Just a note: For some this my seem political. It is not for me. It is simply my general observations and not intended to hurt anyone's feelings in any way.
Since I have moved to Costa Rica I have been noticing, not so subtle, differences. Glaring, in my face, heart bending differences.
Being 67 years old I have lived through so many changes in the United States and very little for the better. Even some with good intentions ended in no change, or made things worse.
Let's start with busing. How has this improved things in any way? You can argue until you are blue in the face and blame it on "No Child Left Behind," but the truth is they did lower the standards in the school academics and everyone has suffered for it. I know this because I know how I was taught, and I've seen how the next generations have been taught. How is literacy doing in the US? Mathematics? How do we stack up against the rest of the world? Why not improve all the schools, and let the children stay by their neighborhoods? Hire teachers who can pass the "Standardized Test."
Next they decided discipline should be removed from the school. First no spanking, then no touching of any kind, then no removal from class because it might hurt the self image of the juvenile delinquent. This is all done at the expense of the students that are trying to learn. Teachers can be sued for anything in the area of discipline. They are always considered guilty before proven innocent. If not, they would not be fired from their teaching jobs before the whole truth is known. I can understand this as far as sexual allegations, but even those are used against some teachers just to get even with them by a disrespectful student who doesn't even respect themselves.
Now, let's take God and prayer out of the schools. Do not say this belongs in the home. What happened to "It takes a village?" When God and prayer were removed from the schools the discipline and behavorial problems went up quickly. They are not being taught about God and to love their neighbor at home. Behavior problems have grown steadily in schools, and it is easily traceable to prayer being removed if you will just look. If you do not know what is expected of you by God, and you have no fear of punishment then you have no boundaries. The proof is in the pudding as they say.
How about letting the teachers teach the subjects they are hired and educated in to be teaching instead of constantly preparing students to pass a standardized test that shows a pass/fail for the student and the teacher? If a percentage of students do not pass the schools funding is cut back or completely off. How does that benefit the students? Why not go back to teaching the student the subject. If the student fails the subjects the student fails the year. Why are we punishing the whole school?
Why are we allowing truancy and drop outs? Boundaries...Consequences...Set Expectations and do not waver from them. What was so wrong with these teachings that the ability of coping with the world, so you could be of service to your community taken away?
Speaking of respect....When I was in school there were pictures of Washington, Lincoln, and the present President on every class wall. We were taught that these people deserved our respect. Now kids are using the "F" word when addressing anything to do with whoever the present leader of our country is. Why are they not being taught that you do not have to like everything they do. They are human, too, but you do owe them respect. Imagine.....
Now for the differences. Costa Rican children have never been bused across town. The parents here are, however, allowed to choose which public school they want them to attend. The choice is not restricted to the school in their neighborhood. They are responsible to make sure they get to school. If their children skip school, or are absent all the time, the government goes after the parent! They know they are responsible as a parent to see to the education of their children, and if they do not someone will make them. It is NOT the child's responsibility. It is a strong pride element for the parent. Maybe this is why the children stay in school, pass their grades, and the country is 98.7% literate. There are no options. You pass school. Imagine, 98.7%! This also correlates with the lack of crime in Costa Rica. Education creates the path to self confidence, character, supporting yourself, your family and respect for your neighbor.
The schools in Costa Rica still say the pledge of allegiance to their country standing with their hands on their hearts. They still sing their National Anthem and they still say prayer in school. They are not afraid of hurting anyone's feelings by showing love for the country they live in and their God. Just the three small disciplines teach the children respect and love of their country, their families and their creator.
All of this ties into the family unit. Generations of families still share property and human values. There can be a home for the grand parents, parents and children all living on the same land. They love each other and respect is taught to all the younger children, so when they become the adults and teach it to their children they will be respected and not considered a drain on family. Instead, they are loved and cared for in their later years. Even if families are not living in the same area the grown children respect and look after their aging parents with kindness. It has been amazing to me to see a whole country behave in this way. LOVE AND REPSECT FOR FAMILY.
For me the most glaring differences are educational expectations, true consequences, love of God and Country, and respect.
This is not a total knock to the US. There are amazing parents who live their lives with respect and see to it that their children become responsible and loving adults. If the masses did this the crime rate would not be even close to what it is. Just watching the news immediately after the hurricanes hit was a great example of a missing moral compass in many. People breaking into stores to steal shoes and any thing else they can take from someone else that they want? This speaks volumes. Of course, the opposite applies to the many many who sprung into immediate action to help in any way they could. Unfortunately, it does seem to take a tragedy to bring people together in the US anymore.
I love the United States. I knew the horrible problems before I left. It has just really jarred me seeing how the majority of those problems are not everywhere. I pray for my country and the world we live in.
Footnote: I did not move away from the United States for any of these reasons. I moved because there was no hope of me retiring and being able to support myself there. I did, however, choose Costa Rica for my ability to support myself and the country's core values.
Pura Vida!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017
Costa Rica Independence Day
Today, September 15, 2017, is Independence Day in Costa Rica. I have enjoyed the perfect initiation of celebrating Independence Day as a real Tica.
The fun started yesterday. My neighbor and adopted Costa Rican family took me to their children's school for their Independence Day program. It was adorable with all the children dressed up in typical Costa Rican costumes performing dances and singing. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and friends were all there to support their favorite student. They had all types of Costa Rican foods to sell. We ate empanadas. I made the mistake of calling mine a sandwich. Manuel quickly corrected me with a great laugh.
Today we celebrated my favorite way with a PARADE! Anyone who knows me knows how much I love parades. This was one of the best I have been to. The reason why you ask? The entire parade was children. Even the older dancers were high school kids. It was colorful, it was magical, it was Independence Day!
The day started with a beautiful sunrise then off to the children's school at 7:00 AM. Today was a National Holiday, but all the schools had the children attend in uniform to say their pledge of allegiance, sing the National Anthem, and say a prayer. This is a public school. The respect and discipline that is taught to the Costa Rican children is why the country is ranked as one of the top countries in literacy.
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 97.7%
female: 97.8%
Then we were off to the parade. I will let the pictures speak to the joy of every second. I will spare you my 72 pictures and just post a few.
To cap off a perfect day I joined my adopted Tico family, and we all had lunch at a neighborhood Soda.
Feliz Independencia Dia....
Pura Vida!
The fun started yesterday. My neighbor and adopted Costa Rican family took me to their children's school for their Independence Day program. It was adorable with all the children dressed up in typical Costa Rican costumes performing dances and singing. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and friends were all there to support their favorite student. They had all types of Costa Rican foods to sell. We ate empanadas. I made the mistake of calling mine a sandwich. Manuel quickly corrected me with a great laugh.
Today we celebrated my favorite way with a PARADE! Anyone who knows me knows how much I love parades. This was one of the best I have been to. The reason why you ask? The entire parade was children. Even the older dancers were high school kids. It was colorful, it was magical, it was Independence Day!
The day started with a beautiful sunrise then off to the children's school at 7:00 AM. Today was a National Holiday, but all the schools had the children attend in uniform to say their pledge of allegiance, sing the National Anthem, and say a prayer. This is a public school. The respect and discipline that is taught to the Costa Rican children is why the country is ranked as one of the top countries in literacy.
Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.8%
male: 97.7%
female: 97.8%
Then we were off to the parade. I will let the pictures speak to the joy of every second. I will spare you my 72 pictures and just post a few.
To cap off a perfect day I joined my adopted Tico family, and we all had lunch at a neighborhood Soda.
Feliz Independencia Dia....
Pura Vida!
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Bananas Everywhere
I am so easily thrilled, happy and entertained these days. As long as stress does not come with it I'm a happy gal.
Several people have asked me for directions on how I make my smoothies every day. I took some pictures to help with that.
I am just a lucky duck! All my bananas have been free. They grow everywhere in Costa Rica in almost everyone's yards. My friends, George and Aija Lundquest, have several acres to their property with many many banana trees. I am the beneficiary of bunches!
When I get the bananas they are sticky and sandy feeling. Just dirty from hanging on the trees. There are no pesticides used, so you can't get any more natural. First thing is put them in the sink, still on the stalk, and get them washed.
Next I peel and cut them into about 2-3" pieces and place them inside a freezer bag. It is so much fun to open my own freezer door and see it full of beautiful bananas ready for my smoothie.
Next I cut a papaya in half and scrape all the seeds out. I grab the natural unflavored yogurt, get 6-8 banana slices from my freezer bag, scoop the meat of one half papaya into the blender along with the yogurt and bananas, add orange juice just about midway of the ingredients in the blender. Put the top on the blender (that's a reminder for anyone has enjoyed the thrill of forgetting to put it on) and you have the best smoothie you have ever drunk in your life!
As I was saying, I am easily amused these days. I got a super thrill this morning. MY banana tree has a "banana heart" which means I have my own bananas growing in my yard! I am so excited. I noticed the heart and the bananas already growing in my neighbor's yard yesterday and was so jealous. I cannot believe I am going to have my very own bananas!
This is my neighbor's trees. You can see the purple heart has already dropped, and the green bananas are growing right above it.
This is my tree. The purple heart has just shown itself. Soon it will drop and the bananas will follow.
Pura Vida!
Several people have asked me for directions on how I make my smoothies every day. I took some pictures to help with that.
I am just a lucky duck! All my bananas have been free. They grow everywhere in Costa Rica in almost everyone's yards. My friends, George and Aija Lundquest, have several acres to their property with many many banana trees. I am the beneficiary of bunches!
When I get the bananas they are sticky and sandy feeling. Just dirty from hanging on the trees. There are no pesticides used, so you can't get any more natural. First thing is put them in the sink, still on the stalk, and get them washed.
Next I peel and cut them into about 2-3" pieces and place them inside a freezer bag. It is so much fun to open my own freezer door and see it full of beautiful bananas ready for my smoothie.
Next I cut a papaya in half and scrape all the seeds out. I grab the natural unflavored yogurt, get 6-8 banana slices from my freezer bag, scoop the meat of one half papaya into the blender along with the yogurt and bananas, add orange juice just about midway of the ingredients in the blender. Put the top on the blender (that's a reminder for anyone has enjoyed the thrill of forgetting to put it on) and you have the best smoothie you have ever drunk in your life!
As I was saying, I am easily amused these days. I got a super thrill this morning. MY banana tree has a "banana heart" which means I have my own bananas growing in my yard! I am so excited. I noticed the heart and the bananas already growing in my neighbor's yard yesterday and was so jealous. I cannot believe I am going to have my very own bananas!
This is my neighbor's trees. You can see the purple heart has already dropped, and the green bananas are growing right above it.
This is my tree. The purple heart has just shown itself. Soon it will drop and the bananas will follow.
Pura Vida!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Fun In A Car In Costa Rica
You never know what you will run into while on the roads in Costa Rica. There are things to slow traffic to a crawl, and you can even just spend time waiting to have your shot at a parking place at the grocery store. I spent 33 minutes completely stopped because of road construction last week. I really do not mind that so much because they do keep those two lanes in good condition.
The good news is Costa Rica always has crews out working on the mostly two lane roads throughout the country. The bad news is that they are only two lanes winding up and down the mountains. It is not unusual to run up on a truck or car of some kind that just can barely make it up the steep climb because it is too heavy or not enough power. Exhibit A. (above)
There are the small trucks hauling cows or horses. It's tough watching the animals swaying from one side of the truck to the other trying to stay on their feet. These are always slow boys!
Then there is the ever popular Old Lady...aka "The House Shoe Lady" who you will find just walking almost in the middle of the road any given day. You do have to be on the lookout for her. You can come around a curve, and there she is just daring you!
Last but not least the valued parking place. Do not go to the supermarket on the weekend. If you do not get there very early you will wait in line for your turn to get the next parking place that has just become empty. They have a very official attendant there to make sure you wait your turn.
I made my first little road trip by myself this weekend. One thing I found is, drive on Sunday. There is very little traffic. The drive took me one hour. Most roads were marked, but the main road I had to get to which was the Autopista Hwy. 27 was not marked! Luckily I had been to Escazu several times and knew there was a curve off on the road before the toll plaza. Once I was down on the hwy. I soon saw the 27, and I could breath again. I drove to Atenas to see my friends, Nancy and Tim Muldoon. They are building a home there and will be officially living in Costa Rica as of November.
Pura Vida!
The good news is Costa Rica always has crews out working on the mostly two lane roads throughout the country. The bad news is that they are only two lanes winding up and down the mountains. It is not unusual to run up on a truck or car of some kind that just can barely make it up the steep climb because it is too heavy or not enough power. Exhibit A. (above)
There are the small trucks hauling cows or horses. It's tough watching the animals swaying from one side of the truck to the other trying to stay on their feet. These are always slow boys!
Then there is the ever popular Old Lady...aka "The House Shoe Lady" who you will find just walking almost in the middle of the road any given day. You do have to be on the lookout for her. You can come around a curve, and there she is just daring you!
Last but not least the valued parking place. Do not go to the supermarket on the weekend. If you do not get there very early you will wait in line for your turn to get the next parking place that has just become empty. They have a very official attendant there to make sure you wait your turn.
I made my first little road trip by myself this weekend. One thing I found is, drive on Sunday. There is very little traffic. The drive took me one hour. Most roads were marked, but the main road I had to get to which was the Autopista Hwy. 27 was not marked! Luckily I had been to Escazu several times and knew there was a curve off on the road before the toll plaza. Once I was down on the hwy. I soon saw the 27, and I could breath again. I drove to Atenas to see my friends, Nancy and Tim Muldoon. They are building a home there and will be officially living in Costa Rica as of November.
Pura Vida!
Monday, August 28, 2017
Learning New Foods in Costa Rica
I am having a ball discovering new foods here. There is broccoli, rice, beans, lettuce (not Iceberg) and potatoes but not much else I recognize. Luckily, many of my friends have lived here for a while, and they know what everything is. Plus my Tico friends have been helpful, too.
Fruit....Anyone know what this is?
When I first saw it I thought it was so interesting and I loved the color, but I could not imagine how you would eat it much less if it was fruit or vegetable. This is a Mamon Chino. A delicious fruit! It is very easy to peel and the reward is delicious! This fruit is very sweet. It reminds me of a sweet plum. I had seen them on the back of trucks that are parked on the street with a farmer selling his produce. I was scared to even ask. My friend, Nancy's, father taught me all about them at a party.
How about this?
No, not oranges! They are limes. When they turn orange they are ripe. They are also orange inside. The smell on the rind is amazing! Just a bowl on the table makes the whole room smell wonderful.
Now for biggest surprise of all. I actually cooked. For a girl that used her oven for a place to store paint for years this was a big step! My friend, Randy, has a man that comes to their neighborhood with shrimp and fish fresh out of the ocean. I put my order in, and I was not disappointed. These shrimp are huge. Not to mention 1 Kilo was only $30.00. That is almost 2 1/2 lbs. fresh from the ocean. I cooked a few, went outside and picked a lime from my tree to squeeze in the butter and over the shrimp. Delish!!!! You may still want to wait a while before letting me cook for you though. Learning!
There is a special advantage to living with your doors and windows open. Number one, the people of Costa Rica are the warmest most thoughtful people you will ever meet. This weekend I was in my house and heard, Julie, my neighbors housekeeper yelling my name. I walked out and she was standing there with a fresh made Cheese Empanada in her hand for me! She had just finished cooking a snack for the family. It was so tasty with a glass of the fresh squeezed orange juice I had just made!
Pura Vida!
Fruit....Anyone know what this is?
When I first saw it I thought it was so interesting and I loved the color, but I could not imagine how you would eat it much less if it was fruit or vegetable. This is a Mamon Chino. A delicious fruit! It is very easy to peel and the reward is delicious! This fruit is very sweet. It reminds me of a sweet plum. I had seen them on the back of trucks that are parked on the street with a farmer selling his produce. I was scared to even ask. My friend, Nancy's, father taught me all about them at a party.
How about this?
No, not oranges! They are limes. When they turn orange they are ripe. They are also orange inside. The smell on the rind is amazing! Just a bowl on the table makes the whole room smell wonderful.
Now for biggest surprise of all. I actually cooked. For a girl that used her oven for a place to store paint for years this was a big step! My friend, Randy, has a man that comes to their neighborhood with shrimp and fish fresh out of the ocean. I put my order in, and I was not disappointed. These shrimp are huge. Not to mention 1 Kilo was only $30.00. That is almost 2 1/2 lbs. fresh from the ocean. I cooked a few, went outside and picked a lime from my tree to squeeze in the butter and over the shrimp. Delish!!!! You may still want to wait a while before letting me cook for you though. Learning!
There is a special advantage to living with your doors and windows open. Number one, the people of Costa Rica are the warmest most thoughtful people you will ever meet. This weekend I was in my house and heard, Julie, my neighbors housekeeper yelling my name. I walked out and she was standing there with a fresh made Cheese Empanada in her hand for me! She had just finished cooking a snack for the family. It was so tasty with a glass of the fresh squeezed orange juice I had just made!
Pura Vida!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Mopping Floors in Costa Rica
I have learned the most wonderful trick for cleaning floors of all kinds. I have used it on my tile and wood floors here in CR. It is one of the GREATEST inventions ever.
Where do you find a mop that cleans better than any store bought one you have ever purchased in your life? You make it! I cannot begin to tell you how great this mop cleans. No streaks, no cleaning out and redunking, and you already have everything to make it.
All you need is a broom shaped like most Americans use outside to sweep. You do not need the really wide size. Just find one 12-16". Wide will work if you have a large area. One cotton towel cut in half. Vinegar and water.
Cut a cotton towel in half then cut a hole in the center
Wide Broom
Put broom handle through the hole in the towel and drop in over the broom.
When you are finished slide towel off the broom and wash it with your towels!
Honestly, try it. You will not ever use another regular mop as long as you live.
Copy and paste this link to see how my homemade broom works!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI_DiCWmggg&feature=youtu.be
Pura Vida!
Where do you find a mop that cleans better than any store bought one you have ever purchased in your life? You make it! I cannot begin to tell you how great this mop cleans. No streaks, no cleaning out and redunking, and you already have everything to make it.
All you need is a broom shaped like most Americans use outside to sweep. You do not need the really wide size. Just find one 12-16". Wide will work if you have a large area. One cotton towel cut in half. Vinegar and water.
Cut a cotton towel in half then cut a hole in the center
Wide Broom
Put broom handle through the hole in the towel and drop in over the broom.
When you are finished slide towel off the broom and wash it with your towels!
Honestly, try it. You will not ever use another regular mop as long as you live.
Copy and paste this link to see how my homemade broom works!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI_DiCWmggg&feature=youtu.be
Pura Vida!
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Trip To Jaco
It has taken me weeks to get my paintings hung in my home. The walls in the house are cement, and I could not hang them by myself. I knew once I got them hung I would finally be settled and ready to start exploring Costa Rica, so today 3 friends and I drove to Jaco for lunch and a bit of sight seeing. The drive is about 1 hr. and 10 mins. if you do not run into some big trucks hauling things. We did run into a few this morning, but the company, the sunshine and the adventure made it seem like nothing.
Jaco is a beach town on the Pacific Ocean side. The views going there are beautiful. High mountains, amazing ocean views, rivers with crocodiles, Macaws in the trees and great road side vege/fruit stands were perfect.
The town of Jaco itself is so cute with many great shops. Soon as you drive into it you feel the excitement in the air. It has a wonderful vibe. We were not there very long as our main reason for going was just to have lunch. With all the amazing things we saw along the way it was much more than just lunch.
I had my first Chiliguaro shot! It tastes like a perfect Bloody Mary. It is made with Cacique-Guaro, the national liquor of Costa Rica. We went to a darling Tiki bar on the beach to have them. The sound of the waves breaking on the sand, the great Costa Rican music playing and these three fun friends made for a great memory.
Pura Vida!
Jaco is a beach town on the Pacific Ocean side. The views going there are beautiful. High mountains, amazing ocean views, rivers with crocodiles, Macaws in the trees and great road side vege/fruit stands were perfect.
The town of Jaco itself is so cute with many great shops. Soon as you drive into it you feel the excitement in the air. It has a wonderful vibe. We were not there very long as our main reason for going was just to have lunch. With all the amazing things we saw along the way it was much more than just lunch.
I had my first Chiliguaro shot! It tastes like a perfect Bloody Mary. It is made with Cacique-Guaro, the national liquor of Costa Rica. We went to a darling Tiki bar on the beach to have them. The sound of the waves breaking on the sand, the great Costa Rican music playing and these three fun friends made for a great memory.
Pura Vida!
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