A Life in the City
City life and country life in Costa Rica are very different. Most ticos live in cities. More than half of the nation's city dwellers 300,000 people live in San Jose, the country's capital. They are known as josefinos, and they love the fast paced city life. Buildings of all sizes crowd the city blocks. Cars, taxis, and buses cruise the streets.
 San José Several tree lined plazas provide escape from the hubbub. But even in busy San Jose, it's hard to forget the beautiful country side that lies beyond especially when flocks of parrots fly overhead!
Hundreds of restaurants offer almost any type of food you can imagine. Shoppers buy goods at supermarkets or malls. And if you're in the mood for a small snack, be sure to stop at the local pulpería (corner store).
Country Living
Campesinos are people who live in the country. Country homes can be large, wooden houses painted in bright colors. Others are small cottages made of adobe, a kind of brick. Adobe houses often have white walls and redtiled roofs. Towns usually center on a grassy plaza, where people can meet or gather to watch a soccer game. Country towns also have pulperfas, but they act more like general stores, selling everything from hardware to candy. A country pulpería is a great place to hang out.
 Many campesinos live on small farms. They grow enough food to eat and sell the extra goods at local open-air markets. Everyone helps out on the family farm. Before breakfast kids help milk the cows or chop firewood. School often doesn't start until 11 A.M., so there is plenty of time to finish the chores.
During the school year, kids have a chance to play with their friends before dinner and homework. Summer means more time pitching in around home. It's a lot of hard work, but there's always time to play.
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