I’m not exactly sure what I expected from Costa Rica before coming here. I guess I likely assumed the people would just be people. They would act, and interact, just as I was used to from back at home. Elements of this are true, but at the same time there is something special here.
It must be something in the–completely drinkable–tap water that just gives the people a sparkle here. Maybe it is the stellar views from almost anywhere. Or the access to delicious food. I bet it is the endless amounts of plants and green everywhere you look. Who knows for sure, but Costa Rica goes above and beyond any expectations I might have had prior to arriving. I know there is a lot to cover, but I write about the people because what is a country but the people within it?
I have been here only one full day, but the grace, kindness, and warmth of the locals permeates everything we see. The way in which every “gracias” is returned with a “con mucho gusto,” meaning “with great pleasure.” Or when there was a big group in the park dancing, who later asked a group of 20 gringo strangers if they wanted to take a picture with them. It is also evident in the way the host families go out of their way to accommodate us and make us feel welcome. And lastly the four neighborhood kids who seemingly were never told not to talk to strangers and came to join a game of fútbol with American college students.
I am very excited to continue interacting with very hospitable and kindhearted people going forward. It is hard to believe we have only been here a day, and have barely seen what this country has to give.
