We left Heredia early this morning and had a bumpy ride up to the top of Monteverde. The scenery was so interesting as we reached the coast and then headed up the mountain. Along the Pacific coast, there were houses, tourist stops, and little hotels. These residents had modest homes, and many extended their living spaces to house their businesses. Around the bottom of the mountain there were scattered homes and recognizable living areas with paved roads. As we got to about the middle of the mountain, the road changed to gravel, and there were very few houses and sights of civilization. The only sights were clouds, trees, and occasional animals. When we finally neared the top of the mountain, the roads were paved again and we saw more frequent homes, local businesses, and small restaurants.

The two parts of Costa Rica we have visited are very different. As I see more of this country, I begin to truly experience the different cultures that reside throughout the land. In Heredia, the culture is fast paced: traffic is heavy, people are walking, and there are many shopping malls with modern restaurants and retail areas. In Monteverde, the culture is slower with minimal traffic, small stores, and farms and wildlife for miles. The people seem to work in farming industries and in Heredia, the residents may work as teachers or commute to San Jose every day. The terrain and weather also differ in each location as Monteverde has extreme peaks and valleys as well as a cooler and rainy climate. Heredia is in the Central Valley, so it is flatter land with warmer temperatures and slightly less rain.

My perception of Costa Ricans continues to change as I learn about the variety of people that identify with this nation. There is not only one type of tico; these people vary based on appearance, origin, and attitude. Costa Ricans can even be people who originally lived in the United States and look similar to us from Pittsburgh. These people can also practice multiple religions and professions. After learning about Quakers from Alabama that developed this area, my perspective of a typical Costa Rican has expanded. Ticos do not fit within one category and I am continuously impressed with the citizens of this nation. One thing that remains the same regardless of location in Costa Rica is a sense of national pride and the “Pura Vida” slogan!