No matter which side of the country, no matter which coast we were visiting, people across Costa Rica all said the same thing: “pura vida”. Pura vida means “pure life.” It describes Costa Rica’s attachment to nature. Most of the country is forested. Most of the people make their money off of the land, whether… Read more »
Apocalyptic Predictions
I can still picture the field behind my elementary school. My ten-year-old eyes saw infinite possibilities in that field every day at recess. Plants were scarce. The grass had been beat down by tiny feet over the years. Cars sped down the heavily trafficked road just a few feet away. Sometimes… Read more »
Traveling Across Costa Rica
When I was preparing for my month away from home, I knew there would be discomfort in the unknown. I packed my bag knowing I would be leaving behind the lifestyle I had grown accustomed to. It’s a rare opportunity to try something completely new for an entire month, an opportunity I was both excited… Read more »
Journey into the Jungle
![](https://blogs.iu.edu/ecohealth/files/2022/05/107B2595-8C80-4FDE-87A0-DE42D8C1E02D.jpeg)
After a semester of stress, preparation, and anticipation, we finally made it. When I stepped off of my first international flight on Monday, and walked into the customs line at the San José airport, my stomach was twisted with nerves. It felt surreal. A part of me felt like the man checking passports… Read more »