Buena gente

Wait....it's December?!! Wow has time gone by fast! It is crazy to think that it is the first week of December, because I remember the day I met my family like it was yesterday, and now they really are, truly are, my family. We are all veryy close, and I also feel like my Spanish has improved A TON-legit, I understand everything! The other day I was talking with my aunt, and she asked if I understood even when people talked fast, and the thing is, I don't notice when it is "fast" anymore, because it has become so normal! Now, I am just focusing on my grammar and the conjugation of verbs-YAY. haha!

Anywayyy-to anyone who hasn't been to Costa Rica, anyone who plans on going to Costa Rica, or people who just want to know-the world's nicest people live here. I'm dead serious. The Ticos and Ticas who live here, will break their backs to help anyone and everyone in need. It is the nicest, most caring thing I have ever seen, and it's not just select people, but everyone! EXAMPLES!!!

The other day, I called my aunt up and asked her if she could go to San Jose and help me get a package. Immediately she cancelled her plans and said she would go with me-even though I told her we could go another day. While we were at the post office in San Jose, the people who had the package (in plain sight may I add) said they couldn't give it to us without an "official signed document from a lawyer saying I lived with her". HA-nope sooorrrryyy don't have time for that! But these people were so nice, that they let us leave with it anyway, they said it was fine, that I was a learning child, and that this experience  isn't meant to be spent at a lawyers office! Then, as we were walking to the bus stop, we saw a girl who needed help. She was an exchange student, I believe from China, (not with AFS), who needed help getting to her school. And bless her heart, my aunt took her under her wing and made sure she got where she needed to be! (First example, haha don't worry the others aren't as long!)
My English teacher helped me get my official transcript for school, and waited at the school for about an hour (my bus was late), for me to arrive just to give it to me (which took 2 seconds).
The people here are always asking about how family is doing, and they always seem to know when something bad has happened. If someone is hurt, the entire family is there in a matter of minutes.
There is a woman from the United States who lives next to my cousins. Her Spanish isn't that good, but she is able to communicate  When her husband died, my cousins and thier family were at her house instantly, doing everything possible for her. The family has now taken her under their care, and they are all very happy.

I guess these are only a few examples, and you may say, "Oh, people in the US do this", and yeah, I'm sure they do, but there is SUCH a difference here, it is hard to explain. In the US, when you walk down the street, and you see someone, usually, you try to avoid eye contact, as to avoid an awkward situation-don't lie, we've all done this. But here, it is completely different! When you see someone in the street, walkin' by, even if they are a complete stranger-people will say, "Hola, buenos dias! Pura Vida!". It is incredible, the love can be felt everywhere. It's as if everyone is family, and I completely love it.

Costa Rica, is such an amazing place. More than 4 months here, and I feel like I've lived here my entire life, as well as lived here for a week (if that makes any sense....probably not....the other exchange students agree with me!). The people here, are amazing. Sure, there are some who want nothing to do with you, but those are the ones who are having bad days. We are human, that's what happens, but with what I've seen, those bad days are pretty rare!