Living in a different culture

Living in another culture is way different from just visiting a new country.

When you visit an unfamiliar country, you will notice many things that are different from what you're used to.

When you're in a different country or a different part of your own country, think of the line from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.

In the Movie, after being transported to the magical land of Oz, Dorthy said to her dog, Toto, "I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

Keep that thought in mind and notice that most things are not better or worse, they're just different. That's one of the best parts of experiencing different cultures.

Here are some examples of differences I've noticed in Costa Rica compared to the US:

• There are no free refills on coffee. When you want a second cup of coffee, you pay for another cup.

• When you see a doctor for a minor ailment, there's no charge if you don't get well and need to return for another visit.

• The price shown on a menu usually includes the tax and a 10% tip (which is all that's expected). Tourists usually tip a little more, but the locals don't.

• There are not many street signs. Google Maps shows the names of streets and highway numbers, but don't expect to see signs when you come to an intersection. And for sure, there are no house numbers.

• There is no mail delivery. You can pick your mail up at the post office.

• Gas prices are the same at all gas stations. The government sets the price of gas.

• The locals here are called Ticos, and there is something called "Tico time." This means that the locals don't pay attention to time. If they say they'll be somewhere at 8:00 a.m., they may show up at 10:30 (if they show up at all), and they consider that as being on time. If you say anything about them being late, they will say they are on Tico time. The buses do run on a strict schedule.

• The local food is different everywhere you go. The food in New Orleans, Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Colorado are all different, so why wouldn't you expect food in a different country to be even more different?

If everything was just like back home, why would you want to visit (or live) in a different country? When you're in a different country (or even a different part of your own country), mingle with the locals, pay attention to (and enjoy) the things that are different from what you're used to.

A lot of people are moving to a different country

The 'Pretty Woman' star, Richard Gere, and his wife moved to Spain last year, and he said recently that they have never been happier.

When you're in a different part of the world, the food, music, language, and culture in general will be different. Be sure to pay attention to the differences and enjoy the experience.

On to another topic

I took a trip to a hot river in Costa Rica this week. The river is formed by a hot spring near the volcano. It's hard to imagine stepping into a river in the mountains and the water being hot instead of cold. This is not at a park or something you pay to be there. It's just a unique place in the jungle, but you may need someone to show you how to find it.

Here are some pictures. They may take a few seconds to load.

There were monkeys in the trees, but monkeys can't swim, so maybe that's why I didn't see any in the river. The water was crystal clear, but I didn't see any fish. I don't know if they didn't like the hot water or if they didn't like all the people that were splashing around in the water.

Bottom line: Whether you're in a different country or a different part of your own country, enjoy both the cultural differences as well as scenic differences. You'll find cultural differences in all countries, and the sooner you accept and adjust to these differences, the more enjoyable your stay will be. Getting frustrated because things are not done how they are "back home" is a sure way not to enjoy your visit. Accept the fact that you're not going to change the way things are done. It's not going to happen. Don't even try. And always remember, You're not in Kansas anymore.