Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Que Extrano!

In my seven weeks in Samara, I have become accustomed to some habits, or differences, that exist between the Costa Rican culture and the United States culture.  I said United States culture and not the American culture.  Another difference in perception and knowledge that I am slowly getting used to.  We are not the only Americans. tsk tsk.  Ok, enough of that.

To capture the differences, let's Top Ten this blog for strange things about Samara:
  1. It's common not to have hot water in the house.
  2. Restaurants are not enclosed.  Open air establishments year-round.
  3. Drunk in Public and Walking with an Open Container are not reasons for la policia to stop you.
  4. Dogs look both ways before crossing the street. (Seriously).
  5. Toilet paper goes in the waste basket, not the toilet. (septic tanks can't handle it).
  6. A family of four can fit on one motorcycle. (Husband, Wife, 8yr daughter, 2 yr son).
  7. Corona is the most expensive beer ($4/beer).
  8. There is a guard tower at the new grocery store.
  9. The average person makes $2/hour, but the cost of items are equivalent to the United States.
  10. Some families don't have a bathroom in the house, but they have satellite tv.
With that said, I have a Top Ten for great things about Samara.  Life may be a little "extrano" for other cultures visiting Costa Rica, but you better believe there are wonderful things as well.
  1. Guanabana smoothies (My favorite fruit smoothie, or bastido).
  2. Temperature is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. (Stop hating and just come visit me).
  3. Natural reef creates great surfing conditions for beginners.
  4. There are "secreto" beaches that the tourists don't know about.
  5. Beer costs $2.00 unless you upgrade to the $4.00 Corona (sucker).
  6. People are extremely nice to tourists.
  7. Hammocks are everywhere.
  8. Flip-flops will be enough for all establishments.
  9. A bike ride to school or town in the morning passing by the palm tree lined beach.
  10. Drunk in Public and Walking with an Open Container are not reasons for la policia to stop you.
Don't take my top ten lists at face value.  Come on down and make your own lists!

No comments:

Post a Comment