Costa Rica First Impressions – Joshua Roy

Being raised in America for the most part, one of the first things that I noticed in Costa Rica was the outstanding nature and greenery this country holds. The mountains, trees, and beaches bring views and an energy that is not found in many other places I’ve been to. Moreover, the nature and the attitudes of the people create an overall calm environment.
There have been a few differences between the cultures that I’ve been quick to notice. The first one is in the food. A staple in the Costa Rican diet is rice & beans. Although available in America, we don’t nearly eat as much of it as the average Costa Rican. Moreover, the food in Costa Rica is less processed and feels a lot healthier than the food in the States. We’ve eaten a lot of food out here, but I haven’t felt groggy like I often do back home. The food feels more fresh, genuine, and organic as opposed to food in the U.S.
One underlying thought I’ve had is the differences in the satisfaction and ambition of Costa Rican people versus American people. For a lot of people, having a decent job and a good family life is more than enough and equates to a great, happy life. In comparison to American culture though, it’s very different. Americans are always looking for more. They seek constant self-development and self-improvement. It’s common for people to have a “never satisfied/never settle” attitude.
The last difference I see is in the family-oriented lifestyles of Costa Rican families. In this country, family means everything. When you have something to celebrate, you do it with family. When you need something important, you ask your family first. In the States, however, it is common to go to close friends or girlfriends/boyfriends in times of celebration or need. This obviously doesn’t apply to everyone but is what I see from the general population of both countries.