The Simple Act of Uttering This 4-letter Word can Change a Life in Costa Rica. Just Say, "HOLA" More Often!

Skip’s Viewpoint – The Expat From Florida

Skip had lived in Florida long enough to know three things:

1. Smiling at strangers makes them suspicious.

2. Waving at strangers makes them more suspicious.

3. Saying hello to strangers means you’re either running for office, crazy or selling something.

   
   

So when Skip arrived in Costa Rica, he brought that same “don’t-make-eye-contact” philosophy with him. But it didn’t last long.

One morning, he was wandering through a small mountain town, practicing his grocery-store Spanish, when he crossed paths with a cheerful tica who greeted him first with a glowing, sunshine-level “¡HOLAAAAA!”

Skip froze.Was she talking to him?Did he win something?Did she mistake him for someone important?

He awkwardly shot back a tiny “hola” that sounded more like a hiccup, but the effect was immediate. She beamed. She waved. She kept walking with a smile big enough to light up a whole block.

Skip thought, THAT’S all it takes? Just say hola?

From that moment forward, he was a changed man.He began greeting everyone — people, dogs, trees, even shadows.He said hola with enthusiasm, with confidence, with the energy of a man who finally cracked the Costa Rican social code.

And the best part?Everyone said it back.Warm. Friendly. Genuine.It made him feel like he actually belonged here — even if the locals laughed when he said hola to a parked motorcycle one afternoon.

Teresita's Viewpoint – The Born-and-Raised Tica

Skip is absolutely right about one thing: In Costa Rica, we say "¡HOLA!" to EVERYONE. And I mean EVERYONE.

For us Ticos, NOT saying hola is basically a crime against humanity!

Let me explain something: In Costa Rica, when you walk past someone — ANYONE — and you don't greet them, people think something is WRONG with you. They worry! "¿Qué le pasó a ese mae?" (What's wrong with that guy?) "¿Estará enojado?" (Is he angry?) "¿Será maleducado?" (Is he rude?)

Because here in Ticolandia, a simple "hola" means: I see you. I respect you. I acknowledge your existence as a fellow human being sharing this beautiful moment on earth.

It's not complicated. It's not fake. It's just... how we ARE.

I grew up saying hola to everyone on my street — the neighbors watering their plants, the señora sweeping her porch, the kids playing fútbol, even Don Carlos walking his ancient dog that moved slower than a sloth on vacation. Every single person got a greeting. Every single time.

And you know what? If I DIDN'T say hola, my Abuela would hear about it within five minutes! "Mija, Doña Rosa said you walked past her house and didn't say buenos días. ¿Qué te pasa?" Then I'd get the lecture about respect, community, and being well-raised.

So when Skip arrived with his Florida "don't-make-eye-contact" attitude, I'll be honest... it confused me! The first few times we walked together and he just stared at the ground while people greeted him, I thought: Is he sick? Is he sad? Does he not LIKE people?

But then I realized: This  gringo just doesn't know the rules yet!

In the United States, apparently saying hello to strangers makes you look suspicious. Down here? NOT saying hello makes you look suspicious!

Now watching Skip transform into a hola-saying machine has been one of my greatest joys. Yes, he went a little overboard at first — greeting motorcycles, trees, and one time I'm pretty sure he said "buenos días" to a mailbox. But you know what? I'll take an overly-friendly Skip over a cold, silent Skip any day of the week!

Because here's the truth, Skip: When you say "hola" in Costa Rica, you're not just being polite. You're participating in the fabric of our culture. You're saying: I'm part of this community. I respect you. I'm present in this moment.

That tica who gave you that sunshine-level "¡HOLAAAAA!" that first morning? She wasn't selling anything. She wasn't crazy. She was just being... Tica. She saw another human and did what we ALL do naturally: she welcomed you into the day.

And now you're doing the same thing! You're spreading that warmth, that connection, that little spark of joy that makes Costa Rica feel like HOME instead of just a place.

So keep saying hola, Skip. Say it loud. Say it proud. Say it to everyone — people, dogs, trees, parked motorcycles, whatever makes you happy! 

Because every time you do, you're not just speaking Spanish...

Where They Meet in the Middle: Hola in Costa Rica

Skip comes from the land of humidity, Publix subs, and suspicious glances.Teresita comes from the land of cattle festivals, tamarindo sunsets, and endless friendliness.

But when it comes to the power of one four-letter word — HOLA — they’re on the exact same page.

It breaks the ice.It softens the heart.It opens the door.And it makes Costa Rica feel like the friendliest corner of the planet.

Skip feels welcomed.Teresita feels connected.And everyone else gets a smile in the process.

It’s amazing what four little letters can do…especially when spoken with a smile and a splash of Pura Vida.