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Costa Rica is accepting refugees from Nicaragua. The Nicaraguans were being harmed so they escaped to Costa Rica. The article includes an interview with a man who thanks Ticos for their hospitality and one who threatens Daniel Ortega.

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La Cruz, Guanacaste - The message from Nicaraguan refugees to Costa Rica is a uniform one: thank you.

Not all Ticos have greeted the asylum-seekers kindly. In mid-August, hundreds of people protested at La Merced park in downtown San José against the influx of Nicaraguans. More than 40 people were arrested when some demonstrators became violent.

The Costa Rican government has repeatedly denounced xenophobia and has citizens not to fall victims to provocations or calls to hate.

In La Cruz, Mondragón expressed his gratitude for the continued hospitality at the shelter. He feared Costa Rica might have turned him away and allowed his extradition to a country where he felt his life was in danger.

"First, I want to say thank you, because you give us support, and as refugees, you give us food to eat," he said. "I say, 'Thank you for not sending us back,' because if they sent us back, we'd fall in the wrong hands, and they'd kill me."

Some refugees have messages for Ortega, too.

"I'm doing this publicly because I am not afraid," Mayorga said. "I'll say this again to Daniel Ortega: 'I am not afraid of you. I am not afraid of you, you dog, and I will never be afraid of you. And if they gave me a gun to go and kill you, I would do it.'"

Overwhelmingly, the refugees said they hope to return to Nicaragua someday. If they are given guns, they say, they will fight for freedom: For their friends, for their families, for their children.

"My goal wasn't to come to a refugee camp," Mondragón said. "If someone supports us, gives us guns, I'll leave to go defend my country."
Part 2: Fight another day Stories like these are made possible thanks to contributions from readers like you. Please donate to support our reporting and keep it independent.

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The Tico Times talks to refugees who fled Nicaragua about their time in the protests, the subsequent persecution and how they fled to Costa Rica. In part two, we talk to former government allies, enemies and previously neutral bystanders about why they joined protests against the government.

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Playa Naranjo is a popular beach in Costa Rica. It is one of the most popular surf locations in the country.

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Alvaro Soler is a popular singer in Costa Rica. He is a spanish singer, who got widespread success after his song, "El Mismo Sol", which he sang with Jennifer Lopez.

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Semana Santa or Holy Week is a widely celebrated holiday among the Ticos. To celebrate, they put a cross draped with a purple fabric in their lawn. Some people participate in parades which show the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Feast of Our Lady of the Angels is a holiday honoring the Virgin Mary. People promise they will make a trip to see her on August 2 if their prayers are answered. They then walk from their home to see her in the city of Cartago.

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Dancing is very popular among Ticos. Dances including salsa, merengue, and cumbia are common.
Pottery is also popular. Another form of sculpture that is present in costa rica is carving wooden masks.

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Rice and beans are often incorporated into ticos' meals.Bananas, mangos, pineapples and citrus fruits are grown and eaten in Costa Rica.
Picadillo de Papaya is a common dish at parties. It involves combining beef, potatoes, spices, peppers, and papayas.

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Ticos greet one another with a wave or handshake. They often explain things with the assistance of their hands. Eye contact is considered respectful and important when having a serious conversation.

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When female friends greet each other they will kiss on the cheek. If they don't know each other well, they will pat each other's arms. Men greet other men with a handshake and men greet female friends with a kiss on the cheek.
Common greetings include Buenos dias, buenos tardes, and buenos noches (good morning, afternoon, and night). When asked "how are you" they may respond "Pura vida", meaning well.

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Western clothing is popular in much of the country, although in rural areas women dress more conservatively. Jeans are common for casual clothing while, suits or dress suits are worn at work. Flip-flops are a common shoe in coastal areas and in local neighborhoods.

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Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Costa Rica with 76% of the population identifying as a member. Freedom of religion is protected in their constitution even though they have an official religion.

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The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Some indigenous people still speak indigenous languages.