Day 3 – A Day of Lectures

The group spent today at the ISA office building attending a lecture about Costa Rican society, culture and history and a crash course in the basic Spanish necessary to survive abroad. It wasn’t the most exciting day, but it was worthwhile and entertaining at times nonetheless.

The highlight of today by far was lunch at La Terracita de Papá. It was a small restaurant that serves only breakfast and lunch with only a few of table. First of all, the man who waited on us was quite friendly. He took time to talk to us and explain the menu, giving us suggestions based on what he liked. In fact, he convinced me to change my drink order from pineapple juice to cas juice, his personal favorite and made with a unique species of guava found only in Costa Rica. He told me once I try it, I’ll ask for it everywhere I go. And boy was he right; it was delicious!

And the food was equally as good. We all got cansado, which is a plate of rice, beans and a choice of meat (I got pork) served with fried plantains and salad. What I like most about the food here is how fresh all of the ingredients are because most of the places I’ve eaten at so far only use products from Costa Rica. As a result, when I finish eating, I feel satisfied more so than full like I do in States, and it’s a much more pleasant experience.

I was a little worried about the food before coming, but after my experiences so far, all my worries have been ameliorated.