Pura Vida

   You ready ladies? (and gentlemen because you need to learn how to cook too) I am about to teach you the key to a man's heart. Yea I'm single, but I am almost positive that all men like food. So let's talk about some Costa Rica cooking. Be ready. I am about to go Eat Pray Love on you. Plantains. Repeat it... plantains. Scratch all this nonsense about chocolate being the food of the gods. Clearly the Greek Gods didn't have plantains. Plantains are like large bananas but you need to cook them. But get this... they are like "slice-and-bake-cookies" easy to cook. You take the plantain and cut it long ways, put them in a frying pan with some olive oil, cook on both sides until it is light brown and bam you have something delicious. I am pretty sure I could eat these things for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Want to spice it up a little bit? Serve them with rice and black beans and some queso. Man... yum. Here's a picture of these fantastic gifts to man.

   This isn't a food blog so I am moving right along. Time to talk about Pray in this Eat Pray Love equation. Most people in Costa Rica are Catholics. In fact one of my landmarks for walking to the bus stop for school is a Catholic church and you better believe I am praying when I am crossing the street near it because there is no such thing as pedestrians having the right of way. I brought a book called "Jesus Calling" with me to read everyday during my trip. Don't have it? Go get it. It takes probably 20 seconds to read the devotion for each day and you get to keep that thought with you all day and for the rest of your life. For me this is helping me overcome culture shock, missing my family and friends, and is just keeping my spirits up in general.
   Lastly, Love... the people of Costa Rica are some of the most loving and caring people you will ever meet. A common question you ask someone in Spanish is "Cómo estás?" This means "How are you?" and the common response in most countries is "bien" or "mal" which means well or poorly. However, in Costa Rica the response is "pura vida." This literally means pure life. "Pura Vida" is used for everything. For you Auburn people, "pura vida" is like "War Eagle."
1. "How are you today?" -"Pura Vida"
2. "I am tired." - "Pura Vida"
3. "I'm heading to the Hooters across the street from the University of Costa Rica." - "Pura Vida"             (this is 100% true)
"Pura Vida" is not just a response or an answer. It's a way of life. These people LOVE their country and are so happy and blessed with what they have. They believe that the goodness in your heart and your faith and hard work is the key to being successful. Simply put, live your life purely. There is no reason in worrying or stressing. The United States need some "pura vida." Hell, we ALL need some "pura vida." So concludes my second day in Costa Rica. I have my first long day at the University of Costa Rica and I have to take a placement test at 8:30 in the morning. Wish me luck!