Yesterday was the Day of Independence in Costa Rica! I didn’t have any class, which was definitely a nice thing because I was able to complete some homework (yes, I’m actually going to class here). I started off the day by going to my tico brother’s high school for a little presentation the students put together about the Day of Independence. Marco, along with about 6 other guys and like 20 girls, showcased a traditional Costa Rican dance. It was so cool! I would love to learn – and wear one of those beautiful skirts! I didn’t completely understand what was happening the entire time, but it was entertaining nonetheless.
Afterwards, my family and I went grocery shopping together. I have never seen so many men in a grocery store before! Culturally, the grocery shopping is done together. Husbands and wives walk the aisles together. Also interesting was that they cased off all of the alcohol. Marco told me that they do that to avoid drunkenness at the parades and festivities of the day. I’m starting to like this country more and more!
Here are some more things I have learned since being here:
1. Some sort of footwear must be worn in the house at all times. They do this to protect the floor from dirt, not protect your feet. They think it’s gross that we have carpet in our houses where dirt and bacteria just collects.
2. Shower in the morning. Every morning. No one showers at night because it is believed that you will get sick if you go to sleep wet.
3. Eat everything on your plate. EVERYTHING. I am defintiely not used to this. It was hard at first, for sure. Especially since I eat a heaping serving of rice and beans twice a day. For everyone who thinks I am a picky eater, I have eaten two sardines since I have been here. And my tica mom bought more at the store. Also, I eat the onions and tomatoes on my plate.
4. If there’s a spider on your wall, don’t kill it. Only kill las cucarachas. And believe me, I didn’t hesitate when I saw one when I was getting into the shower the other day.
5. The ticos are nice and welcoming. If you go up to a family at Taco Bell to talk about poverty, they will not hesitate to talk to you. Even if you are struggling to form sentences in Spanish.
I have been learning a lot here. And it’s not all on the streets. I’m in class for 7 hours a day! Today, for example, we talked about economic and political systems for 4 hours. This is definitely going to be a busy semester. I just hope I don’t stress out and I do my best academically.
Please pray for confidence in my work – that I will be able to complete my work to the best of my ability without stressing out!
PS. As part of class, we are going to Limón this weekend to experience a totally different area of Costa Rica. I can’t wait! It’s right on the coast – where the jungle and beach meet! But of course, it’s not all fun and games. We have work to do and a paper due on Tuesday about what we learn. But it will be work it!
I miss you all!
PPS. Here's a picture of the group and I in front of Arenal!
