BackpackerMom

Costa Rica is a country with 4 million inhabitants. In comparison to it’s neighbors it’s a village, and the village mentality flows over to the mindset of its people. Since living here I haven’t really felt too much of a culture shock. Yeah sure the language could be a barrier at times, and I’m adjusting to their holiday schedules and other little things here and there, but after living here for almost four years I have not, nor will I ever get used, to their system of directiions.
I’m embarrassed to say this, but I will not venture out to a new location, ie: doctor’s office, mall, unless my husband (who was born with a compass inside his head) has either taken me there first or written me directions my 2 year old could follow.

And, trust me, I’m not the only one, you will often find cars driving super slow because everyone is lost! Even the cab drivers are constantly asking for directions.
This is the system, I’ll sum it up for you by giving you my house directions and see if you can solve the mystery:
I live 150 meters south and 100 meters west of Mas por Menos (supermarket chain) in San Pablo de Heredia in the Old Green Valley Hotel.
Now I’ll break it down for you.
If you are coming from Heredia this can kind of make sense, but if you’re coming from the other side which is San Jose you have no idea where to go.
100 meters is an approximation of one block, some blocks in Costa Rica can be upto 300 meters.
Where the hell is west, east, north and south?
My complex was a hotel over 15 years ago, there is no sign anywhere that it was once a hotel. Two years ago they painted our complex from green to brown.
It seems that Ticos are born with this gene of knowing which buildings were what decades ago and it’s passed down from generation to generation.
I’m scared to call for an ambulance!

And my case isn’t special.

In the heart of San Jose center where the streets still carry some numbers on them you will never ever hear anyone give you directions of the number streets, instead they will tell you that where ever you have to go is about 300 meters this way and 75 meters that way from some obscure store. Why not use the street numbers, no one has an answer for that. Also, why chose that store when there is something much more familiar right next to it.

But if you ask how to get from one town to the next–forgetaboutit! they have no clue, and you are completely on your own.
This epidemic is nationwide and to me the greatest mystery of all is how does anyone at all find their way around?

I have been proven right about the treasures hidden at Universities. It just so happens that this week in Costa Rica is Japan week. I live next to the National University and today for free there are two amazing productions.
Have any of you ever seen a Japanese Drum Performance. They are out of this world!!!!!!! And it just so happens to be free.
The other production is the traditional RAKUGO, a Japanese comedy. My Spanish is so-so meaning I don’t understand jokes yet at all!!!! So I’ll leave the comedy to those who can.
But drums are international and don’t need to be rocket-science educated to enjoy them.
Check out what’s happening at a University where you’re traveling. You’ll be surprised what you find.

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