Take it from someone who was there for four months, these are the ways you know you studied abroad in Costa Rica:
1. You are pro at the game "cross when the Ticos cross."
Most people think pedestrians have the right of way. Well, that thought was wiped from your brain within the first week you were in Costa Rica. Cars won't stop for you if you're crossing the road (sometimes they are stopped and then start going when you are right in front of them), they won't use their blinkers and it's just overall confusing to figure out when to walk. So you know how to play the "cross when the Ticos cross" game.
2. You know the 500 colones coin is basically equivalent to gold.
One coin that can get you pretty much anywhere on a bus? Yes please! These coins are rare to get back in change, so when you do get one, you get super excited and decide to cherish it forever. Or, you know, until the next hour when you will inevitably spend it.
3. You know that for Ticos, saying the words "mae" and "pura vida" are basically just another form of breathing.
"Pura Vida" (which means pure life and is also Costa Rica's slogan), is the response for everything. "Hola!" "Pura Vida!" "Gracias" "Pura Vida!" "Cómo Estás?" "Pura Vida!" But you know that it is definitely more than just a phrase. Instead, it is implemented into everything Ticos do. You have definitely heard the word "mae" (Costa Rican slang for dude), at least 400 times. And that's being very stingy.
4. Speaking of Ticos, they are the nicest people you will ever meet.
You have missed Ticos (the word for Costa Rican natives), every single day since leaving Costa Rica. They were always super nice and welcoming and always wanted to help out. Though, if you studied there, you know that sometimes they can be a little too nice. For example, you know not to completely trust people when they give you directions, because even if they don't know where something is, they'll still make something up just because they want to help. There were multiple times when you have had to ask for directions from five different people and all of the directions given to you sent you in completely opposite ways.
5. You either hate Tico time or have embraced it.
Getting pretty much everywhere 30 minutes late was a little confusing at first. You did not fully understand it or appreciate it. But odds are, you accepted it eventually and now you are constantly telling people, "Sorry, I'm still on Tico time," when you arrive late to things.
6. You will always and forever miss the gallo pinto, plantains and fresh fruit.
You were super spoiled with the food in Costa Rica. The gallo pinto (rice and beans for breakfast, don't knock it till you try it), was always superb. You got fresh fruit on your plate every morning. Pineapple will forever be ruined for you because let's face it, nothing can top the pineapple in Costa Rica. And cook a super sweet plantain in sugar and call it breakfast food instead of dessert? Ok! Sounds good to me!
7. Costa Rica stole a piece of your heart.
When you left Costa Rica, you left the home you made there. To you, it is not just a place you visited. You made friends, you changed, you had ups and downs and you made too many memories to count. Who can blame you if you tear up a little every time you think about it? There is definitely a part of you that will always be missing the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
