Tico Slang and Such

Alright folks, only a week and a few days left in Costa Rica and it's time to go blog crazy.  So here we go.

The "tico" way of living:

1. Do not flush, do not flush, do not flush (repeat three times).
- Toilet paper cannot be flushed down the toilet here because it will clog up the pipes; thus, it all goes in the trash.  how pleasant :)

2.  Would you like your water hot or cold?
-Unless the home has a water heater (which our home does), if you want hot water, you have to accept minimal pressure;  if you want maximum pressure, you'll have to accept cold water.

3.  Look both ways before you cross the street has a new meaning.
-The streets and sidewalks are filled with holes and uneven cement, so in addition to watching for crazy drivers, it's best to watch your every step as well.

4.  Every house is gated, and has a tiny annoying dog waiting right inside its gate ready to bark at any passerby.  Additionally, if you stay in Costa Rica at some point, you're sure to hear barking dogs at all times of day and night.  In fact, there seems to be one living inside the wall next to my bed! But, no worries .. it's really not that bad!

5.  Costa Ricans are called ticos or ticas, and they practically have their own dictionary for slang words – solely used in CR.
Some of the daily phrases used are:
-que mae = hey dude
-tuanis = cool or all's good
-pura vida = all's good
-de fijo= for sure
-al chile = for real?!

Our tica sister taught us the most common slang the first week in Costa Rica. (Cait, roommate; Stephanie, tica sister; Lucy, roommate; and Rachel)

6. Ticos are also very resourceful in what they eat, the energy they use, and the means of transportation.  I've noticed they barely ever waste food or buy more than they need.  Additionally, they are extra conscious of saving energy by using the natural light to brighten their home, natural air to cool it, and clotheslines to dry clothing.

Plus, the main form of transportation is walking or taking a bus.  Although many families do have a car, most of the basic needs like meats, fruits or bread are within walking distance of homes .. and if not, there are bus stops at every corner that take you almost anywhere you need to go for about 20 cents.

7.  And most importantly ... PURA VIDA!!!  If there is one thing you take away from living in Costa Rica, it's the idea of living a simple and happy life, and not letting insignificant problems or troubles weigh you down.  That's essentially what "Pura Vida" means, and the people of Costa Rica use it and live by it religiously.

And those, my friends, are pretty much the essentials of Costa Rican living :) Pura Vida!