Things to Get Used To, Pt. 2
1. Ticos assuming we don't speak Spanish
With the exception of one or two SOLmates, none of us really look like we come from Latin America. Ergo, many Ticos assume that we don't speak Spanish. So when I smile and nod at advice that we're told, they look pleasantly surprised.
2. Pet names/ Terms of Endearment
This is going to get a little better as we continue this class, but the frequency is definitely something that caught me off guard. The SOL directors address us as chicos, and our professor generally uses preciosos or mis amores to get our attention. I don't think I mind, really, it just wasn't something I saw coming.
3. The look of surprise when I say I don't like plantains
The fruit is crazy popular down here, so it surprises SOLmates and Ticos alike when I say that I generally don't like them. The issue is that since there's so many ways to prepare them, that I have to specify that I like plantain chips, but not when they're cooked over the stove.
4. Very fast speaking
We're told that we can always tell a Tico when they're speaking too fast, but no one really ever does. I'm starting to catch more and more as I hear rapid-fire Spanish, which is nice, but when I just wake up or am really tired, my brain doesn't work nearly as fast.
5. The coming and going of Mama Tica's family
This is most common with Tía (Aunt) or her siblings, but generally if we hear a voice downstairs that's not Mama Tica, it's a sibling. They don't live in Heredia, and Tía lives the closest in San Jose. I think. There's a lot to keep track of. What I do know is that her hometown is not that close to Heredia. Which is why it works out so nicely for Monse to stay with us.