La vida es ahora

Musings from a visit to Costa Rica, May 2024

Standing tall at 7 meters, it is an impressive work of art, portraying a nonchalant, casual charm, yet content and grounded. It is hard to miss this statue of Le Siffluer/ El Silbador (The Whistler, created by artist Idan Zareski) as you enter the La Lima Free Zone and Business Park in Cartago, Costa Rica.

The statue’s big feet signify a strong affinity with the land, and that we are all connected to each other via this beautiful, fragile earth. This concept seemed befitting for a land that is abundant in biodiversity and lives by the motto “Pura Vida” which means “pure life” and symbolizes a simple, cheerful outlook on life. The stories my Costa Rican colleagues shared, and their hospitality lived up to the motto!

My work week in Costa Rica on my first ever trip to the country was both delightful and productive. On Day 1 as we were touring the facility and had to step outdoors to walk to the next building, I enjoyed the warm tropical rain sprinkles, much to the chagrin of some folks who had spent a significant amount of time blow drying and setting their hair in the wee morning hours! In the distance, the summit of the Irazu volcano played hide-and-seek in the clouds.

Even as red meat is predominant in Costa Rica, given the short stay my vegetarian diet was manageable with an ample supply of arroz y frejoles (rice and beans), potatoes, plantains, and papayas. We also chanced upon an Indian restaurant in the same plaza as our hotel and enjoyed the Desi naan and curries!

I was impressed to learn that Costa Ricans highly value their family networks, education and renewable energy. Medical devices is a key export sector. It is a rare country in that it does not have an active military and only maintains a “Public force of Costa Rica” which is the national law enforcement agency, police and border patrol – all in one.

At work, the week was chock-full of productive sessions and building trusting partnerships. As I mused on the flight back home, I now had a Costa Rica connection – and absolutely had to accomplish my long standing resolution to learn Spanish and advance from “un poco Español” to “un mucho Español”.  

After all, “La vida es ahora” (life is now)!

~AK Irvinekar