Costa Rican Fiesta

Well, tonight I got out of the hotel and found some culture. I have been feeling a little couped up, and Tanya called to see if i wanted to go to the Potrero Fiesta. This was a definite yes for me. I needed to get out, and especially experience some Costa Rican culture. So... here's my story.

We got there just after 6 pm. Apparently this is early. It's set up like an American carnival would be, except with a make-shift rodeo ring in the middle. So since there aren't many people, we mill about a little.

We see Mr. and the 2 Ms. Fiestas. They are dressed in Cowboy???? girl??? gear? The boy looked like a cowboy. The girls.. well, one did. Jean shorts, belt, red sports bra, leather vest with fringe, and cowboy boots. She looked good. The other girl was wearing the same thing, except she had a pair of the biggest fake boobs I've ever seen poking out of her waaay too small sports bra, and was wearing fishnets that came all the way up to the bra. ???? what?

There is a mechanical bull. We watch the "Cowgirls" ride it. Slowly, boring. Then we walk around to see what food and rides there were. The only ride anyone over the age of 4 could ride were some legit bumper cars. We definitely put that on the "to do when more people are here" list.

At this point we go sit down so Michael can eat a little. This is when they start playing American Rap music and the Mr and Ms. Fiestas are "line dancing". Just because you stand in a line... does not make it a line dance. They of course were doing their own booty shaking, and it was not appropriate for the 8 year old twins to be seeing. Once the Ludacris song started.. explicit.. we had to get up and walk away.

Finally enough people are around to ride the bumper cars!!! I am just going to say.. I am going to have massive bruises. Ouch. We hit on car head on, and broke the headlight because the bumper didn't work well enough. We were going that fast. Legit.

Now they start announcing the bull show. I didn't take any pictures, but I should have. We walk over and everyone is crowded around and on top of this flimsy wooden fence thing. There were 5 bars with about 1'5 between each. It stood about 8 feet tall. I stood back about 10 feet from it and the crowd. I should start now with telling you what my dad said. "Heidi, you need to go to the fiesta because the bulls chase the guys around and kill them."

I did not believe him. First bull comes running out with rider on top. There are about 15 other guys in the ring who want the bull to chase them around. The bull runs straight for my fence area. I step back a little, and watch as the crowd barely moves away from the unsturdy fence. The people on top are jumping to this side, but staying on top. There is a young girl. 13ish who is on top, and as the bull hits the fence, she flies off and down into the ring. She is laying there unconscious as the bull is running back towards her. The men are able to distract him, and a group of men come and carry her off to the ambulance. She didn't wake up.

Another thing. After the man falls off the bull I heard a band playing. A marching band and sure enough, in the stands, is a marching band playing "half-time music". Then during actual half time, they came out and played in the arena with a legit drumline, and dancers.

The rest of the night was not this eventful, but there was a whole lot of stupidity in that ring. Men just laying on the grass... looking bored. Even one of the church members, father of 5, got out there to have the bull chases him. His wife Kerrie was next to me, and not OK with the situation.

After watching this and visiting for a while, we decided to get some dinner and head out. At this point, more and more people have shown up. If the kid is under 5, their parents have dressed them in their finest clothing, bathed them, and put bows in their hair. The young ones are to show off. Some of the women are in heels. We are in a dirt, very uneven, field. Needless to say... there were a few twisted ankles.

For dinner there was chinese street food. meat on a stick, chow mien, dan chow fan, and double friend chicken. There were Churros, and Churro Rellenos, and candy apples. Then there was corn on the cob, and some corn pancake with sour cream. hmmm... not exactly what I call Fiesta food, but to each his own.

All in all.. a good cultural experience. Michael, Tanya, and the kids have quickly become one of my favorite families down here. Tonight getting to know Dave and his family was great. Their 5 kids are all awesome and cool. Intimidatingly cool. To recap: legit, painful bumper cars; greasy food; slutty cowgirls; mechanical bull that only went slow; bad music; marching band; and girl hurt badly by bull 10 feet from me. Costa Rica.