For Christmas 2024, my family and I decided to trade the Maine snow for the tropical heat of Costa Rica. This trip with my parents and my brother, Connor, was split between two worlds: the misty, lush rainforests of Arenal and the sun-drenched beaches of Tamarindo.
Spending the holidays here was a lesson in the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. It wasn’t about the traditional Christmas chaos; it was about being present in the wildness of the jungle and the rhythm of the Pacific coast.
In Arenal, everything is lush, humid, and vast. Standing at the base of the volcano was one of those rare moments where you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things. I took this shot to remember the “scale” of the jungle—the deep greens and the way the clouds sit right on top of the trees.
Moving to Tamarindo was like stepping into a different country. The air got drier, the colors got brighter, and everything slowed down. It was a complete sensory shift. This frame represents that “Pura Vida” mindset I kept hearing about—where the only thing on the agenda is watching the tide come in.
We flew home just as the year was ending, and looking back at these photos, I see a lot of growth. These trips are where I do my best thinking. Whether it’s figuring out a new trail in the rainforest or navigating a busy street in a surf town, I’m learning how to be more observant and adaptable in places that don’t look anything like home.
