Pura Vida

I’ve been in Costa Rica a week and seen only one full length mirror, in a fitting room in a t-shirt store. There are no mirrors in most of the public restrooms I’ve used, and in my hotels, only a mirror in the bathroom where I can see my face.

I go outside each day unsure of exactly how I look, and I don’t care. No makeup, my hair messy, clothes that are nothing fancy.

Something was bothering me back in the US, and I realize now it was partly that everything is based on perception. In fact, though, it’s about creating a perception – whether you own a business or work for one, the name of the game is creating a perception, and often times, that perception is something different than the actual experience.

Here in Costa Rica, my experience, so far, has been what you see is what you get. Everything is more simple – “Pura vida” – I haven’t been to either major city here (Liberia or San Jose) but as of yet, I haven’t seen one department store, nor have I seen any major beauty lines, makeup, creams, nada. The women dress simply, everything is casual. Though I know there are some, there isn’t an abundance of millionaire mansions, elaborate structures to convey wealth. You can go out as you are. Such a stark opposition to New York where I feel “under dressed” if I don’t put on at least a little bit of makeup, and make some effort to match and dress up.

Here there is no perception necessary, apart from being the person you are, nothing fancy, no makeup, no heels, just you.