Things to learn in Costa Rica

We are in staying now in Quepos/Manuel Antonio on the pacific coast of Costa Rica. We have a "suite" upstairs from our host family with private rooms and bathrooms. 

This lime green is our house. The open gate is for stairs that lead to the guest area. There are 5 rooms w/bathrooms and a little sitting area. This is just enough room to be comfortable, have privacy, but still feel part of the family. We eat with the family in their dining room below. Last night we sat in chairs on the sidewalk to get the breeze and watch the people go by.

My travel companion Karl made a good observation, that we Americans have ancestors for whom a claim to land was important. Most of us still do it...a yard, a fence, a big space that is ours.  Here, the spaces are smaller, the little patio or grass area (if there is one) is inside the small fence.  But LIFE happens outside the fence...people on the street, going to the market...different habits.

Here are some things I learned so far

Eating fresh and good is a habit: All our food here has been fresh, organic and natural. Typical meal is a “casado” meaning married; some people think because rice and beans are often married; some people think because this is a typical lunch a wife would make a husband.  Anyway, they consist of white rice, dark beans, a meat (grilled chicken, fish, beef) and fried plantains and often a fresco to drink.  Every meal has lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our landscape influences our diet, for sure!

More to come...