Anna in San José, CR

¡Hola, todes! (Hello, everyone!) I can’t believe I am finally in Costa Rica! After two long flights from Seattle Dallas/Fort-Worth, TX to Alajuela, Costa Rica, I’ve felt exhausted, anxious, and excited all at once. I enjoyed the flight from the DFW Airport to Juan Santamaría Airport, because I ended up sitting in a whole row by myself! I think there were three no-show passengers, and the flight attendant allowed me to sit in the vacant row, even though I already had an assigned seat in the adjacent row. No complaints at all! Here is the photo from the window as we approached Costa Rica:

When I arrived in Costa Rica Saturday afternoon (Jan. 5th), I went through immigration and customs (very quick!) and they were less intimidating than going across the Canadian border, which I didn’t expect. I met up with some other U.S. students from my study abroad program, and then took a shuttle bus to my homestay. Automatically I felt very excited to be in an environment that primarily speaks Spanish! Many of the other students are beginning to intermediate Spanish, so I’ve been conversing in English with them more than I’d prefer, but luckily I speak and listen to Spanish all the time with my host mom and housemate.

My host mom (Mamá Tica or Guiselle) is a retired, middle-aged woman, who lives in Barrio Córdoba, a short distance from the university. She is very sweet, kind and accommodating! She picked me up from the shuttle and we ate dinner together, which was probably the best meal all day after munching on airport snacks. Dinner consisted of pasta de ajo y albahaca – garlic pasta with basil – as well as a fresh side salad. My housemate, Clarisa, and I are both vegetarian, and our host mom generously prepares us two meals a day: breakfast and dinner. There is also a cat named Asha! So cute!

Clarissa is from Arizona State University, and is originally from Tucson, AZ. She is very kind, funny, and we share many of the same attributes. She studies sustainable food systems, and loves running and drawing, among other hobbies. She’s a good Spanish conversation partner, and has a positive mindset when it comes to learning Spanish; I appreciate that she is enthusiastic about conversing in Spanish and isn’t afraid to make mistakes. I think we’re a good fit in terms in living together and being friends!

On Sunday, Jan. 7th, I attended an orientation and tour of San José. We visited multiple sites, including El Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum), the congress building, El Parque Nacional (National Park), and more. Please see the photos below, which correspond to the aforementioned sites in order.

Here are a few interesting facts I learned from Adriana, our Resident Director and tour guide: Costa Rica has no military, as it was abolished in 1948! All funds that would support a military are instead allocated toward education. Costa Rica has an accesible and equal education system, as it is free for everyone. Also, Costa Ricans do not have insurance, since a portion of their salaries are allocated toward health-related expenses. Costa Ricas call themselves “ticos” and are very warm, inviting and generous.

After our tour, a group of students and I went to lunch at a local restaurant, called Las Leñitas. I ordered a plate of platacones, which are fried plantains with beans, tomatoes, and cheese. The waiter was so kind when I requested no meat (I’m vegetarian) and offered to serve it with avocado instead. I wasn’t expecting this, since my orientation mentioned that “special requests” when dining aren’t very common. I was pleasantly surprised, and the dish was delicious! Also, it is not customary to provide tips, and this is something new for me.

Later that day, a group of students and I walked around the fair (la feria) which was a bright, colorful and crowded event. Many food trucks, vendors, carnival rides, and a bull fight were happening. Very overstimulating! Also, being hyper-aware of my surroundings in a large city is new to me, since pickpocketing is an issue here. Also, crossing the street is nearly impossible, as there are very few marked crosswalks. I joked that crossing the street is like the app “Crossy Road”, in which you must run across the highway when no cars are coming, or when they’re stopped in traffic. I did it with my host mom and Clarisa this morning, and it’s just a part of daily life here, as scary and uncomfy as it seems. This has been a main culture shock for me, but I’m just rolling with the punches.

So far, everything has seemed so surreal and I feel giddy with excitement much of the time. The other portion of the time, I feel exhausted. During study abroad, the first stage or the arrival period is often referred to as “the honeymoon stage”, because similar to when someone marries for the first time, you’re filled with joy, excitement and love for a new place and situation. Only later does one begin to have doubts and mixed emotions – some negative – and it’s all normal, natural and part of the experience. I haven’t reached this part of roller coaster ride yet, but I have ten weeks ahead of me to have diverse experiences and “feel all the feels”.

Tomorrow I begin class, and I’m going to rest before my busy week ahead. ¡Pura vida!