My First Steps in Costa Rica!
By Romain
Summary: Romain describes his first days in Costa Rica, "Of course, I haven't yet met any scary snakes or spiders bigger than my hand, but I'm not afraid any more. Do you know why? Because this country gives you confidence. Because people here give you faith in what you can accomplish."
Just arrived from an impersonal and industrialized European country, my apprehension concerning Costa Rica was all about animals biting me or about my Spanish, so hard to understand for local people. I could not imagine how far I was from the truth…
Actually, just a couple of days have been enough for me to consider things differently. Of course, I haven't yet met any scary snakes or spiders bigger than my hand, but I'm not afraid any more. Do you know why? Because this country gives you confidence. Because people here give you faith in what you can accomplish. Because nature here gives you a reason to fight. All my apprehension and my fears completely disappeared after a few steps into this culture, this lifestyle.
When you first arrive in a country you have never been before, you wonder how people are going to welcome you. You hope you won't hurt any tradition or any habit they have. Ticos are wonderful for helping you deal with that. I spent my first night in a hostel in San José, close to the Costa Rican University and I had really no idea about where I was. I didn't even need to ask. People just helped me out. While I was waiting for a bus which didn't want to come, a boy just dropped me to place I wanted to go. I didn't even need to ask. The day after, I wanted to have lunch in a typical local restaurant while avoiding the pest Mc Donald's and I found in San Pedro what I was looking for. Inside the restaurant, all the meals names looked the same to me, and a man came to me (I obviously looked as a tourist!) and told me, have a "casado". I didn't even need to ask. I don't know how people here can anticipate all your needs, but as long as it is possible for them, they will give you everything. I guarantee you, you won't have to ask!
The name Costa Rica sounds good to your ears. When you hear it, you think about a heaven, beaches made of the most beautiful sand ever, and wonderful landscapes, taken from a movie. This is actually not imagination. The sight will take your breath away, no matter where you are in the country, you will have a pleasant view. The night I arrived, I was skeptical. I thought: "Ok, it is the night, but still, I've been told so much about all the mountains and the landscapes, where the hell are they!!" The morning after, I just shut up. I couldn't speak anyway. The day after, I had a walk through the rainforest and I saw all the prosperity of Costa Rica.
What I'm talking about here, it is love at first sight. No matter what you thought before coming here, you are going to love it even more. This is the point of no return: you cannot get over Costa Rica!
About the Author
The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a non-profit organization providing volunteer tour packages for individuals, families and groups interested in exploring the culture, language and natural beauty of Costa Rica.
Additional Information:
- Costa Rica Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Live in Costa Rica
- Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica
- Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Costa Rica?
- Having a Baby in Costa Rica
- Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica
- Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica for Christmas Cheer
- 2024 Guide to Living in Costa Rica
- Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Costa Rica
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Comments
hollyhjYou have given me a heart warmed feeling about heading back to CR. I have a little piece of property in Avellenas that i bought 6 years ago and have not seen since. Now it has been so long i am nervous.but it was my intention to move there one day. Do you live there full time? I see you have a foundation that sounds fantastic....sounds perfect. Do you speak Spanish? My daughter will be moving out soon and I am a single women,can you help me with any advice regarding living there alone? thank you,holly