An accidental discovery

For better and, quite often, for worse, I belong to some “expat” groups on Facebook. Expat is not a word I like, since it’s so often used to differentiate white or rich people from others foreign groups. However, the groups are often sources of useful information.

And then there are the nights that they’re sources of comments like the one some man put up yesterday expounding upon the virtues of “ticas.” Yes, their housekeeping skills were among the skills touted. No, the astonishing frequency with which this group of humans tends to break records, blaze new trails and defy expectations was not among the traits he praised.

This gem of a man was swiftly removed from the group by a watchful admin, but before that took place, I angrily opened another tab and typed “Ticas Poderosas” into the search bar. Powerful Ticas.  It was a mistake – I was thinking of the “Ticas Sin Miedo” book from which I’ve published translated excerpts this year – but lo and behold, there’s a site for that.

Ticaspoderosas.com features interviews, op-eds and more that shine a light on the incredible women of this country. Bravo to them; because of a Googling mistake, I’ve found myself a great new resource. Please join me in following their work. And if you come across an appallingly sexist comment directed at the women of Costa Rica, you’ll have the perfect retort right in your back pocket.

I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; learn how to join my Overwhelmed Writers’ League, every Saturday at 1 pm EST; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook! To learn more about how to support Costa Rica during the crisis, visit my COVID-19 section – or for ways to enjoy Costa Rica from afar, visit Virtual Costa Rica.