Misunderstandings

More observations, mostly good:

*I have figured out why I get frustrated with Tico time. Many times someone will say “we’re going to go do such-and-such ahora.” Now, traditionally, the word “ahora” translates into “right now.” However, in Costa Rica, this is not the same. “Ahora” means in a little while. “Ahorita” means later on. And, as my profesora says, “Ahoritica” means it’s probably not happening, you might as well forget about it. So, the problem for me has not been Tico time, it’s been my interpretation of the word “ahora.” Here’s my new problem: If “ahora” means later, then what word do they use for “right now?” I have determined they probably don’t use this phrase very often, because nothing is hurried or has to be done right away.

*The señora que limpia la casa (the cleaning lady) comes twice a week with her daughter, and it’s not like they clean the bathrooms and floors and then leave. It’s an all-day process where they deep clean the entire house-dusting, washing floors, cleaning the showers out, doing dishes, washing all of the laundry, even cleaning off my desk, etc…I wouldn’t be surprised to open my dresser one day and find my clothes re-organized!! This morning I was running late and didn’t make my bed and when I got home, it was all made up for me. At lunch time, they sit down and eat with us and talk, then get up and clear the table and do our dishes. They are really sweet…but I can’t understand the señora for the life of me-usually I just end up nodding and smiling when she talks to me. The first three times she was here she asked me if I had any “ropa sucia,” or dirty clothes. I had to ask her every time what she was saying. So now, whenever she talks to me before school, I’m assuming she’s asking about my laundry and I just say, “Si.”

*Here’s one thing I love: The Kiss. Every time you greet someone, rather than saying “Hi” or shaking hands, you grasp their left hand, lean to the left of their face, and kiss the air in the general direction of their ear, brushing cheeks as you go. It’s a little awkward the first few times, but I am growing fond of it. It can be between two women or a woman and a man, but never happens between two men. It is very well practiced, and I’m beginning to miss it if it doesn’t happen! Only with Ticos, though-I haven’t given The Kiss to any of my US friends here yet. J I think The Kiss has to do with their friendliness and acceptance, as well as the fact that they feel no need to rush anything.