Culture Shock

So, now that I have been in Costa Rica for a day and have been able to acclimate myself to the surroundings and host family, I am able to give an update.  The country is beautiful with awesome people who are willing to help with anything you need.  One thing that is surprising is that my family does not speak english while my housemate and I do not speak spanish, so it is a learning experience for both.  We explored the city of San Jose which seems to be like any other American city with both the positives and negatives (local culture is cool while there is trash and the trouble with crime).  One thing that is interesting is the way the police force works, where the force is everywhere, but it appears to only be used as a warning, not to actually enforce.  Also the national pride is everywhere, citizens are happy about our being here but like to point out that Costa Rica is a beacon of peace and progression (I guess that nationalism can be seen predominantly in any country). 

Today we are going to the mall to gather our collones, which is the local currency (500 collones to one dollar) and to see some local wares.  Honestly my expectations where to see a third world country, but so far it is nothing out of the ordinary.  The food is excellent and the local beer tasting like miller light.  The activities are going to  become more extreme and amazing so the updates should be better.  A parting quote of the day is from yesterday: Dude I dont want to carry my knife, if I get picked pocketed they will take my knife and stab me with it, how lame would that be. 

Peace gangstars (no cool spanish exit yet)

Todays Song- Work is Never Over by Daft punk

*some symbols and spelling might be off because the spell check and keyboard are spanish so it is difficult to know where stuff is.