One thing that took me by surprise during my homestay so far was the schedule of my host parents. They seem to go to bed at an early hour such as 8:30 or 9, and wake up around 4-5 in the morning. It feels unusual compared to what I’m used to, but after seeing more of Heredia, it has started to make more sense. Life here seems more centered around routine, family, and making the most of the daytime rather than staying out late.

Walking through the Mercado Central and other parts of the city also confirmed my first impression that Ticos are so hospitable and connected with one another. Even in a busy market where everyone is going from place to place, people were friendly and understanding of the language barrier when answering questions not seeming the slightest bit annoyed. The whole vibe felt much more relaxed and personable then if I were in a similar setting in the United States. Instead of everything being focused on speed and efficiency, there was more conversation and interaction between people, which made the city feel more connected and inviting.