I am, and always have been a proud American. It is eye-opening, however, to experience the difference between living in a nation whose every move is watched by the rest of the world (both for better and for worse) and living in a nation that makes the world news only for things like “Costa Ricans ranked happiest people.”
While I was running on a treadmill at the gym last week, there were two TV’s on in the background. One showed a CNN morning show from the US and the talk was all about ISIS and the latest anti-US terrorist group, the Khorasan.
The focus of screen #1...
Meanwhile, on the other TV, the Costa Rican morning show spent the same half hour talking about how to make healthier smoothies.
...meanwhile, the "Buen Dia" gang is yucking it up on Screen #2...
I think I want to learn how to make healthier smoothies.
As the sole American in the small gym, I found myself feeling briefly envious of the Costa Ricans around me. As an American, I am gripped by the CNN update and the feelings that go along with digesting these constant threat updates. In Costa Rica, there isn’t even an army. And there are no countries/terrorist groups plotting to kill Costa Ricans.
This year-long sabbatical is an amazing opportunity to experience a different way of life and I am incredibly grateful for it. However, while I am technically “away from it all,” I am still and will always be an American. The United States is and always will be my home and the home of my family and so many people that I love and adore.
I'm enjoying the Costa Rican perspective and I look forward to taking a bit of it back with me to Milton. I may take back a few recipes for healthy smoothies, too!
The focus of screen #1...