Costa Rica is AMAZING! Every morning I have been able to sit in a hammock, sip Costa Rican coffee, look at the beautiful mountainous view, and spend time with the Lord. I still can’t believe that I’m in Costa Rica, I still can’t believe I get to live here for three months, and I still really can’t believe that I’m on the World Race and won’t be going home for nine months!
In just a week I have picked up a decent amount of Spanish and I have learned A LOT about the Costa Rican culture: citizens are called Ticos, Americans are called Gringos, you have to throw out toilet paper instead of flushing it, if you are walking on the street don’t expect cars to yield because they will hit you, speed limits are suggestions in Costa Rica so cars go 90 mph and drive in what you could call organized chaos, 550ish colones = $1 USD, women greet with a hug and kiss against the cheek, men shake hands and/or hug, Ticos use the term “pura vida” (pure life) for most positive interactions, getting invited to a Ticos house for coffee is an endearment to have a close friendship, sharing a meal/beverage with someone of the opposite sex means nothing like it does in the States (friendly), Ticos have an expectation of showering at least every morning (if one cannot shower it is important enough to miss school/work), raising one’s voice is offensive, slamming a car door is offensive, rejecting food is offensive because they are sharing their life experiences with you, it is polite to greet someone every time you see them even if you greeted them earlier, floors are very important in Costa Rica and are cleaned at least once a day, and it is NOT rude to interrupt in Costa Rica!
Here is my home for the next three months:
Thank you all for your love and support!
God bless,
Tyler Ballard
