Pura Vida!

As a public service to those in the northern hemisphere still living in the midst of a cold and dark winter, TJW comes to you live and in living color this week from the beautiful country of Costa Rica.

The home to amazing rain forests, seven active volcanoes, fabulous national parks, a dazzling array of wildlife, breathtaking beaches and zip lining. (And, to be fair, some of the worst roads imaginable.) A country filled with friendly, helpful, charming people. A country where passers-by stop to see what someone looking up into a tree might have spotted. (A two-toed or three-toed sloth? A toucan? Or, just possibly, the resplendent quetzal, the national bird of Costa Rica.) A country where mucho gusto -- with much pleasure -- is their equivalent for 'you're welcome' and is said with meaning. A country whose unofficial national expression, shared regularly with friends and strangers alike, is Pura Vida, the pure life.

Oh, and did I mention that the water is safe throughout the country, most people speak English, and the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere -- in even the smallest road-side restaurants? And while you will get used to it, the plumbing in most places is insufficient to dispose toilet paper. (A small receptacle next to each toilet is for that purpose.) A bit unusual at first, I grant you, but just part of the charm of the place.

And although it's difficult to find good Chinese and deli here, the epicurean deprivation is more than balanced by the delicious and inexpensive casado ('marriage'), a plato tipico served everywhere consisting of rice, beans, fried plantains, a small salad, and either fish, chicken or beef. Costa Rican home cooking at its finest.

But if it's your soul that needs nourishment (and whose doesn't?), spend 20 minutes watching troops of capuchin or squirrel monkeys jump from tree to tree, some carrying infants on their backs. The sight will take your mind off of everything and fill your heart with joy.

Not charmed yet? Then consider this: In the vast majority of the country, streets are not named and buildings are not numbered. Yes, Costa Rica has no addresses! Looking for a specific place? Here, you'll need, ready?, to talk to strangers, who, shockingly enough, will actually help you. With pleasure.

Wait, there's more! Here, if you fall while, say, walking down stairs it's nearly impossible to sue for damages. If you even find your way into a courtroom which, I'm told, can take years, the first thing the judge must ask is why you weren't being more careful. What? Take personal responsibility for one's actions rather than blaming someone else? How quaint. (And how cool!)

I'm in love.

Costa Rica is also remarkably progressive. "Progressive?", you ask. "Si", we respond with enthusiasm. (Please forgive the lack of an accent over the 'i'. Accents are not available at this blog site. Like no one would ever consider using anything but English, another pet peeve we'll leave for another time.)

Yes, progressive. Consider this:

• The country abolished its army in 1949 and invested much of the cost-savings in its top two priorities: Education and the protection of the country's natural resources
  

• As a result, the literacy rate of Costa Rica is currently 97%

• Approximately 25% of the country's land is national parks (one more amazing than the next, by the way) or other protected areas

• In a land mass representing only .25% of the Earth, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the globe's biodiversity, with over 800 species of birds

• Trees with a circumference of greater than 10 inches are prohibited from being cut down without written permission from the local authorities
  

• All beaches are owned by the people of Costa Rica and access cannot be blocked by hotels or private residences
  

• Health care is provided to all Ticos (the local affectionate name for Costa Ricas)
  

• In 2007, the government announced plans to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, and
  

• Last month, the country elected a woman president.

Think we, in the mighty United States, have something to learn from this small Central American country?

I do.

Think it might be possible for us to divert some money from our military to fund education to a level commensurate with our nation's status as a world leader?

Think it might be possible for us to protect our natural resources -- especially our forests and shorelines?

Think it might be possible for us to provide health care for all of our people?

Think it might be possible for us to commit to carbon-neutrality?

And that's just for starters.

Maybe if we could find an alternative to the wars we're raging...lessen our need for such a large military...ah, but my mind wanders. Maybe it's the heat. Or the troop of capuchin playing in the trees beside this balcony.

In the meantime, consider spending a week here. You'll see why Ticos consider life in this lovely country pure.