One of the most amazing things about Costa Rica is how much there is to see in such a tiny place. This is a country where you can wake up to see the sun rising on the Caribbean sea and travel for just a few hours through breathtaking landscapes, climates, and life systems. From the luscious humid rainforests of the East coast to the cloud forests upon the mountains and the rare dry tropical forest, you would see the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean.

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. 

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

Welcome back! If you’ve already read Part 1 of this post, you’ll know, I’m utterly fascinated with the beautiful crafts and artwork that can be found here in Costa Rica. Many of the indigenous tribes are using  skills, which have been passed down from generation to generation, to maintain important parts of their culture and to support their traditional way of life.

As an artist, I am continually in awe of the many amazing artisans that I’ve seen in Costa Rica. I have seen the most intricate paintings- done on a feather! I have seen jewelry made from slices of banana, and paintings so divine, they make me drool.

As someone who was born and raised in the frozen north, “vacation time” usually referred to a couple weeks in December/January. Mostly because by then we were already tired of the cold and ready for a break. 

The first year that I arrived in Costa Rica, it was mid-January and I had missed all the festivities. By the second year, we had met some fellow expats who took us down to see our very first Costa Rican Christmas Event. It was an eye-opener, I can tell you.

It’s early in the morning. The air is fresh with last night’s rain. A soft breeze rustles my hair as I settle into my favorite chair with a mug of rich Costa Rican coffee and start my day. My morning routine varies little since I arrived almost three years ago with two suitcases and a dog carrier in hand.