“The eyes are in love and the heart continues to grow.” –My inner conscious spoke these words as I rode a 7 hour long bus to my training site.
In the US, “southern hospitality” is definitive of Americans welcoming others into their homes. It is being offered sweet tea and warm conversation. After a relaxing visit, it’s leaving with a comforting hug that is filled with sincere invitations to return. Southerners proudly claim this hospitality. And while Northerners love their “fast paced, eventful, culturally enriched lives,” the thought of visiting family and / or friends in the south and being showered with that hospitality brings smiles and a moment of relaxation to one’s face.
Just the thought brings Chapel Hill to mind.
Well, imagine that hospitality to the nth degree. That would be enough to describe my visit to San Vito (southern part of Costa Rica near the Panamanian border.)
This past week marked the 6th week of training, also known as Tech Week. Myself and 9 other trainees went to visit an outgoing volunteer in a little town in San Vito called La Pintada Piedra with 700 inhabitants. If I could determine my ideal site, La Pintada would be it!
For details of events and a little political reflection, see “Role of Government and the Citizen.” (coming soon)
In addition to the various organized activities we witnessed, what made this trip remarkable was my host family. This family was composed of a mom, dad and three children (14, 11 and 7). Time with the family was simple: meals, watched telenovelas and futbol, played dominoes and answered a million questions. This family was of limited means as well. There house was a one floor dwelling perhaps the size of my living room, dining room and kitchen combined. (Imagine the biggest room in your house and that would accurately describe this family’s home.) But the emphasis on family and the pure pleasure they received from being amongst family was absolutely incredible.
This emphasis on family extended to friends and guests as well. The family welcomed me into their home as if I were the eldest daughter that went to the big city for college and was returning home for Spring Break. After 6 days with the family, I departed feeling like the daughter returning to college with goodbyes and advice from loving parents.
This family (and most of the Costa Ricans I have met) are content with life. They have been blessed with family and each knows that they are truly loved. In loving themselves, they are able to share their love with a community.
I think that I finally understand the phrase “Pura Vida.” (A popular phrase in Costa Rica that is typically the response to everything.)
Here, life is pure. Costa Ricans place emphasis on the simple things of life: family. They live in present while reminiscing about the past.
Thinking of the past allows them to reflect on the progress they have made while allowing them to enjoy their ancestry. For example, their ancestors were coffee producers and it was the source of income for all families. Today, coffee may no longer be the main source of income, but the significance of coffee is still as strong. Sharing cafecito (a cup of coffee) with family and neighbors is a daily activity. While sharing the cafecito, memories are exchanged and conversations are soulful. The present self is happy and life is fulfilling.
The future (as we define as progress and improving the world) is of no importance in one’s heart. Instead of chasing dreams and keeping up with the new technology, they focus on the happiness of their family and appreciate the technology currently available.
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