In San Ramon y La Comida

Entry 3

San Ramón is a small city of about eight thousand people and a few chickens.

My first impressions? Gated housing and bumpy roads that double as chiropractic treatments. The infrastructure is much different than what I’m used to. But with its rough edges, comes a whole lotta heart. The people are warm, friendly, curious, and proud of their culture.

They are quick to make you feel like you're part of their world. Only after a few days, I was invited to a breakfast hosted at the local supermarket.

Now what about their diet? Costa Ricans eat very simple food. The dish in this photo is called casado, which literally means “married.” Why? Probably because once you try it, you’re ready to put a ring on whoever made it.

A casado usually comes with beans, rice, plantains, a protein, and just enough lettuce and tomato to make you feel like you’re being healthy. It’s technically a lunch dish, but in Costa Rica, rules are more like suggestions. My classmates and I would grab a Casado and a coffee before class, then hang out with the Costa Rican ladies who ran the restaurant. Absolute legends with faster Spanish than Speedy Gonzalez.

And don’t even get me started on the fruit. Costa Rica has hundreds of types, depending on the season. On my second day, I met a lovely señorita who runs a fruit stand and now were besties. We chat in Spanish while I stock up on whatever’s ripe and unpronounceable.