Costa Rica Style
We were impatient to get a bus back from Poás Volcano one Sunday and tried our hand at hitchhiking. A charter bus stopped for us and from the windows a score of friendly faces beckoned us inside. It was a neighborhood outing organized by the local people. Two other “guests” slept in the back while we chatted with anyone and everyone. It was a priceless opportunity to get to know Costa Ricans personally. To this day we remain friends with one family who invited us home for dinner. Because it is not tropical with scorching hot afternoons, Costa Rica has not developed the culture of siestas, afternoon naps, that you find in countries like Mexico.

Costa Rican's
Costa Ricans are very polite and non-confrontational; they tend to be late for appointments, dance very well and are very friendly. Both Ticos and Ticas find blondes with light eyes attractive, while some North American men are attracted to the reputation Ticas have of being old-fashioned and devoted. While they are that, some men think that Ticas will willingly put up with the bad behavior that other women reject. Guess what? You’re in trouble if you think so. Blonde is rubia (female) and rubio (male); girlfriends are novias and boyfriends are novios.