I returned from a trip to Costa RIca on Monday evening with my family. We had been there since Thursday and got to see some of the country from a local's point of view. The phrase, "Pura Vida!" is heard almost everywhere and means, literally, 'Pure Life.' As our interpreter and guide explained, it is almost a double-entendre phrase. Let me explain.

Much of Costa Rica is under modernization and development. The natural areas suffer as a result. There is more pollution almost every day. Many natives of Costa Rica are very concerned with what they see as vanishing natural areas, unspoiled by mankind. They contribute with both time and money to preserve the wilderness areas so that future generations with be able to enjoy the wild beauty. Along with the pollution comes disease that affects the plants and animals that depend on the wilderness continuing as undeveloped to thrive, or in some cases, to even continue to exist.

The other side of the phrase is almost a mindset. Life is meant to be lived simply and without clutter, according to Alex, our interpreter. All of the extreme technological developments are not a requirement for life and in fact, add complications that increase our stress and shorten our already too-brief existance. Alex took the approach of enjoying the beauty around him and the simple pleasures of the moment, without being "preachy" or adamant about his views. We enjoyed lengthy conversations and I learned quite a lot about his country as we traveled together. His job as a guide seemed to be an almost perfect fit - he speaks three languages quite well and really enjoys showing off the natural wonders of his country.

On the second day of our trip, we toured a pineapple farm, Finca Corsicana, just outside La Virgen, Sarapiqui. It is owned by the Collins Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas. The entire farm / plantation is organic, using only natural fertilizers and minerals to grow pineapples on a massive scale. We rode in a trailer pulled by a tractor and toured part of the fields under cultivation, learning about the requirements to grow pineapples, but that is a different hub.

At one point, the man who was guiding the tour, Danny, had the driver stop and pick a couple of ripe pineapples. Danny peeled and sliced them, then offered slices to each of us. When Alex ate his first taste of REALLY fresh pineapple, he sighed, "Pura Vida" with such emphasis, I suddenly understood part of what he had tried to explain as he drove us from the airport to the farm where we were to stay. It was the enjoyment of one of life's simple pleasures - uncomplicated and pristine. I hope I have learned something from Alex and can also begin to live "Pura Vida" in both aspects of meaning. I find both concepts easy to understand but harder to embrace at times. I will continue to strive for "Pura Vida" and hope you may as well.

When asked, "How are you?" I hope I can learn to respond, "Pura Vida!" and really mean it.