This is the first bowl of phở Matt’s had since arriving in Hanoi. On the cusp of too-spicy, but well into the savory-as-hell zone, it’s an enjoyable experience trying the soup at Phở 10. The patrons scoop and slurp their noodles, rated among the best the city has to offer. And for only fifty-thousand dong (~$2.50 USD), it would be a crime not to eat here. The American is breaking off a leaf of basil before downing his own spoonful and– Hey, is that guy wearing a ‘pura vida’ shirt?
“Pura vida!” Matt calls out from the patio to the young man on the sidewalk.
Distracted even before the outcry, the man turns his searching gaze towards the noodle shop. He’s wearing a tanktop bearing the unofficially official slogan of Costa Rica, pura vida. His gently-curled dark hair fades down into a close-cropped beard, which perhaps was once well-kempt, but is now well past the start of backpacker stubble. It gives the tico (slang for citizens of Costa Rica) a rugged polish. This is all aided by the matte black camera slung around his neck. Olé.