Cultural Differences

So its been a little while since I've added anything to this blog. Well tomorrow will mark the 9th week that I have been here in Costa Rica. So I thought I'd tell you about the differences in the culture that I've noticed. And I even have a separate section for food.

-No self-serve gas stations (well, we actually went to one today, but that was the first one I've seen in 2 months)
-Red lights and stop signs are optional
-Ticos are very polite
-Ticos are absurdly passionate about soccer
-Ticos are very relational
-But they don't eat meals together as a family (at least very often)
-You are expected to say hi (with a hug or hand shake) to everyone and to say goodbye to everyone as well (or someone you know may feel offended
-Kids don't move out on their own until they are married
-Even after getting married, young people don't move more than a few houses down or across the street from their parents
-Ticos care very much about their hygene. Young people living even in very poor neighborhoods smell like new cologne when they walk by.
-Ticos are very publicly affectionate with their spouse or with their boy or girlfriend
-When you enter a store, the sales people follow you around
-Movie theaters are 4 times cheaper and they still have more leg room
-Carrying a machete anywhere is acceptable
-Even though it rains a ton during the rainy season, Ticos avoid the rain majorly.
-Ticos don't move out of your way when your walking down the street or somewhere unless you say something.
-When you ask them to move, they often only move enough to just let you pass by.

These are just a few of the differences that I'm sure I will be able to add to later.