A Chorreador de Cafe --the traditional way to brew Costa Rican coffee
Cafecita is the equivalent to the British tea time, except with coffee, of course. Every afternoon, but sometimes not until 4 or 5 o’clock, Costa Rican families gather together for coffee and sweetbread. For those of you thinking it better be decaf...nope. There is only one brand that makes decaf (the one that caters to tourists) and it is about 4 times the cost of regular.
We’ve been told that if you are ever offered coffee at cafecita, whether or not you drink or even like coffee, you take it. Even if you only take one sip, it’s better than refusing it. One of our tutors said about the only acceptable reason to refuse the coffee is if you have a severe allergy and could possibly die. I think he was kinda joking….maybe.
On the other hand, he also told us not to be disappointed if we never got invited to into a Costa Rican “Tico” home. Because all their extended family usually lives in the same neighborhood, Ticos rarely have time or room for anyone else. Actually, they are so big on being friendly, that they may invite you over, but never give directions or a time.
One of our friends at school is a single girl who helps out in Kendyl’s class and she lives with a Costa Rican host family. Last Friday, we had the honor of being invited over for dinner and coffee, and it was our first time to actually sit with a Costa Rican family at their table and share a meal. We had a fabulous time! Picture the quintessential Italian family, everyone pulling up a chair, coming and going, talking over each other at a table filled with food and no room for plates (all except the Italian part of course). Not only did we get a LOT of great spanish practice, and great homemade tortillas, our souls were filled as well. It felt so good to finally be fellowshipping in a home with the people and culture that we came here to be with.
Unfortunately we did not bring our camara (kinda felt like a lame tourist thing to do), so we have no pictures to share with you. Hopefully next time.
One of our friends at school is a single girl who helps out in Kendyl’s class and she lives with a Costa Rican host family. Last Friday, we had the honor of being invited over for dinner and coffee, and it was our first time to actually sit with a Costa Rican family at their table and share a meal. We had a fabulous time! Picture the quintessential Italian family, everyone pulling up a chair, coming and going, talking over each other at a table filled with food and no room for plates (all except the Italian part of course). Not only did we get a LOT of great spanish practice, and great homemade tortillas, our souls were filled as well. It felt so good to finally be fellowshipping in a home with the people and culture that we came here to be with.
Unfortunately we did not bring our camara (kinda felt like a lame tourist thing to do), so we have no pictures to share with you. Hopefully next time.
1 comment:
An idea: Just say to your hosts, "Would you mind if we took a picture of us together so we can put it on our internet page and make you famous in America?" That way it will look like you are doing them a favor and not seem touristy. =)
Post a Comment