Costa Rica Day 1 – Arrival

As I anticipated the arrival of our flight to Costa Rica, I couldn’t help wondering how the life and environment of the Costa Rica people would be.  I had been to many Caribbean countries and Mexico and had a vague idea about the differences between them when it came to government and poverty.  Cuba being a communist country had a very set standard of living for everyone whereas Mexico had extreme wealth mixed in with extreme poor of not only their citizens but of their children often seeing children sitting on the edge of the road drinking and begging for money.  We had been told that their government was a more cooperative government looking at social supports and welfare for all.  I was surprised to see that there still were homemade shacks of loose materials at the side of the road.  The countryside was beautiful and full of rolling hills that beyond the eye with clouds at times kissing the tips of the hills.  We drove to our little town called Athenas that was about 45 minutes from the airport.  I noticed immediately that every home had a fence around their parameters which included the house, the garage, gardens and car.  Many people sat outside behind their barred doors and lawns utilizing this space as another room.  There were few bugs in the air and the cool breeze was just enough to be comfortable in the weather that was meant for July rainy season.  Everyone was friendly and looked for a smile by our group as we passed by during our walk to town for dinner.  The walk was only 1.5 km one way with very steep hills on many parts of the trail.  Local Athenians were able to surpass our pace with ease.  After a wonderful meal of fish and shrimp tacos we made our way to the supermarket.  The price of many items were similar to home when you took the dollar conversion into account.  Following the meal and supermarket trip, a lengthy but more downhill walk ensued leaving everyone tired from a day of travels and walking.