Pura Vida!

I have been tagged yet again by Crystal (so*euro) and Kirsten (winipoo) to tell all about my hometown. So, rather than bore you all with fact after boring fact about my current town, I thought it would be more fun to tell you about the place where I spent my whole childhood... my real hometown and also the inspiration for my current line of children's boutique clothing: Costa Rica.

WHERE IS IT?
Costa Rica (literally "Rich Coast") is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. (it's that little red one shaped like a crab!)


A PEACEFUL COUNTRY
Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army. Costa Rica is a democratic republic with a strong constitution. It is one of the most stable countries in Latin America. Costa Rica has avoided the violence that has plagued Central America; it is seen as an example of political stability in the region.

VOLCANOES! VOLCANOES! VOLCANOES!
In Costa Rica there are 112 volcanic formations. They belong to the so called Pacific Rim of Fire. Seven of them are considered as active ones. Their activity is connected with fertile soils, which cover the majority of Costa Rica's territory. Their sudden eruptions have caused huge destructions in past years. The highest volcano in Costa Rica is Irazu, the most active is Arenal and Poas has the second widest crater in the world. (diameter 1,5 kilometres).

A SMART BUNCH!
The literacy rate in Costa Rica is of 96% (CIA World Factbook, February 2007), one of the highest in Latin America. Elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. Universal public education is guaranteed in the Constitution. Primary education is obligatory, and both preschool and high school are free. There are both state and private universities.

THE WAY WE TALK
Costa Ricans often refer to themselves as tico (masculine) or tica (feminine). The tico ideal is that of a very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried, educated and environmentally aware people. Visitors from the United States are often referred to as gringos, which is virtually always congenial in nature. The phrase "Pura Vida" (literally "Pure Life") is a ubiquitous motto in Costa Rica. It encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace in a calm, unclustered manner, appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends.

Costa Rican traditions and culture tend to retain a strong degree of Spanish influence. Their spoken accent is rather different than its Central American counterparts. "-ito" or "-ita" are added to many words to make them sound more polite and courteous.

A TREAT FOR THE EYES!
In my search for beautiful pictures to share with you, I ran across this guy's site. OMG, I was blown away by the photography... this guy is a true pro. So rather than stealing a bunch of his pics, I will just send you there. Have fun browsing Deep Green Photography!

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of "my hometown". It is really a gorgeous country to visit if any of you are ever inclined to take an exotic vacation. My family and I are talking about heading down there for a visit next Summer.

Now, I have to tag someone. So to keep the "international flavor" going a bit longer, I will tag my friend Aida (Annabella Designs). Can't wait to hear more about Denmark! :)

Sources: Wikipedia, Kostaryka, Deep Green Photography