Every morning when I sit down at my desk to check my e-mails, I scan the headlines of the most popular US news sites.

With each passing day, I become more amused at how journalism and news are being passed off in our politically correct world, much in the same way that the old time medicine men hocked their snake oil during the wildly popular medicine shows of the last century.

Each political party has their own ‘tonic’ to cure what ails the country. Fortunately, long ago, I saw the light, and became disillusioned with the smoke and mirrors used by politicians to pit their constituents against one another. I vividly remember the day that I had the political ‘aha’ moment, and my life has never been the same since.




However, there are a few popular topics in the media that spark my interest, especially immigration and the extent of assimilation that needs to take place for immigrants. This is of particular interest to me since I myself am now an immigrant, living abroad in Costa Rica.

1. Language

   From my point of view, language is the root of all cultures. It creates nuances that make us all unique, sometimes even when we speak the same language. For example, within Latin America (with a few exceptions) Spanish is the official language. However, each country and region has its own slang, and words that mean something to that specific country or region. For example, in Costa Rica, papaya is a sweet, tropical fruit. However, in Cuba, papaya refers to a woman’s vagina, while frutabomba refers to the sweet, tropical fruit. See what I mean?
   
   
   
   
   When we move to another country, either by choice, or out of necessity, learning the official/local language is a must. First, by learning the language, you are showing respect for the country and culture that you now call home. In addition, most likely you will need to speak and read the basics of the language to be able to go about daily life; making bank transactions, shopping, filling out government documents, etc.

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   In Costa Rica, for example, all government and official documents such as immigration forms, real estate contracts, change of title, wills, banking applications and forms, and powers of attorney, are all in Spanish, the country’s official language. As immigrants, we must adapt to our new country’s customs, not the other way around.
   
   
   
   
   Second, if you can communicate with the locals, your experience and life in your new country will be transformed, making for a dynamic life experience. I remember my first Christmas in Costa Rica. We were invited to so many parties and family get togethers for making tamales, that being able to speak basic Spanish was a major advantage.
   
   
   
   
   I not only learned how to make tamales, but can now easily incorporate them into our own family’s Christmas traditions. In turn, I can teach my new Tico friends who are interested in learning how to make some of our traditional holiday treats. Completely cross cultural, right?



2. Customs

   For me, one of the most attractive aspects of moving to another country are the differences that make its people unique from those of my own culture. The sound of a new language, the tastes and smells of an exotic cuisine, the sights and sounds of the countryside, the religious ceremonies and festivals, and simply how and why people do things differently all intrigue me.
   
   
   
   
   One of my favorite things to do in Costa Rica is to stroll through one of the local central markets, where all the senses are stimulated at once; the sounds of a foreign tongue ‘singing’ a call to shoppers, attracting them to their stalls; the sight of bright, fresh produce perfectly polished and neatly displayed; the intoxicating aromas wafting from the ‘sodas’ or food counters; and old friends and neighbors embracing one another in the hurried rush around them.
   
   
   
   
   One custom that I have slowly gotten use to in Costa Rica is what many expats refer to as “Tico time”. Generally speaking, Costa Ricans have their own time frame for doing things, where clocks and calendars are merely suggestions, and not definitive, exact points of time.
   
   
   
   
   Being late is a must. I must say, secretly, I have learned to love knowing that if I show up to a Costa Rican friend’s house 15-20 minutes late. I know that not only will my tardiness be overlooked, but that it’s actually expected, and usually appreciated.



3. Laws

   Every country has its own rules, regulations, and laws. In my own native country, there are so many laws that it’s mind boggling. It seems that everything is controlled. While I see the necessity for certain laws and guidelines, I feel the world has gone mad in an attempt to ‘make people safe’, which, in turn, is a way to control their populations. We have regulated ourselves into stupidity.
   
   
   
   
   Even though I may have disdain for laws and regulations that I consider frivolous, I still abide by them because, after all, I love my freedom, and will not allow those that I disagree with to take my rights away. So, until the laws change, my path of least resistance is to comply.
   
   
   
   
   Just as in the United States, I find certain laws in Costa Rica to be bizarre. For example, unless you are a resident, you can’t open bank or utility accounts in your personal name, but if you start a Corporation or LLC, it is no problem. But hey, when in Costa Rica, do as the Costa Ricans do, right?
   
   
   
   
   My advice is to find out the requirements, follow them to a T, and float downstream, enjoying the scenery along the way.

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4. Religion

   Costa Rica is a predominantly Catholic country. However, freedom of religion exists, with most other religions being represented and tolerated. I am not Catholic, but I have embraced certain aspects of the religion based on how I see Costa Rican people treat and speak to one another. When they pass in front of a church, they will do the sign of the cross and give thanks to God.
   
   
   
   
   Even salutations are intertwined with religion. When you ask a Costa Rican how they are doing, the most common response will be;”Muy bien, gracias a Dios.” (“Very well, thanks be to God.”). Also, you may say to someone, “I will see you tomorrow.” and their response will almost always be, “Si Dios quiere.” (“If God wants.”)
   
   
   
   
   Holidays, especially Holy Week (Easter), bring out all the glitz, with beautiful processions, and elaborately, colored sawdust ‘carpets’ created in the streets in celebration of the sacrifice made for the believers. Every neighborhood has a patron saint, and once a year festivals are held in honor of this saint, typically starting on a Thursday or Friday, and ending the following Monday evening.
   
   
   
   
   Each morning and night, loud cannons boom, announcing the celebrations. The best part of it all is that I can choose to be a part of the festivities, or I can politely sit them out. I am not bothered or offended by the local traditions. Quite the contrary, I fell enriched by being exposed to something interesting and unfamiliar.



5. Respect

   One of the most valuable lessons my mother taught me was that if you don’t first respect yourself then you can never respect others. I believe this has been the key to success in all areas of my life. Respect is mutual, but sometimes it has to be earned. When you come from a place of understanding and consideration, and follow the rules (no matter how archaic as they may seem) you are showing respect for your new home, and will earn the respect of the locals in the process.
   
   
   
   
   More than once I have gone into the bank or local electric and telephone company with the desire to speak my mind, but have bit my tongue, smiled, and because of that, I usually accomplish the task at hand. Had I spoken my mind just to blow off steam, the results would have been far different. Showing lack of respect in Costa Rica will get you nowhere, fast!
   
   
   
   
   In Costa Rica, respect for the family, especially for the elders and children, is highly regarded. Most banking and government institutions have special lines and offer preferential treatment for the elderly and pregnant women. The existence of a tight knit family unit is one of the most appealing things about living in Costa Rica, and one that has earned my deepest respect.

So, at the end of the day, is assimilation necessary when living in Costa Rica or any other country? I believe it is necessary, but that does not mean you must give up your own cultural identity, language, religion, or traditions.




However, what it does mean to me is that I remember I made the choice to move to Costa Rica. When I made that decision, I made a personal commitment in which I feel obligated to respectfully accept Costa Rica for what it is – its language, customs, laws, religion, and more.




I may not agree or even like everything that encompasses my new found home, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Otherwise, as they say where I come from, “If you don’t like it here, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.”

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.