Fearless, unprotected, Tico pedestrians

The roads here have no names.  There is no home mail delivery, everyone goes to the post office.  Directions may include phrases like, "Turn right where the large tree used to be," or "there's a large black dog on the corner...usually."

I'm not sure where we live, I know it's near the Plaza de Cariari, I know the MexiChem plant is right up the street, but no way could I could tell you how to get here.  That's part of the fun of being a Temporary Tico.  You never really know where you're going, but people are nice enough to help you get there and get back home when you're done.

Pedestrians, street vendors, newspaper hawkers,  and beggars populate almost every corner.  Children play on trikes and with soccer balls near the boulevards, and groups of teenagers walk and talk and giggle near the curbs without a care in the world.  Navigating this amazing cornucopia of activity is a little bit like cooking gumbo, a few things you have to do at exactly the right time, but most of it is just when you feel like it.

On our way to MultiPlaza yesterday, we came upon this street sign, which is now #1 on my list.  In the places I've lived, Clear Lake City, Woodbury, and Byron, geese and ducks saunter across the road from time to time, and most drivers stop quickly to avoid them.

In Cariari, let it be said, you've been warned, and in a way that is counter to the "muy tranquilo" culture here.  So, if you come here, please, please, please, be alert when you drive for all the groups mentioned above.  But, mas importante!!

DUCKS IN THE ROAD.  DO NOT KILL THEM!