After a discussion of microfinance and entrepreneurship on Thursday, we headed out to explore San Jose. In typical Costa Rican rainy season fashion, a downpour ensued mid afternoon. But that did not stop us nor the locals of San Jose. Our assignment was to explore Mercado Central in relation to our discussion of small business. The task was an ethnography, a research method based on observation that posed difficult for us non-Spanish speakers like myself.
I did not let these limitations stop my immediate fears of the cultural barrier. My group set out into the hustle and bustle of the market, letting the aromas of gallo pinto and the shouts of bartering salesmen (and women) seep into our souls. Although this was an assignment, I intended to enjoy this immersion into Costa Rican culture as much as possible.
Mercado Central was filled lively ticos gathering to catch up and share a meal after a long day at work. The market aligned with all of my other interactions with Costa Rican culture thus far; they place a heavy emphasis on family and strive to keep these bonds strong over time through family businesses, educational opportunities, and, most importantly, through food!
Visiting the market was reminiscent of New York in so many ways. The lively commotion of Mercado Central with its loud street vendors and fast-paced interactions brought upon nostalgia of good 'ole NYC. Waking up to the beautiful mountainside each morning is amazing, but I will always be a city girl at heart.
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