Iguales o Diferentes / Same or Different?

As an Cultural Anthropology student, it was expected that at some point in my studies or subsequent career I would engage in a practice known as fieldwork.  Fieldwork is defined as ”observing what people actually do, finding out how they actually think and behave, and what they mean when they say something”.  

I never had the opportunity to do any formal fieldwork but during my many years of corporate consulting, I learned that often the most significant observations were those made at the beginning of engagements, before I became enculturated and began behaving in ways that met the requirements of the organizational culture in which I was becoming immersed.

In this post, I will document the results of my recent fieldwork in which I play the role of both the observer and the participant. The intent is two-fold. I am a rather “black or white” type of person and rely heavily on comparison and simile for understanding myself and others and also, I am seeing more folks being directed to our blog from the EXPAT FORUM, so hopefully this will provide a bit of insight into the daily life of this ex-pat in Costa Rica.

What is Different 
°  I get up when the sun comes up (5 AM)
°  I go to bed much earlier (8 – 9 PM)
°  I do not drive in Costa Rica, as I have not yet learned to navigate the steep and bumpy unpaved roads nor drive in heavy rain
°  I spend the majority of my day in the company of my boyfriend and must actively make time for myself
°  I use products packaged differently with Spanish labels
°  I wear my hair up in a ponytail or clip most of the time
°  I don’t drink much beer, as I am not fond of the local brews
°  We drive a long way to get to the nearest grocery store or any store for that matter
°  I am in awe of the incredible beauty of this country and delight in it daily
°  I hang my clothes on a clothes line to dry
°  I eat breakfast and frequently skip lunch
°  I wear more bug spray than perfume (Repel vs. Chanel)
°  I do not wear synthetic fabrics, mostly cotton or rayon
°  I read books on my Kindle
°  The floors in our home are not carpeted, but are lovely cool tile
°  I don’t ever wear jeans, usually shorts and tank tops and summer dresses
°  I sweat a lot and am wet or dirty most of the time
°  I dispose of used toilet paper in the wastebasket in public places, as is the custom here in Costa Rica
°  I don’t have a mailing address or mailbox
°  I rarely wear make-up
°  I shop for groceries more often, as things do not last long even in the refrigerator
°  I see and hear lots and lots of animals, including noisy toucans, weird insects, beautiful butterflies, twitchy lizards, and adorable coatis
°  I do not have a drawer full of cosmetics or skin care products (cleansers, toners, etc.)
°  I never know what time it is nor often what day it is
°  I spend a great deal of time observing and less time talking
°  I use sheets on the bed instead of a comforter
°  I don’t wear constricting clothing or lingerie
°  I don’t have a cell number or use a cell phone for communication (although many folks would say I never did that in the US either!)
°  There are dead bugs and lizard and/or insect droppings on my floors every morning, requiring daily sweeping
°  I am much more flexible, easy-going and open to new things and experiences
°  I do not have a huge closet of clothes, shoes or handbags
°  When it is cloudy and overcast here, it is actually hotter vs. colder
°  I live more in the moment than in the future
°  I feel more blessed than ever in my life even though I earn no money, have fewer choices, do not own a car or a home, have far fewer possessions, and often struggle to communicate
°  Every day is a new adventure!

What is the Same
°  I live in a beautiful house in a natural setting, surrounded by animals, designed and built by the former or current owner
° I recycle as much as possible
° I am positive and optimistic
° I eat delicious meals, either prepared by friends or myself
° I spend a great deal of time on the computer/Internet; reading emails, researching new things, downloading books, paying bills and doing banking, posting on Facebook, writing the blog, or Skyping with friends and family in the US instead of using MS Project, Excel or Powerpoint
° I wash my clothes in a washing machine
° My cat is my constant companion
° I get hangovers when I drink too much rum
° I do not have or use A/C
° I like meeting people and hosting parties and attending events, although I am still challenged by being an introvert
° My spirituality is essential and is expressed daily via some form of ritual
° I have a gardener and a house-cleaner
° I have health insurance to cover emergencies, although the cost is far less
° I exercise daily, but not at the gym and not in the same way (walking and swimming vs. spinning and Yoga / Pilates)
° I worry, get angry and still want things to be perfect
° I use an ATM to get cash
° I wash my dishes by hand and dry them on a rack
° I don’t tan; only get freckles (which are now called “age spots”)
° I speak English with most folks I encounter
° I listen to music on my IPhone
° I cut fresh flowers from the garden to enjoy in the house
° I use a microwave (although far less frequently)
° There are security cameras in place to monitor and prevent suspicious activities
° I spend the majority of my time outdoors on the patio
° My darling boyfriend makes me coffee in the morning and brings it to me wherever I am
° I enjoy my favorite TV shows, although I stream or download them (“Game of Thrones” anyone?)
° I evaluate perceived risk for impact and probability and develop contingencies (Plan B and in some cases, Plan C!) for most activities
° I wear prescription sunglasses to see
° I have good days and bad days, even here in Paradise…
° I still procrastinate even though I have more time to do things than I have ever had
° A 10,000 colones note seems a lot like a US $20 bill and is worth about the same
° I love and miss my family and friends
° I have lots and lots to learn!

I hope this post was informative and insightful. If you have any questions, please post in the comments or reach out to me directly and I will be happy to reply.

Blessings to you, dear readers and thanks for sharing our adventure!