Today we took a trip to Alajuela to do some shopping. On the way back to the bus stop, I lost my sense of direction and was convinced mi esposa was leading us in the wrong direction. (Of course he turned out to be right, but that's another topic for another day.)
To settle our little dispute, we asked a woman at the intersection we were crossing for directions. She said something we didn't understand, but it seemed that we were supposed to follow her. So we did.
She led us to a little pulperia (corner grocery store) across the street and referred the question to a man inside, who turned out to be her husband. The next thing we knew we are being escorted by the entire family (husband, wife, & two sons - one about 8, the other about 11) the entire four blocks to the bus stop! When we got there the husband turned to us and said, "Welcome to Costa Rica!"
I'm sure this kind of thing might happen in other places. But it would be a rare experience where we come from and reminded us of one of the many reasons we love Costa Rica.
But that's not the end of the story...
Along the way, the older son, who was about the same height as his father, slung his arm over the man's shoulder walked the distance engrossed in happy chatter in a language we couldn't understand. Yet, while their words will forever remain a mystery, the affection and lack of pretense displayed in their body language was crystal clear.
What is even more amazing is that we have witnessed scenes like this one over and over again since arriving in Costa Rica. Public displays of affection are the rule here, not the exception. And they are not just limited to lovers in the park, although there are plenty of those, too!
Families flock to the parks on Sunday simply to spend time together.
Mothers and daughters walk arm in arm.
Sons hug their fathers.
The national greeting is a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
What else would you expect in a culture where the people have such a great love for life and each other?
Pura Vida
