The mystery of bars

Due to popular demand I am back to print on some recent wanderings:
First’s first,

Last night I had to fight through metal bars to wash dishes। Never have I ever thought that I’d crave to wash dishes so badly that I’d resort to such; last night proved to be one of those occasions.

To put a little context to the situation, I am now in the mountainous (more directly on top of the mountains rather than sitting in a hole looking up at them mountains) region of Costa Rica called Turrialba। It’s about two hours from San José where I nested before. And still somehow the weather feels like another world. The general atmosphere is peaceful and calm, more so than the city. A good Spanish word to describe it is “tranquilo”. You could say it to someone who is stressing out, or working frenetically or just going out of their way for you. It’s very useful and a good reminder to slow down every once in a while.

One piece of Costa Rica that does seems to be pretty consistent though is the use of bars around houses, and as I’ve recently experienced, inside of them too। I’m trying to think of a US equivalent, but it’s quite distinct. They’re probably more common than the standard chain-link fence, but more secure and always colorful. Anyway, I think many people here find it easier to sleep at night knowing that they’ve barred themselves into their houses. Without trying to make light of the situation, I often find it funny--especially last night.

My mom here, whose name is Christina was so generous as to offer me dessert after our dinner of rice, beans, and asparagus tips। Since it’s customary for the keeper of the house to pamper visitors with delicious food, free laundry, and even entertainment, I’ve grown accustomed to fighting back by sneaking off with the dirty dishes so as to contribute a bit। As Christina finished her “arroz con leche” which is rice pudding with cinnamon, her daughter Ginna distracted her just long enough for me to snag the empty dessert bowl and make a run for the sink. But I had forgotten that the bars were up! Not everyone has bars on the inside of their house, but the sink is set in a box that was added on after the initial house was constructed, so it’s particularly susceptible to intruders. Like I said, I was determined so I washed the bowls through the bars chuckling the whole time. Christina said, “tranquila” with a laugh.

I haven’t quite figured out yet what to think of all the bars। Some people say it’s cultural and others believe that with the night comes the devil. But you will often see people conversing at length through them or utilizing them in childhood games. I’m certainly not going to be the one to figure it out, but I have to admit that it has been an adjustment.

I do really enjoy it here in this part of the country। It’s usually hot and sunny midday and then by 3:00 pm the entire land is covered by clouds which then turns to rain every night. This is one source of the rivers in Costa Rica. The high mountain Cordillera is so humid from Atlantic fronts that rivers seep out of the spongy ground and race down to the ocean. I think you might say that I live in the cloud forest, but they aren’t quite heavy enough to stand on.

Along with the transition into a new location comes the development and application of my purpose here। My advisor, who teaches at a grad school/investigation center called CATIE placed me here because I am surrounded by banana farms। What I’ll actually be doing for the next month--happy march btw--is administering surveys, performing interviews, and actually working on a banana farm for a bit। Why, you might ask? The answer to that question I have been considering long and hard lately। It might seem a little backwards that I knew where I was going before I really knew what I’d be doing, but somehow the two worlds are coming together. The aim of my research can be summed up as follows:

In the agricultural and ecological sciences, there has been a recent trend in thinking: with improved agricultural technology and management, it will be possible to reduce poverty and hunger। CATIE as an agricultural science facility, is one that shares this paradigm along with a slew of NGOs. As far as I have researched, there is now a mountain of better crops, fungus-resistant, higher yielding what have you, yet we still the same global problem. So, I am here to find out is what makes these better technologies difficult for farmers to adopt. Access to information, poor economic situation, education, tradition--all of this certainly factors in. But, I would like to understand the micro challenges that face the implementation of technology. Hopefully this is something I can help to contribute a solution to, or at least understand popular resistance.

With that said, it should be a fun and interesting experience। I am still working on Spanish and keeping my head dry, but everything is coming together. I miss everyone back at home but have to admit that I have been enjoying the weekends here by going to the beach or pounding away at the keyboard.

I’ve also been hearing about some horrible storms in the States. I hope all are well and safe. Good luck to everyone and until next time,
With love,

Anna
(my name is really difficult for people to read here--there are so many extra letters that it’s confusing to pronounce, so I’ve resorted to spelling it thus: Liana ;) Hasta luego.