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In Costa Rica, You Won’t Need That Wristwatch
By Jane Goodwin | October 26, 2007
Many retirees who have relocated to Costa Rica are, at first, somewhat “discombobulated” by the difference in time concepts.
In the States, we live by the clock. We make and keep appointments by the clock. We wear watches so we’re never in the dark about what time it is. We are upset when we’re made to wait at the doctor’s office or, frankly, just about anywhere. Our time is valuable and we resent other people when they make us “waste” it.
In Costa Rica, on the other hand, “soon” might mean in an hour, or next week. “3:00″ might mean 3:00 today; on the other hand, it might also mean 7:30 next Thursday. If you make a date to meet a Costa Rican friend at a restaurant at noon, don’t be surprised if your friend shows up at 1:15, or not at all. Also, don’t be surprised when you get no apologies or word of explanation. And don’t be surprised when your friend is surprised that you’re surprised!
Life is leisurely in Costa Rica. People here don’t wear watches because time is their servant, not their master. “Late” is a concept that differs with each occasion.
In Costa Rica, when someone says, “How are you?” they expect an answer, and that answer isn’t “Fine, thanks; how are you?” In Costa Rica, people genuinely CARE how you are. That’s why they asked!
Once you get used to it, it’s really rather nice.
Sphere ItTopics: Central America, Costa Rica, Communication, Culture, Lifestyle |
