"pole pole" -Swahili (translation: slowly slowly)
"bali bali" -Hangul (translation: hurry hurry)
"pura vida" -Spanish (direct translation: pure life, literal translation: no worries)
All of the above are constantly repeated in their representative country (respectfully:Kenya, Korea, Costa Rica). I prefer the pole pole attitude to any of the rest. I wonder what phrase people take from the United States.
As a foreigner in a such a small town, there is very little pura vida. We are constantly being watched and gossiped about. One Monday at work, the school cook was telling me everywhere I went, everything I did, and everything I wore that weekend. I didn't even see her!
My skin has turned to Tica tone. People approach me and speak to me in Spanish as if I am a local, then quickly realize I am not one of them. One man told me he was so confused. "How can you have brown skin, but be from Indiana?" I have even acquired a nickname at school, morano, which basically means brown person but not Tica.
The monotony of life here is stirring stress and boredom. I used to think it was nice living as an 80 year old person. Wake up without an alarm, eat oatmeal, grow vegetables, read books, swing in a hammock, bed by 9. The first few weeks were awesome! Now, not so much. Coming from the bali bali of Korea, pura vida is like hitting a wall. I suppose I'm getting ready for a home stay for a bit. Regain some time with familiar places, familiar faces, and familiar phrases!
Speaking of home...I've said it from Korea, and I'll say it again from Costa Rica. GO TROJANS! I wish the boys basketball team the best of luck as they travel to Indianapolis for another state title! Wish I could be there, but this is the best I can do. Escuala Futuro Verde wishes you good luck!
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