After today’s exploration in Heredia, I can wholeheartedly say yesterday’s delayed flights and extreme turbulence was completely worth it. Our first day in Costa Rica was filled with adventure and good food, and it has already surpassed my expectations. 

Last night, we traveled to the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica to meet our host families, and I got my first taste of Tico friendliness. The moment I stepped off the bus, I was greeted with open arms and wide smiles from my host mom for the next two weeks. This inviting environment drastically differs from the United States but in the best way. As a foreigner knowing limited conversational Spanish, my immediate impression of Heredia lies in people’s mannerisms: always smiling, always curious, and always warm. Despite butchering the language, every Tico I encounter appreciates the effort and wants to help, with the occasional assistance of Google Translate.

Aside from the hospitable people, I quickly noted the commercialized and developed Downtown and surrounding areas on our walking tour today. To my surprise, a multitude of familiar establishments such as Walmart, Popeyes, and Office Depot line the streets of Heredia. Although Costa Rica is home to several American businesses, it manages to maintain important, unique cultural characteristics. For instance, I observed local Sodas, the central market, and beautiful statues alongside Taco Bells and Payless Shoes. Tico culture also widely differs from American culture in clothing. Originally, I assumed everyone would be wearing shorts on a day with 95% humidity, but almost everyone had a pair of jeans on!

Overall, today’s walking tour was filled with pleasant surprises and wonderful people. Traveling from the United States, we are bound to notice similarities while also facing cultural differences. I am so excited to see what else Heredia has in store!