Hidden Lessons

Location:
Costa Rica

early morning tea

By Oneca

I desperately seek a return to the calming reciprocity of Tambor. Born and raised in the ever-present bustle of New York City, I find the ability to maintain internal peace to be a continuous fight. There is no fight in Costa Rica, there is not even a standing army. Upon acceptance to the Students in International Living study abroad program, I sought to receive an intercultural educational experience, utilize the opportunity to aid in offered community service programs, and enjoy the benefit of being awarded school credit while simultaneously enjoying the sun of a tropical country. Though I had yet to realize the character effects of my own unappreciated privilege, I soon learned that Costa Rica was beyond the temporary perks of a vacation - it was a journey.

Walking the unpaved, freshly drenched pathway from my home stay abode to the program’s school facility, an elderly woman called, "Good Morning!" She asked if I would like to join her for tea, and considering that I had left an hour early for a fifteen-minute walk, I gladly accepted. Despite my affinity for New York, it must be stated that being raised in the city did not instill in me a sense of trust for the motives of strangers, however something moved me to her front door and into her well-lit kitchen. Once inside, we chatted about the sunshine, the chickens she had yet to feed, her grandchildren, and my mother. I instantly noticed that after each thought expressed she would pause for approximately 10 seconds before speaking. Initially, assuming she was trying to decipher my amateur conversational Spanish skills, I eventually realized she was waiting to make sure everything I wanted to say was said before responding.

This woman was like a living breathing revelation! In that moment I realized that when speaking with others, we often formulate thoughts at the same time our companion is in the process of talking. So quick to voice our own opinion, after the first sentence or two we simply stop paying attention and start devising what we want to say next, thus cutting the speaker off or responding tangentially. Conversely, in this woman’s presence I felt valued. Unknowingly, my early morning companion had taught me the art of listening. Instinctively aiming to follow in her light, I began to pay closer attention and paused in sincere thought after she spoke. At the end of my reflection I responded, aiming to add to the thought process we were collectively building. Like baking a cake, we each added our own layer until it was clear that the dessert was done and both parties could say no more.

This was the single best travel experience I have ever had in my life because it taught me that lack of naivety is a vital lesson to learn, but should not, in its extreme form, shut out the opportunity to view beauty. Upon arriving in Costa Rica I had expected to gain information in extravagant ways, but I found that the real lessons learned were taught in the most instinctive nuances of everyday experiences. After my trip, this introspection was critically analyzed in a way previously untouched, even unnoticed, and resulted in an enriching intercultural example of expression. In that moment, however, though I understood the magnitude of the lesson being learned, I was so complete, so relaxed in conversation, that for the time being I simply enjoyed the moment, engaged in chat, and appreciatively sipped my tea.

Further Information

Travel tips: Be very open to the people and culture. Venture out because it is an country worth exploring.

Must see/do at this place: Do not miss Costa Rica's amazing rainforests and wildlife! Also the music and dance is really beautiful in Costa Rica, make sure to go to a dance club or concert in town. The country has a really rich history, try to get in a tour!

You should avoid here: I wouldn't advise drinking tap water in the country.