Morning Mist

Costa Rica holds deep personal significance for Mika Street and is a place she hopes to one day call home. Twenty-five years ago, she took a leave from her corporate job and immersed herself in the local culture, living with Costa Rican families who introduced her to the spirit of Pura Vida—a philosophy centered on simplicity, presence, and joy. The experience was a stark contrast to her fast-paced life in New York City, yet it felt entirely right. Mika was deeply inspired by the country’s values—its commitment to environmental stewardship, universal education, and peaceful governance—and felt a profound sense of health and vitality while living there. Daily surfing, slow living, and being unknowingly rooted in a Blue Zone became part of her rhythm. Since becoming a parent, she has returned almost every year, often spending extended time there with her family. Through her photography, she aims to capture the essence of Costa Rica’s ecological beauty—from lush rainforests to pristine be