That is a very interesting cultural thing about Costa Rica...and many other places in Latin America and the world: The power of the influence from the US is unbelievable. Most nationwide chain restaurants (especially fast food) are here, English words pepper many conversations, malls here are just as nice--if not nicer--than a lot of malls in the States, there is a trampoline jumping center, a really nice (and very expensive) bowling alley, and a whole bunch of other things have popped up here over the last few years that I just wouldn't expect to find in a developing country in Latin America. Yes, Costa Rica is far more developed than most of its neighbors. But at the same time, it is still a developing country! Roads are narrow and often full of patches and potholes, there are numerous communities harshly wrought by poverty and violence, there are chickens that wander freely, an abundance of stray dogs, pieces of litter everywhere, and street vendors that sell you pirated anything. Sometimes it's nice to have things that feel like a piece of home from the States, but at the same time, I think it makes some of the other differences more stunning. If some things can be like in the States, then shouldn't everything? That's a dangerous assumption I've had to work hard to keep in check! As the powerful influence continues to pervade, I'm very curious to see what will become of Costa Rica!
May God give us the grace to keep our assumptions in check and our eyes fixed on him!
Love,
Carrie
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