Stepping off the airplane I could already feel the humid heat that Costa Rica had waiting for us. This week I was determined to fully immerse myself in the culture and relaxation mode. The first way to start off my somewhat "fake" Costa Rican identity was to hit up a real Costa Rican grocery store. Let me let you in on a little secret- do go in there expecting to find everything in a certain aisle. Everything was scattered! I felt so lost in a such a tiny market! I couldn't help but take pictures of Spanish brands (like the cereals) because they all are the same as American brands but with different names and characters.
But we weren't in the hunt for cereal foods. We only needed a snack for our three and a half hour car drive to Arenal (the rainforest). At first, I picked out Back to Nature's organic cheese crackers, but then I realized that A.) I'm on vacation B.) why I'm I bothering on eating healthy and C.) I'M NOT IMMERSING MYSELF INTO THE CULTURE! So what did I pick up instead? Plaintain chips. Lemon lime flavor and of course original would do the trick!
During our drive our driver (whose name was Wilbur- not really a Hispanic name but alright.) was telling us about the schools in Costa Rica. All the education is paid for by the government. Since Costa Rica doesn't have an army, they spend a lot of their money focusing on the educations and well being of the citizens who live there. Did you know Costa Rica has the best education in Central America?
The Province of Guancaste (fun fact: Costa Rica has provinces not states!) is such a humble place. Everyone there treats each other with respect and love. Not once did I feel disrepected by any locals! Even though a lot of the buildings looked run down and beaten up- they still had soul to them.
I have a question! Why were did so many resturaunts have the word soda in them?
When we got to Arenal it was gorgeous (ANOTHER blog coming up on resort review!) When we arrived they greeted us with a orange and passion fruit juice concuction. It was magically delicious. I used to be scared of fruit juices but I didn't let that stop me from enjoying something I love. At that moment forward I knew it was going to be eeeeeats day everyday!
One thing you have to keep in mind when your driving in Costa Rica- DON'T DRIVE! Leave it up to a native because the roads are rocky, twisty, and the signs are in Spanish! It's dangerous, especially driving on the hills and mountains! But the view from the car is phenomenal. So maybe it's better if you DO get a driver so you CAN enjoy it without all the pressure of making sure you don't drive off the cliff!!