Volunteer work in Costa Rica

[AllieL]

I am going to Costa Rica this summer for a month as part of a volunteer program. For the first two weeks I am going to be staying with a family and the second two weeks is an adventure program where we stay in hotels. While I am living with a family I do not think I will be able to stay on a rfd since I have to be courteous and respectful to my hosts by dining with them. During the next two weeks I will be staying in a hotel and not having a blender, food processor or any other tools. I am going to try my best to get foods from the local markets and such to stay on my rfd. I was wondering if anyone has been to Costa Rica and could tell me what some good markets in the capital are. Also, if anyone has any suggestions as to how I could stay on my rfd while volunteering in Costa Rica. Thanks so much!

[calee]

This sounds like a fabulous trip. I hope you have a wonderful time. South America has a different concept of vegetarians. In 1992 I was in Bolivia visiting with my son's host family. I was a vegan at the time. One morning I came out to hear my son asking gramma what she was doing. As I looked into the kitchen there she was with a chicken leg held over my pot of vegetarian soup! He was able to stop her in time, but I realized that I would have to be ever vigilant if I was going to stay vegan.

From everything I've read, Costa Rica has fabulous fruits. Since it will be summer, you should have no problem finding luscious fruits to eat!

take good care,
calee

[Allison]

This sounds like an awesome trip! Lately I have been enjoying grape tomatoes for a snack and also plain romaine lettuce hearts. They taste so sweet to me. You may not be able to make any recipes, but hopefully you will be able to get fresh fruits and veggies and just eat them plain.

Allison