4 Blocks?

Getting directions from someone here takes some getting used to. You have to ask at least 3 different people and they will give you three different answers - most in Spanish of course which adds to the confusion. Somewhere in the middle of it is the right way. Someone will say it is 4 blocks up and 2 blocks right. We went that way and it turns out it was 6 blocks up and 3 blocks left. Locals know where things are by landmarks. Turn left at the POPS ice cream store, then turn right at the Bank of Costa Rica. In fact, there are no street signs. We asked a local woman on the street if we were on Central Avenue and she didn't know. Most people are very friendly and try to help us find our way.

People don't send or receive a lot of mail here.  Locals go to the Supermarket or the bank to pay their utilities bill or phone bill. They do not write checks. They pay with cash. We are told the younger generation pays with debit cards.

If businesses need to send paperwork they use motorcycle curriers which are all over the roads, weaving in and out of traffic to get to their destination.

by Tina