Getting along well with Ticos, part 2

[Aaronbz]

I wonder if we could continue on this theme a little. I was thinking primarily about the tone of many of the messages about getting along with Costa Ricans. It seemed that many of those who wrote in saying that they had little or no difficulty connecting with the people and the culture in Costa Rica seemed like particularly warm and generous people themselves. I was wondering if one of the major handicaps in adapting to a new culture anywhere pertains to a lack of good will or real desire to know and appreciate the hosts in your new country. Here in Vancouver I have noticed this over and over again as large communities representing many different nationalities have become established here. Of course, here in Canada, we have only recently shaken off our own legacy of racism (we still have some work to do here) and I think this has made it particularly difficult for some visible minorities to feel at home here, which has also created a certain mutual isolation. I would imagine, though, that this courtesy works both ways. How much do our attitudes and expectations influence our ability to integrate into a new society? Any insights or experiences?

[mcsolas]

Ive had worse luck with my fellow gringos than integrating into the local ecosystem.

step 1. treat everyone with respect
step 2. learn spanish
step 3. repeat step 1

[rebaragon]

I love your recipe mcsolas! Easy to remember and works in any latitude (only have to remember to learn the corresponding language in step #2)! It even works in the US and with fellow gringos elsewhere. If someone repays your respect and kindness with obnoxiousness, then you’re probably better off without them. Plenty of nice people to meet out there and you don’t need to get stuck on those that use up their energy to make someone else’s life more difficult. Pura Vida! 🙂

[Author]

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