I’m in Costa Rica for another day, leaving for Ft Lauderdale tommorow morning. I came for cosmetic dental work but I going home with such huge respect for this small, central American country.
This country of 5 million has a 97% literacy rate and has been distinguished for its commitment to sustainable and clean energy.
But what I really liked were the people. Always polite, smiling in response to friendliness, efficient, helpful.
Yes, I am staying in an upmarket end of town, but I have had the same reaction from Uber drivers, receptionists, and service people in other suburbs.
Lush, lush, lush greenery on sideswalks, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and public spaces. The restaurant I visited yesterday surrounded me with a variety of green; leaves bursting from stems, vines hanging from ceiling, poking around corners, lifting through bannisters. It was an oasis of quiet and peace.
From the balcony of my hotel, I can see 4 residential towers being built. The workers look little flourescent clad ants, moving around. Wonder how they get up their from the ground? Surely they don’t ride an elevator, nor climb stairs. Must ride up on a crane.
Soon this area will be another Gold Coast, Miami Beach, Galt Mile. I hope the government is monitoring the real estate industry.
Everything is expensive in Costa Rica, except real estate, which is very affordable. Great for a getaway home or investment.
And cosmetic surgery, face lifts, anything lifts, dental work, etc is at least half price from American practioners. And, more professional, in my opinion,
Residents are happy here. Even the waitresses when I drive them crazy trying to get my favorite hot beverage. This is a coffee growing country and decaffinated coffee is an oxymoron. So I had to experiment with some substitutes. My friend ordered a drink for me which I loved. Frothy, white, spicey, flavorful. Except I didn’t know what it was called.
Today my throat was a bit scratchy so I lazed around and finally took myself off to the local cafe.
Marie was my waitresses name. She had flaming mahogany shoulder length hair, a big smile, and coloful drop earring which almost grazed her shoulder.
I explained what I wanted. “Chai Tea.” She answered with a whole list of options and I listened carefully, finally ordering the ‘red’ tea since I usually surround myself with anything red!
It came, I poured it, I drank it, but it wasn’t what I really wanted So I studied the menu again. Just then a waiter passed in front of my with a delicious looking chocolate drink. My eyes opened wide, I nodded toward the waiter and Marie got the message.
Soon she came with the chocolate thing in a tall glass, just like the one the young lady at a neighboring table was enjoying.
Yes, it was good, but…….back to the menu. I skipped over the coffees, eliminating the wines and smoothies. What did I have that was so good?
Then I saw it. Te Chai. I asked Marie what it looks like and she gave me enough of a description to satisfy me. By this time Marie is laughing at me, not with me, and nodding her head Yes.
So I ordered it. It came with milky froth, hot, spicy —just the right thing. I found it!! but was so bloated with liquid and thinking seriously of peeing, that I had to gulp it down, pay the check and get back to my hotel.
Sloths are a big tourist attraction here. So, with great excitement, I booked a tour which included live, real, furry, fuzzy sloths. The real deal; the actual thing; a sloth in it’s natural habitat. Wow, a once in a lifetime experience. So off we go. Where? Not to the jungle, not to the wilds, but to a university campus. Yes, there was a sloth; one sloth, nestled in the crotch of a tree. It was difficult to discern the head from the arms, from the body, from the legs. It looked like one, long, oblong furry rug. Then, wait for it, then, with great deliberation, with great precision, with great thought, it MOVED. No, not the whole body, not both legs, not the ugly head,. Just one arm moved slowly, slowly, slowly. It moved approximately 4 inches. It moved it right arm 4 whole inches, Then settled back down to continue its nap. I don’t recommend this tour/experience.
I’ve talked to as many people as I could but haven’t done a lot of museums. Nor tours. Next time, because, Yes, I will be back, especially since I now know how to order my favorite beverage. And how to avoid sloths.