Today in Costa Rica, we traveled from Heredia to Monteverde. On the drive, I noticed a few things that were different as we transitioned from the city into the mountains. First, the communities seem to be spread out, with large, open land areas all around. Moreover, shops seem to be community-based and small, rather than the large stores and malls present in the city. Lastly, there are fewer people in the mountains and they all seem to move at a relaxing and slow pace.

Today also included a lecture from Don Ricardo Guindon about the Quaker religious group from the United Stated who first settled in the Monteverde region. Foreigners, such as the Quaker group, have had a lot of influence on the culture and economy of Costa Rica. For example, in the Monteverde region, Quakers had a large influence in the bilingual integration of school systems. Although they personally did not teach English to Costa Rican students, their presence in the area showed the value of being able to communicate in both English and Spanish to tourists, locals, and others within the country.

Overall, as I have had the opportunity to experience more of Costa Rica, I have realized the large amount of diversity that exists within this rather small country. Groups based on race, religion, nature, and culture all seem to have their place in Costa Rica and most seem to accept or acknowledge their presence. I now better understand the “Pura Vida” phrase that is so prevalent in Costa Rica, and see that citizens are very collaborative, accepting, and generally easy-going.