Finding My Way In Costa Rica - Ins And Outs Of Their Directions System

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Costa Rica is a country with over 4 million inhabitants and I must say that since I moved here I haven't really felt too much of a culture shock though the language could be a barrier at times. I'm adjusting to their holiday schedules too, but after living here for so long I'm still confused about their way of using directions.

I'm embarrassed to say this, but I will not venture out to a new location, like the doctor's office or mall, unless my husband (who was born with a compass inside his head) has either taken me there first or written directions to me which even my five year old son could follow.

The system is so confusing that even if I sum it up for you by giving the directions to my old house, you will be in a lot of trouble if you want to solve the mystery: I lived 150 meters south and 100 meters west of Mas X Menos (a supermarket chain), in San Pablo de Heredia, in the Old Green Valley Hotel. (This was also my postal address!)

Now I'll break it down for you. If you are coming from Heredia this kind of makes sense, but if you're coming from the other direction, which is San Jose, you have no idea where to go. Plus, where is Max x Menos? In Costa Rica 100 meters is an approximation of one block here. However, some blocks in Costa Rica can be up to 300 meters. Another great question is: Which way is west, east, north and south? Another unsolvable mystery to me is that the condo complex WAS a hotel over 15 years ago, but now, there is absolutely no sign anywhere that it was once a hotel.

So even if you got there, you wouldn't know you are there. Two years ago they painted the complex from green to brown, so it has lost some of its value as a landmark for directions. This seem to be quite confusing if you have only been here once and start searching for landmarks as you have decided to go back to visit. It seems to me that Ticos are born with a gene of knowing which buildings were what decades ago.

Such changes concerned me that much that I had to pray every night hoping that I don't need an ambulance. How would they find me then?

About the Author:
Marina K. Villatoro is an expat living with her family and traveling in Central America. There are tons of Costa Rica Facts to share with travelers.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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