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How to Easily Avoid the Alcohol Scandal in Costa Rica
People
Costa Ricans in general are friendly, warm hearted, fun-loving, helpful, and laid back. The Costa Rican people are adoringly referred to as "Ticos," a name they have created for themselves. This laid back attitude can be a shock to many foreigners who are used to puntuality.
Here in Costa Rica, the Ticos move at their own pace and sometimes a snails pace. Things get accomplished when they get accomplished, there is no such thing as deadlines. Many times if a Tico is asked when they will finish a project they will respond with the most common phrase of "mañana" or tomorrow. This does not EVER mean tomorrow it means in a few days at best. Two days quickly can turn into two weeks or two months. This may seem frustrating, but it is the way in which the people have lived for years and one of the main reasons they live relatively stress free lives and end up living longer than other cultures around the world.
Ticos enjoy life and enjoy the natural beauty that their country has to offer. Ticos also enjoy spending time with their families which are very close knit. Or they like to go out frequently with friends for a cup of coffee, a couple Imperial beers, or to watch a soccer game. Costa Ricans on average are all obsessed with soccer.
The Ticos have a common saying that they use all the time to say hello, to say thanks, and that they use in a variety of ways that proves just how relaxed they are about day-to-day things in life; they say Pura Vida for almost everything. Pura Vida directly translated actually means Pure Life. The Ticos are famous for living the Pure Life in their paradise (Costa Rica) which they have affectionately given the name Tiquicia.
Costa Ricans come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes an on average look very European unlike other populations in the region. The Caribbean coast is primarily of African decent originally and as slave populations were brought to the islands, some of those who settled in Jamaica were brought to the east side of Costa Rica to work on the railroad. which has a very Caribbean flare.
