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Make an effort to learn Spanish. If you dedicate the time and effort, you'll eventually be speaking like a Tico and using some oftheir singular expressions such as Pura Vula (it's great, it's wonderful, it's a good life), Chiquito (a) meaning boy or girl besides small), and hueso (bad job, bad deal or bone). Several good books published in Spanish in Costa Rica contain hundreds of sayings and expressions (old and current) used by the rural and urban population. Many are not employed in other Spanish speaking countries and are of exclusive use in Costa Rica. You might want to learn some of these and begin to feel more like a Tico. It won't be too difficult if you get into the spirit of it. And Ticos won't mind if you use them. Near the end of this book I list some popular Tico expressions and sayings.
The period of reassessment is the slow turning upward from the depths of culture shock. It is still a period of frustration and setbacks, probably the most difficult time in any country.
Undoubtedly there are many nuances of cultural difference that are apt to strike any American living in another country. But if you intend on finding ways of getting along, your acculturation process will come about much easier and faster than you had expected.
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