Rhymes with Costa Rica, which is where Amanda has landed. As I'm assuming her access to the internet is limited, I'm taking it upon myself to post her updates to me for all to see. I hope that's okay.
I'm here in Costa Rica
The weather is temperate with light rains, we're one hour behind central time because they don't do daylight savings time. The hostel seems clean but let's wait till they turn the lights out to find out.
I quickly discovered that sex tourism is HUGE here (based on the numerous signs that warn you that sex with anyone under 18, handicapped, or otherwise at less than full capacity will land you in jail or deported).
Also, crossing streets is scary as hell. A "grand adventure" as Mr. Aerospace kept telling me I'd have, these streets are indeed. If you cross at a light, when the light changes (which you can't see, because they're like 5 meters above your head) the cars honk at you and are quickly at your heels. If you cross where there is not a light, you have to run across the potholed, slippery, uneven streets and stare at the traffic as you do so. If you wait too long without attempting this feat, you will get honked at by a helpful driver telling you it's your turn to go, and you'd better be halfway across the street by the time he's done honking or he's on your heels. Motorcycles weave in and out of traffic at a dangerous clip. The only helpful thing is that most streets (which are totally unsigned, by the way) are one-way.
Oh and it seems (according to the men in their cars) that I am beautiful and blonde. I know I'm adorable and fantastic, but blonde?
I went to the grocery store Mas por Menos and managed to choke out two complete sentences in Spanish. Yo quiero queso rico, por favor. (I would like the rich cheese, please.) And "es possible para mi usar mi credito Visa?" which is quite possibly not correct but means, "Is it possible for me to use a Viso credit [card]?" Since I got cheese and paid for my goods, I must've been understood. I also got candy--big shock, Amanda buying junk food. Oh and I got some bread that I didn't understand (ie not "pan blanco") and I think it has flowers in it or something. The bread has orange bits of something in it. Who knows.
The museums are closed pretty much and the sun sets at 6 pm. I'm not in the mood to go wandering at night but tomorrow I'm going to hit the Nacion Museo (which is 3 blocks from the hostel) and the Crimino (sp?) Museo, which is a museum that encourages lesser crime in Costa Rica by displaying cut off hands and illegally aborted fetuses in jars. Should be fun.
Will try to write in a week or so, don't worry, all's good here. Pura Vida, es la verdad.
Love,
Amanda
