When I arrived in Costa Rica I was pretty much a blank slate when it came to knowledge about its culture and environment. I have a basic knowledge of Rainforest Ecology but nothing in depth and certainly not specifically about Costa Rica. I consider myself well traveled but I have never traveled to Latin America. Coming here with this mindset was very exciting to me and exactly what I wanted so that every moment was something of a learning experience. What I definitely wasn't expecting was to see two sides of Costa Rica that, yes, overlap in many ways but are different just the same...much like two sides to the same coin.
Our first stop was a rural village situated on the southeast corner of Carara National Park; El Sur. For me it was a wonderful first exposure to Costa Rican culture. Everyone lived simply and a part of each others lives. It was just a big family and when we came we really felt a part of them.
Granted we did see and participate in some "tourist" activities such as the Trapiche (making sugar from the sugar cane the old fashioned way) but we never felt like we stepped out of the rustic El Sur life. We socialized with the people and were able to feel like we became a part of the community. So the question I ask; Is this Costa Rica?
Yes.
Another place we visited was Dominical. It wasn't a high rise resort with all inclusive perks but it was a town that thrives on tourism just the same. Thai restaurants next door to an ice cream parlor and just down the street from a pizzeria gave us a little bit of a break from the rice and bean diet. I've been to resorts before and I know what to expect from them. Still, we had the opportunity to socialize with the locals although this area was far more urbanized than El Sure.
In addition we also participated in various other "touristy" acts both on our way to Dominical and while we were there. Such as the Monteverde Hike, Crocodile Tour on the Tarcoles River and Zip-lining. Again, is this Costa Rica?
Again my answer is Yes. Even though it caters to the foreigner aspect it isn't much different than certain regions on the United States that cater to the tourist trade but it isn't any less "American". I don't believe the people at these tourist venues are any less Costa Rican or their culture poorer for it.
I will concede that the experience was far richer and personable in El Sur. This encouraged my personal interest and increased my desire to learn about their culture more readily than had I just gone to a resort. I do not believe I would have completely lacked in my interest had I chosen to see Costa Rica as a true tourist. So I leave the question to you:
Costa Rica...Heads or Tails?
No comments:
Post a Comment