> I think that makes people a lot more relaxed - probably "relaxed" is the best way to describe my work colleagues in CR.
It's one of many reasons Costa Ricans tend to appear very "relaxed". The national motto is "Pura Vida", which translates to Pure Life. It can be used to say hello, goodbye, yes, no, maybe, anything really :).
My wife and I use it whenever things don't happen as planned to us in CR. Like when the electrician says he'll be here 9 AM Monday, that translates to "sometime next week".