Spending the last 6 weeks in Costa Rica has been quite an experience. I have learned a lot about their culture, I have met some awesome people, I have seen some really cool places and I have tried some amazing food. Below are reflections from my time here. Some things I probably will not miss and some I definitely will, and some things would have been helpful knowing before I came.
1) Some places DO ACCEPT American dollars- the touristy towns (like San Jose) and some of the bigger stores. This would have been helpful to know beforehand because I would have brought more American dollars to use.
2) “AC” in Costa Rica consists of leaving windows & the front door open and possibly an occasional fan. It really has not been difficult adjusting to, granted I am from Texas. However, the weather is usually pretty nice and cool after it rains here. And it has rained (almost) every day.
3) It is refreshing to sit down for a meal: without the television, a cellular device buzzing, homework or (name other distraction). It’s a great time to connect with your family (maybe not too much conversation—if there’s a language barrier) but even in the silence you can enjoy each other’s company. I know life can become super hectic and it is not always possible to sit down to eat with the family, or without distractions. However, I would like to try to have family meals more often when I return home. I feel it’s a good opportunity to press on the brake pedal, since you’ve likely been pushing on the gas all day- running around. It gives one the opportunity to slow down—“fuel up” and regain composure.
4) I learned Ticos generally use the usted conjugation of verbs instead of the tú form. Also, instead of replying with “de nada” when someone says thank you, it is much more common to say “mucho gusto.”
5) There are so many different fruits besides apples, oranges & bananas. SO MANY. Here in Costa Rica, they have a wide variety of tropical fruits I had no idea existed before coming here. Also, they have many different vegetables. I have thoroughly enjoyed tasting all of these different fruits and veggies. I’m still working on learning all their names though.
This is a pipa fria. They are so refreshing, and strikingly different than the coconut waters found on the store shelves. And this fruit stand happens to be located right across from my house.
6) I learned that Ticos eat rice and beans at nearly every meal, including breakfast. In fact, they have a special name for the rice/bean mixture served at breakfast, known as gallo pinto. I’m a fan of rice and beans, so it wasn’t hard for me to adjust to.
7) I have always been drawn to traveling. I find exploring new and different places fascinating. It is nice getting away from one’s usual routine. However, I think it is easy to under-appreciate the places we live because we become so accustomed to seeing the same things every day. And there seems to be a natural attraction to places or people that are out of our reach. This “revelation” wasn’t new to me, but while I’ve been in Costa Rica I was reminded of it. Sometimes we may just need to take a step back and appreciate what we have around us.
Tuanis!
Caitlin Bagwell is a student at the University of Texas at Austin and an official API Blogger. Caitlin is studying abroad with API in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica.
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