft spoken but his chuckles, subtle humor, and genuine smile captured my affection. It was always a good laugh with these guys, whether it was dancing up a sweat at KIKA or moon bathing in the pool all attached to a floatie. I will always remember the full moon that one night, with the light ring beaming down on us and the linear cloud drifting pass creating a yin yang — when the universe gives you signs, you better soak that shit right up 🌙✨

love is love is love .

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