Culture Shock

Don't get me wrong, I love Costa Rica! Once I get back to the states, I will do nothing but gush about it for months.

However, now that the first two weeks are over and I no longer feel like I'm simply on vacation in paradise, I thought it would be interesting to share some things that I truly miss about the States. Being away from the good ol' USA has made me very appreciative of some of the things I used to take for granted.

1) First and foremost: Plumbing that can handle toilet paper. I still find it absolutely disgusting to have to throw away my toilet paper. I am getting used to it, but I will never be okay with it. Ever. It makes the bathrooms smell worse, and it's just nasty.

2) Texas Drivers. I know we drive like maniacs in my home state. However, those maniacs could learn a thing or two from Ticos. I regularly feel like I'm going to die every time I get in a cab, on a bus, or cross a street. It's absolutely miserable. And to top that off, the roads are pretty bad and severely lacking street signs and speed limits. No wonder taxi drivers don't expect tips.

3) Temperate climate. Here, it's just kind of normal to see mosquitos, gnats, and ants in your room, on your laptop, or in your face. I even have a lizard that hangs out on my ceiling every once in a while. You can't do anything about it. It's a tropical climate,  and rooms are often open-air or loosely sealed. Also, it's always humid. Almost nothing dries completely, and my hair and and make-up are awful by the end of the day.

4) Walmart. Although super mercados exist in this country, they don't match the smallest Walmart in the States. As well, any Walmart or super store that does exist (usually in tourist areas) have over-priced American products, and it's not worth it. I just want to be able to go to a store and buy markers, shampoo, and junk food all at the same place. Also, pizza rolls, bolgna, and lunchables. I'm obviously a college kid.

5) Diet Coke. They call it “Coca Cola Light” here, and it just doesn’t taste the same. "Pepsi Light "is a bit better, and I prefer it to the alternative since it tastes more like home.

6) Skim milk. There's really only one brand of milk here and it's either 2% or whole. I miss drinking all of my family's skim milk at home. Also, any cheese that's not queso fresco. Good luck finding american, cheddar, swiss, provolone, gouda, pepper jack, etc. I really just want a gooey grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.

7) Peanut Butter. If you can find it, it's expensive.

8) Steak.  I just want a sirloin. Please.

9) US Time. There's this thing here called "Tico Time". It means that everything runs about 15 minutes to half an hour later than it should. This is nice when you don't have to rush to class. However, it makes service here horrendous. Nobody hurries or rushes or really cares how long it takes them to do what you're paying them to do. They're chill. Like a bunch of lazy hippies (not implying that Ticos are lazy or hippies...it's just a simile). It's annoying when you have places to be and things to do.

10) Sleeping in. The sun goes up really early and it shines really bright. It's almost impossible to sleep past 8am. In addition, breakfast is at 7:15am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On the weekends, we often get up early to fit as much into the day as possible. I haven't slept in past 9am since I got here. It's starting to take a toll.


We got so home-sick last week that we went to the Multi-Plaza (a very American-style mall) to shop and eat fast food.

Sometimes you just need a little taste of home.

Rest assured, there will be a "Reverse Culture Shock" blog entry as soon as I return to the states and start missing CR.

Hasta luego!