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Forty years ago, we called San José, Costa Rica home.  Our purpose was to learn the Spanish language and Latin American culture.  Before the year had ended, we were living in Quito, Ecuador and beginning to learn that language and culture is not homogenous across Latin America.  I’m sure you’re aware that language and culture is not the same in each region of our nation.

Sylvia and I spent 5 mornings a week in classes.  Our afternoons were spent in study.  While we were in class, our younger son was in a pre-kinder.  Our older son was enrolled in a nearby English-language school.

On Saturday, we would board a public bus and ride north to Cartago.  Cartago is the ancient capitol of Costa Rica.  It was also the site of a Saturday market.  Farmers brought their produce where they sold it at the largest farmer’s market that I have seen.

One of our favorite characters was the older fellow who sold oranges.  Our Spanish was limited and he was patient with us and we all laughed.  A lot.  For us he came to epitomize the industry, warmth and humor of a wonderful group of people.

Sylvia stand beside the Orange Man.

We enjoyed our weekly trip to the market in Cartago.  We would return from the trip with two or three bags full of fresh fruit and vegetables.  I sometimes wonder what it is like there today.