One of the most extraordinary things about traveling abroad is experiencing the many traditions, habits, perspectives, and lives of others. 

In the last post we talked about how many wild and wonderful new fruits you can find at the local markets, known as ferias, here in Costa Rica. In fact, when I started looking into it, there were too many for just one post. 

I was fortunate to spend some time at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve recently. Unlike the Monteverde Cloud Forest and the others that I have mentioned in the past, Valle Escondido is a private reserve. It’s also a little lower in elevation, making it a transitional forest, instead of a cloud forest.

If you’ve never wandered through a Costa Rican feria (which is a market) on market day, you likely have no idea the sheer volume of fruits and veggies that this country produces.

Coffee. Nectar of the Gods. Giver of life. For many, this rich warm brew is the catalyst that starts their day. The magic that pries their eyes open, and helps them face the morning. There is something comforting about the distinctive scent of fresh ground coffee, and the steady drip of the brewing process.

As we all know, Monteverde is a stunning place. However, the best of Monteverde is what cannot be seen: its magnificent community spirit that is lived and enjoyed by all living creatures in this fantastic place. 

For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Pura Vida”, I think a little explanation is in order. Technically, the phrase translates to “pure life”, but in Costa Rica, it means so very much more. 

Monteverde is a place for nature lovers. That is its most recognizable feature. However, in recent years it has also become very well known for being an adventures hub.

Some days you just feel… lucky. Today is one of those days.