4th of July Tico Style

Costa Ricans call themselves "Ticos", thus the title, because when I booked my flight to Costa Rica, it never crossed my mind that I would be there during the fourth of July. Now my plans for the fourth of July in the most recent years have been incredibly lack luster. I think two years ago I went with Mom and Dad to watch the fireworks at Juanita beach, nothing special, and I can't even remember what I did last year. Maybe Juanita was last year...no, I'm pretty sure Juanita was two years ago... Needless to say (even though I am going to say it), since the happy-go-lucky camping days of my youth, the fourth of July has pretty much been a lame deal for me. And that's speaking purely about the holiday celebration aspect of the day and not about the patriotism that I may or may not feel when I reflect on the independence of our nation.

So this year I was at least relieved to be with friends for the big day (no offence Mom and Dad), and open to whatever plans they had in mind. But honestly, I wasn't expecting much....we're in Costa Rica...what do they care about the USA's holidays? Well, not much, but the Americans in Costa Rica do! :)

Shortly after I arrived, Morgan and Jerred informed me of a party the US embassy in Costa Rica hosts every year for the Fourth of July. Many of their peace corps friends would be attending, and for me it sounded like a great plan, unusual and worthy of a story when back in the States.

We were not disappointed.

Although it ended up not being hosted by the US embassy, but rather an organization called the American Colonials (kind of strange...), it was a party that required a US passport to attend. It ran from 8am till 1pm to avoid the rain which usually comes in the afternoon. Plus, (and this is the best part), after paying 2500 colones, which is roughly 5 US dollars, you are entitled to as many hotdogs, bagels, icecream, potato salad as you want and can drink as much beer as you can hold. Did you catch that? As many hotdogs and as much beer as you can hold!!!

To take full advantage of this, we got into San Jose Saturday night and stayed in a hostel with 5 of their peace corps friends, so that we could get up extra early to be on time for the 8am opening. After some confusion about where to find the entrance to the Costa Rican brewery the event was being held at, we started right into the consumption of all that makes this holiday so great. A short break was required from 10am till 10:30 for the raising of the flag and readings of various patriotic passages, but that was a mere speedbump in our quest to shamelessly take advantage of all that was offered.

Many more peace corps volunteers arrived and gathered at various times to reconnect with friends and relax for a bit. They were very welcoming of me (and still are, as we're staying another night in the hostel :) and more than once I was addressed as a fellow volunteer that just hadn't been met yet.

The sunburn and bloated stomach feeling and fading buzz at four in the afternoon?

Totally worth it.