My Recommendations:

In Spanish class today we reviewed the subjunctive mood. We were told that if we truly wish to speak correct Spanish, we must understand this aspect of grammar in its entirety.  While the subjunctive is useful in many areas of proper language, here I will only mention that is necessary when giving recommendations.

So, in honor of today's lesson in grammar, I will share with you some of my own recommendations (inspired, of course, by my time spent here).

First, I recommend that you, at some point in your life, watch at least one of these two movies:

 

One is a sad story about a young boy in El Salvador (Voces Inocentes) and the other is a sad story about a young boy in Mexico (La Misma Luna).  Both are incredible productions.

Second, I recommend that you find the time to listen to a song from each of the following artists. I've included several links, but obviously there are plenty of other outstanding canciones to enjoy. 

Juan Luis Guerra (all of his songs are amazing, this particular one features Enrique Iglesias and is a current favorite of mine): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DO8GsIYfhQ
Ricardo Arjona (this song includes a UCLA shoutout): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwulbsTpJd4
Daddy Yankee: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgnebZ_jYo
Juanes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRt2sRyup6A&playnext=1&videos=B_Dsjhrt-9Y&feature=artistob

And third, while there are many interesting and delicious foods here, I strongly recommend that you try:

1) Costa Rican Coffee - I promise it is better than any you've had before
2) Gallo Pinto - the most Costa Rican Dish there is, a simple mix of rice and beans (with some other spices)
3) Pejivalle* - an interesting fruit that tastes something like an artichoke and is eaten with mayonnaise (they eat everything with mayonnaise here, and I really mean everything)

*A big thank you to Nina, a Tica friend, for helping me discover this very strange fruit

Remember, (unlike my demand that you visit Jammin Jerk and Juice Joint should you find yourself in Puerto Viejo) these are only recommendations. If you liked my recommendations however, please ask for more. I have plenty!