What’s Weird Wednesday
We didn’t do much this Wednesday except spend hours riding waves, building more sandcastles and just relaxing. I wanted to write a post on what has surprised me about Costa Rica. Here are the good surprises:
Clean- Everything here is so clean. On the way to La Fortuna, we stopped at a bathroom on the side of a gas station. I was really nervous to go inside, but thankful it was extremely clean. Most bathrooms I have been in are really clean. Everyone from restaurant workers to our condo workers are sweeping (lots of sand), washing windows, and wiping down tables even when people aren’t there. The shuttle buses and vans we have been in all have been spotless.
Nice- Everyone we have met native to Costa Rica has been really nice. These individuals take pride in their country and really treat tourists well. Even though there is a slower pace of life down here, the relaxed attitudes and smiles are contagious.
Food- We have had many good meals here in Costa Rica. Maggie has enjoyed tacos, quesadillas, pizza, ice cream, chicken nuggets and lots of smoothies. In Tamarindo, the food is very Americanized with lots of options for everyone. It is also nice to see playgrounds at restaurants. At the grocery store, we have found the usual snacks and cereal popular at home such as Doritos, Oreos, Coke Light and Pellegrino. One of my new favorite drinks is Aloe Water.
Language: I have only encountered a handful of individuals who didn’t speak English. Many people who are here from Costa Rica speak English without even an accent.
Recycling- Everyone recycles around here.
Energy- 85% of Costa Rica’s energy is from carbon free methods. Most of energy is made from hydroelectric sources.
Money- You can use either US dollars or colones. Many receipts have the amount to pay in either. If you pay in US dollars, you might get colones back. Most prices in clothing stores and at restaurants are in US dollars. Credit cards are accepted pretty much every where.
Here are some of things that are different:
Paper Products- The napkins here are very thin and it takes about five to get through dinner. Toilet paper and paper towels are also very thin.
Vendors- Lots of vendors on the beach selling whistle birds, drinks (Coco Loco and cervesas), jewelry and other items.
Grocery Stores- There is no cream for coffee, only 2% milk. Meat selection is poor. Only one freezer for frozen foods besides ice cream in each of the smaller grocery stores.
