This time, the Costa Rica Gold Cup match against the United States will be played in the swelting summer heat of Connecticut, not the late-season winter wonderland of Colorado.

 Tuesday night in East Hartford, Conn., the United States and Costa Rica close out the first round of the Concacaf Gold Cup (8 p.m. Eastern, Fox Soccer). Both teams have qualified for the quarterfinals this weekend in Baltimore; the only matter left uncertain is which one will finish first in the Group. A victory or a tie would give the United States the top spot and a quarterfinal match against the third-place team from either Group A or B. The Costa Rica Gold Cup aspirations are the same.  

The last time the teams played

What does Pura Vida mean? This is a questions that can be asked and answered on several levels, but I believe the following description that I received says it all:

“As my time in Costa Rica comes to an end, I’ve heard “Pura Vida” so much. 

I got asked today what does Pura Vida mean?

The obvious answer is “pure life” but to me, and I’m sure to many people, it means more than that.  Pura Vida is living your life to the fullest, no worries, no regrets.  It’s being patient and relaxing.  Pura Vida is hard work and still being as happy as can be.  Pura Vida is family and friends and a good time. Pura Vida is being nice to everyone who comes along.  Pura Vida is memories and capturing those memories.  Pura Vida is being there for everyone.  Pura Vida is love, sunsets, the ocean, waves, mountains, views, animals, nature and all the little things in life that make life great.

Pura Vida is making the most out of everything and the time you have.

Pura Vida is a way of life.

Thank you so much for all the memories and everything I’ve learned.  I’m more than blessed to have gotten to experience such an amazing country.”

My friend’s 18 year old niece wrote this and I had to share. It sums up what living in Costa Rica is like. 

Thanks Monica.  Hurry Back.