They typically get fresh fruit or bread for later in the week while they are out. Lately, Maria has loved looking at the Christmas decorations in town (yes, Costa Ricans decorate in October!).
While her daughter does some work around the house, Maria watches her grandson. They often play with a spinning top, a wooden spinner with a string to launch it or in the garden to look for different bugs. Maria loves how she can spend so much time with her family now that she is retired. She then often takes the bus into downtown San Jose to run errands, like picking checks up at the bank.
Around 5:00 p.m., Maria and Mariana begin making dinner for the family. Today, they made pastel; this is not a cake, but instead, a casserole layered with mashed plantain, vegetables, meat, and cheese. Maria has dinner with Mariana and her husband while they share how they spent their day and what they are thankful for.
She then ends her day watching TV with me, while I have dinner after my classes. Maria and I love to watch romantic movies, and today, we watched "The Holiday," her favorite one. She then has her before-bed tea and sometimes chats with her friend Carla on the phone.
Maria loves how relaxing her days are now that she does not have to work. Family is a major part of her day which is typical in Latin American culture. I hope that you enjoyed this insight into life in Costa Rica, and I can't wait to share more with you all!
