In every culture, I feel safe in saying that there comes a time when a little girl is declared a woman and there is some kind of celebration. I'm not sure why it doesn't seem to be the same for men, maybe they are declared men at birth? Men are silly, so perhaps. Anywho, back to women. In the United States we have the "Sweet Sixteen" party where you celebrate with family and/or friends, and wah lah you become a woman. In Latin American cultures, it is similar but it occurs a year earlier and it seems to be a little bit more of a big deal. The birthday and the party are referred to as a "quince" (which means 15), and it can either be a large affair, a small party, or the girl can opt to travel (did not know this before last night). My little sister, Raquel, had opted for the latter, and had actually just returned from Italy when I arrived last week. However, her cousin, Sofia, chose to have a small party, and I was in attendance last night.
I felt semi-uncomfortable upon arrival to the party because I was thinking about how uninvited guests are thought of in America, and I was like man this girl is going to be like "who is this gringa at my party?!" But, Latinos are a much more welcoming lot, and I was greeted with the usual kiss on the cheek. I'm still getting used to the kiss on the cheek. I'm such an "ahhhh don't touch me" kinda gal, but I'm sure my tica mom would frown at me, so I'm working on it. Another thing I'm getting used to, speaking of ticos, is a little something called "Tico time", which is a lot like our "CP time" in the States. People just kind of arrive whenever. Last night the party was supposed to start at 6, but we started eating at 8 and there were still people rolling in at 10. I'm always late (Lord and everyone on Earth knows), and I feel like living in this culture is going to make it worse. So, be prepared when I get back guys, I am going to be super late for everything, and all I am going to say in response to your angry face is "Pura Vida!". "Pura Vida" translates to "pure life", but it is much more than that here. It is a very common saying and a required way of life. What it really means is that you should enjoy life to the fullest and not be stressed by anything. So next time you are late to work, just throw up your hands and say "Pura Vida!" in response to your boss's incessant questioning about why you are late. It will work. Promise.
I digress. The party. So, all is going along swimmingly. I was attempting to make minimal conversation in my pigeon Spanish, when Sofia's dad (Tio Eduardo) busts out his karaoke system. Ticos love some karaoke. Everyone is pumped and singing along, when all of a sudden one of my cousins, Helga (pronounced ell-gah), started saying how she wanted to hear me sing a song in English. About 30 pairs of eyes turned to me in excitement with an emphatic, "Si!! Amanda en Ingles!!". I tried to say no and talk about how I am a very poor singer, but Ticos are persistent. Helga, I could see her conspiring against me, looked up quickly and said "Michael Jackson. Si si, Michael Jackson!!". She had decided my fate. Now, normally I am down for karaoke, but usually this occurs after a few drinks, and there was not a drop in sight last night. So, there I was microphone in hand when the familiar chords of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean start playing, and I was just like what the heck "When in Rome...". Now the funniest part of all this is that none of the Ticos knew the words until the chorus, and in that moment I realized how similar people are despite differences in culture. I could be listening to a song in the US and not know a single word until the chorus, but when that chorus does come I am rocking out! It is cool to see the little ways in which people can relate. Just know that in a little town in Costa Rica last night, a room full of people were singing the chorus to "Billie Jean" at the top of their lungs, and it was pretty awesome. Afterwards, they got carried away and asked me to do Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You". Yep...Whitney Houston....I straight butchered that with my terrible vocals, but I think my tico family was just pleased that I participated and put myself out there. That's kind of the thing here, though. All of the people I have met have just wanted to share their culture, which I can't blame them because it is awesome, and they are pleased with your interest and sincerity. I am glad I got to go to Sofia's quince. It was definitely a good peek into the Tico culture, and I felt like a member of the family as I was butchering bygone hits of the US. Another good night in the books in Costa Rica :)
Although I was at the party for a long time, I forgot my camera, so here are some random, completely unrelated pictures for your enjoyment.
These people are serious about their cannabis! lol these are everywhere.
This is the view from my front door. See the mountains in the distance?!
This is my house. My bedroom is on the opposite side.
Juice has become my new obsession since being here. This particular one is made with oranges, carrots and pineapples. Mmmmm!
This is the view from my window. I am intrigued by this red house.
This is from a recreation park we went to the other day. I love how many of the walls here in Heredia are painted. I dig the wall art.
Some of the scenery from the recreation park.
And still more scenery....
I know I know...more mountains. Don't judge me lol I can't help it. I like them!
Ahhhh cerveza. A few of us had to get a bucket of beers after a long day of orientation. Imperial, the beer of Costa Rica!
Another funky colored bush.
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