The people here are amazing. When we see someone while walking by on
the street in the morning, we say “Buenos Dias” (good morning) or
“Buenos” (short for “buenos dias”), and they always respond in kind and
with a smile. It is known, that if we do not do this, we may appear as
“frightened/leery/anxious American tourists”. Also we learned to not
say “Hola” (Hi) as a greeting, unless we’re prepared to sit down and
have a nice long chat. “Buenos” (or “Buenas” in afternoon/evening) is
more of a greeting to say in passing, or we can also say “Adios” – which
to us Americans means “good bye” – but here it is used in passing, like
“hello & good bye” (I don’t want to sit and chat, but wanted to
acknowledge you). It’s little nuances like this that we have learned
already, and I’m sure there are TONS more…
After meeting someone for the first time, the next time we meet, they
greet me with a kiss on the cheek (just one kiss, on the right
cheek). This is the custom here, and seems so endearing to me. It’s
just more personal than a hug, you know? Even teenagers and little kids
do it – it’s so sweet. I truly love that I’ve been greeted like this
already, and I have greeted (or said goodbye) to people with a kiss
already. Here I am with a model I hired, demonstrating the kiss on the
right cheek (said model would not keep his hands off my hips, I do NOT
think that’s part of the local custom here…).
The babies and children here – are very well behaved. NEVER have I
heard a screaming tantrum in a store, or in public. In the park, kids
play together well and run around, like normal, and have fun, but it
never gets out of control (amazingly enough). I’m not sure what the
differences are exactly – but somehow the Costa Rican people raise their
kids to be more respectful, from a very early age. One friend told me
he thinks one reason is because they hold their babies facing out (to
see the world), instead of facing inwards… Food for thought.
There are dogs everywhere here – roaming freely (some are owned, and
some are not, but they all seem to roam freely). At first it is hard to
get used to, and I felt so bad for all them… but now am coming to
realize that it is a good life for them – simple and free and they are
happy. And they all seem to get fed, trust me. They know to get off
the road when a car is coming. As our pal Richard says “the only dead
dogs you see on the side of the road are dumb ones” (NOTE: we haven’t
seen ANY). And we have not seen any aggressive dogs either. On our
hikes we encounter many dogs, but they just usually come up to within 10
feet of us, maybe do a little “soft barking”, and then let us walk
by… I’ve never felt fearful of a dog at all here.
I haven’t seen any homeless people here in Grecia. I’m sure they are
here?? But I, at least, haven’t seen any thus far (San Jose is a
different story).
It’s rare to see trash anywhere. It’s so clean here! And I never
really see people picking trash up, either (although I’m sure they
must). I think people here are just more clean and respectful of their
environment.
If someone comes up to you trying to sell you something (happens sometimes in the park) – it’s better to not
give an affirmative “no” or “no, thanks” but instead say “otro dia”
(maybe another day)… For some reason saying a point blank “NO” is
almost rude or offensive AND it is hard for them to accept, so they
don’t go away, they keep asking you again. It’s like they can’t take
“no” for an answer. We have learned to say “otro dia” from our friend
(thanks, Lair!), and it works well.
Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way here. You really need to
watch out for yourself while walking around in town and crossing roads,
etc. Sometimes, we do find a car driver will slow down and wave us
through, but this is definitely the exception here. As long as you know
this, it’s not a problem.
Costa Ricans appear to be very hard working. I have not met anyone
who is lazy here. While walking around, we always see people working in
their yards or gardens; sweeping or mopping their tiled patio’s; doing
laundry and hanging it out to dry (dryers are rare here, most people
hang their wash on lines or even bushes(!) to dry).
There is barbed wire and fences and gates everywhere here. That,
along with the dogs, does seem to deter petty theft, but I also think
it’s “just how it is” here. Like in Dallas, Texas – everyone seems to
have a fenced in backyard. I thought that was weird when I moved there
from Wisconsin – in Wisconsin no one has a fenced in backyard. So,
again, once you get used to it, it’s no big deal.
barbed wire…
Fences and gates surround most houses here.
The local people (called “tico’s”) are really and truly genuinely
NICE people. We run into people all the time – on the bus, in the
stores, at soda’s (café’s) and at the pharmacy (when I tripped & fell on my face and totally scraped my knee up).
Our first time coming home from town on the bus, we were nervous about
knowing when to get off, and this sweet lady just seemed to sense our
nervousness and started talking to us. She knew English (pretty darn
well!) and she tried to help us, asking where we lived, etc. So nice!
Most of the time if you ask the locals if they know any English – they
will say “oh no… just a little English”, etc. – but it’s not true!
They start talking and they carry on the whole conversation with us in
English! They are very modest. When we go in soda’s (always good, by
the way) – we always start by greeting in Spanish, and trying to say
what we want in Spanish, and it seems like as soon as they know we are
making an EFFORT to talk in Spanish, they are so helpful and sweet, and
help us with the words and then they start saying stuff in English,
which is even more helpful! It really amazes me – because here we are –
foreign people (“gringo’s”) – living in their land – and they are
totally kind and gracious to us! Not sure the same can be said about
some people in the U.S….
When one of my aunt’s first found out I was moving to Costa Rica, she
was worried about me standing out with my fair features and said “well I
hope she’s getting contacts and dying her hair!”… which I found funny
and sweet, but of course had not even considered. Well, we found her
fear to be totally unfounded. The people here are really so courteous
and nice, and it appears that they truly LIKE gringo’s (or at least they
like us… or maybe they’re just scared of my hubby.). Here’s a picture
from the bus we were on the other day… you can see Costa Ricans look
mainly just like us (at least from the back). Although I guess Greg
& I do kind of stand out (Greg being tall and me getting blonder by
the day). Ah, well…
That’s all for now folks!
Peace! — JenJen
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