Chapter 8....The First Day I Felt Like I Belonged in a foreign Country
This is the eighth chapter on 2 Americans selling everything they own and moving to a foreign country. We moved to Costa Rica in March of 2015. Now we live in Panama since March 2016. This post was written about 6 weeks after we moved to Costa Rica
I have heard of the stages of adapting to a new culture. Some say the stages are Honeymoon, Crisis, Recovery, and Adjustment. I have not experienced all of these stages yet, I certainly know what the Honeymoon stage feels like. For the past month Roger and I have been in the “Honeymoon” stage of adapting to Costa Rica. It feels almost giddy, like a child at Christmas time. Everything you do is new and exciting. All your energy is put into trying to understand the basic necessities. What’s the exchange rate and how do you convert that back into dollars; where do you buy food; how do you get from point A to point B etc., etc. Learning the basic survival skills. It’s scary, but tremendously exciting at the same time.
Today was the first day I felt like I belonged in Costa Rica. That occurred to me on the bus as I was riding into San Jose by myself.
So, today I needed to catch the right bus and make my way downtown into the city. As I sat on the bus I wasn’t worried did I take the right bus, I knew where it and I were going. I knew when to get off and where I needed to walk to. I stopped for a cup of tea and was able to communicate at a minimum level of understanding (but it is still difficult to explain why I want milk in my tea). I was like every other person on the bus and walking the streets of San Jose. I had a place to go and a schedule to keep. I felt like this really is my home, I am not just a tourist here on vacation. Although I can say I am not totally at ease with everything, but I do feel a level of confidence with my limited schedule.
After my 3 hours of Spanish lessons, I stopped at a restaurant and ate lunch and found the correct bus to go home. I do not think the “honeymoon” phase is over yet. If there is a “Crisis” phase (which is described as culture shock) I am not sure how I will handle it. I do know keeping an open mind and heart will help. Stay tuned…..
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STOPI haven't heard about stages of adapting before, but now I understand why I like to move from city to city - it's to experience the Honeymoon stage over and over again 😁 Followed :)
It's very intense but you learn quickly
Good post
Thank you my friend
More, more, more!!!! I realize you are in Panama now; but, are you planning to turn this into an e-book? For those of us who live vicariously, I'd really love to know more about a typical day. I think for those considering the expat move, this might be an interesting read.
Peace.
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I hadn't thought about turning it into an ebook. You are so kind.
Without realizing it I had begun to settle in for an afternoon of good reading on my tablet :+). And just like that, I was snapped back to reality. (lol)
Perhaps, should the Spirit lead, you will organize these thoughts into chapters. I really could see adding a little adventure and creating a novel (and I don't even read novels). SMH....I realize birthing a book has to be a personal interest. It is quite labor-intensive (pun unintended) writing and editing an e-book.
Peace.
That's an idea I will seriously consider.
Allow me to suggest that should you decide to take on this endeavor, do it more so for posterity’s sake, and personal accomplishment.
As an indie author, I can say it is well-worth the hard work that goes into bringing a project full circle. However, be mindful that success of sales will be determined by the self-marketing of your book; for, just as with Steemit, unknown authors are but minnows in a sea of whales.
Those comfortable raising their book into the faces of strangers at book fairs, and not-guaranteed supportive family members, are more likely to fare better than those who let the book do as it pleases in the million-strong Amazon book bins. :+)
Best regards…
Peace!