Gratitude.  Appreciation.  Simplicity.  Connection.  Stress-free.  No worries. 

Bristol attempts to project these values in our daily professional life.  On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I was fortunate to feel embraced by a culture and a people who live and project these values as a way of life. 

Costa Rican culture is embodied in the ubiquitous phrase and nation’s motto “Pura Vida”.  Pura Vida may be translated as “Pure Life” or simple life and it is heard in many contexts:  It is a greeting, it is a sweet goodbye, it is “you’re welcome”, it is a positive response to ¿Cómo está?, it is “have a great day!”. Pura Vida can mean many things, all of them pleasant, and it may be delivered as an expression of good will on almost any occasion.

The people of Costa Rica are consistently ranked as one of the happiest populations on the planet, also among the highest standards of education and longest life expectancies.*  Indeed the Costa Rican people seem to be extraordinarily relaxed and free of worry.  Some of the reasons may be obvious.  The incredible beauty of the country - its beaches, rainforests and wildlife - is legendary.  How can one be stressed out in paradise?  But it may go even deeper, to the politics and priorities of the country.   President Carlos Alvarado Quesada said at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2019: “Seventy years ago, Costa Rica did away with the army. This allows for many things. Eight percent of our GDP is invested in education because we don't have to spend it on the army.  Our strength is human talent, human well-being.” 

Pura Vida means enjoying life no matter what your circumstances.  I think we can all take a lesson in this, especially as our industry heads into summer, traditionally the busiest season for relocation.  We hope you find time to relax, connect, and decompress. Please… take your vacation! Pura Vida is ultimately an attitude that may be practiced wherever one finds oneself.  But for those with the means and the time, I encourage you to some day visit this small piece of paradise in the Americas and experience for yourself the uniquely Costa Rican approach to life.

*Read more here: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/01/sun-sea-and-stable-democracy-what-s-the-secret-to-costa-rica-s-success/