1. There is no such thing as street signs. When you're given directions or giving them for that matter it is by land marks, sites, even the sleeping dog at the corner market. I got directions recently and was told that I needed to go past the bus stop building (It was a wooden shack with no one inside so I guess I'd missed the bus) and then turn at the second gate on the left. Meaning the roped shut, iron rod fortress with a dirt trail that appeared to disappear into a deep river bed. No house in sight. Needless to say I got lost, had to call, and still drove by it several times.
2. There is no such thing as a two way bridge in most areas. Here it is a yield on one side, and you'd better make sure you know which side or you'll get a very direct over the edge view of the dried riverbed below.
3. Stopping on any road is acceptable for any reason. Don't even start to wander why the car in front of you has suddenly braked. Simply go around.
4. Sidewalks are things only found in movies and roads are for everyone, not just cars.
5.You will get a flat tire, many in fact. Just tell yourself it's a good survival skill to have and know where you can get your tire fixed. This is not a whim, but a must know piece of information.
6. Hitch-hiking and picking up hitch-hikers is normal.
7. Used cars still go for "new car" prices. You'll learn to spot the tourist rides - shiny and new, from the locals - dusty and used.
8.To take most short cuts you'll need a 4x4. If you don't have one, don't take it.
9. Beans and rice are a meal, not a side dish.
10. Bananas and Pineapple are cheap and delicious.
11. There are ranks of roads: lowest is dirt, middle is paved, highest is paved with reflectors.
12. Not all roads are paved, enjoy them when you find them.
13. Air conditioning is an upgrade, not a standard.
14. There are only two seasons, rainy and dry.
15. Libraries are really an amazing gift of the government and are missed by all here. Enjoy them people you hear me!!!
16. You will find yourself comparing everything to back in the states and hear yourself saying, "this is so expensive compared too . . ." or "this is so cheap compared too . . ."
17. You will get good at rounding colones into dollars in your head. Who knew you'd one day be good at math!!
18. When you ask for water, it will come in a bottle and you will be charged for it.
19. Eggs do not be refrigerated. That is a U.S myth.
20. Powdered milk is not a military end of times ration food, but a healthy alternative when raw milk is not available.
21. Milk in cardboard cartons does not need to be refrigerated. It is really just for show.
22. Electrical power comes and goes, just make sure you do what needs to be done now and don't put it off. Hey wait, aren't we always supposed to do that??? (Oops the power went out for a moment!)
23. Hearing howler monkeys where you live and seeing them in the wild is not part of Disney's Wild Life safari.
24. You can fit three people on a scooter or motorcycle.
25. Police check points are not to see if you're driving drunk, but whether you have your passport.
26. A man standing out side a bank, or in it, holding a rifle is not robbing it. He is protecting it.
27. Fires here are not a matter of arson or calls to the fire department. They are a way of cleaning up the brush. Just stand back and watch them burn.
28. Wavier, what is this word you speak of??
29. Professional surfers live here, they are not simply doing a "celebrity" circuit.
30. You can buy gifts actually on the beach such as ceramic vases, necklaces and bracelets.
31. Having someone clean your house is not a luxury but a normality.
32. Locals are called Ticos, those that are not are called "Expats, Gringos, or Tourists."
33. Traffic only occurs when cattle are crossing the road.
34. Everything is measured in Kilometers, miles simply don't exist.
35. You can go to a church with no walls, literally!
36. Costa Rican Walmarts are called Maxi Bodagas.
37. It is "cold" when the temperature drops to 75 degrees.
38. Knowing Spanish makes living here easier. You will learn it!!
39. Robbery is not a story on the late night news, but what happens to those you know. It is all called the Costa Rican Baptism.
40. Bars over windows is for your stuff's protection, not your own personal protection.
41. Parrots are really birds, not ones that you only find in exotic pet shops or at the zoo.
42. Living with bugs is a balance, not an extermination.
43. The sunrises between 5:30 and 6am, YEAR ROUND!
44. Time? Who knows the time here?
45. Hammocks are beds, not just relaxing swings.
46. Iguanas are dinosaurs. Welcome to Jurassic park!!
47. Cows here have really big ears that stick out sideways. They're also happier *wink*
48. If you need a dog, pick up a stray, they're everywhere.
49. Seeing the ribs on a horse or dog means it on the Costa Rican diet. Seeing a plump one means it's American fed.
50. Even if no sign is posted, there still may be a parking fee enforced.
51. If you go out during afternoon hours, you will get burned. No exception.
52. Laundry hanging on the line - efficient. Not antiquated.
53. Dumping trash where you want is fine, where else would you put it?
54. Wave and you will receive one in kind.
55. Costa Rican beef is tough. Chewy, stick between your teeth, gnaw till your jaw falls out tough. Stick with the chicken.
56. Plantains are an amazing dessert. Who needs sugar!!
57. Oranges are not orange but yellow and tart. There is no such thing as a lemon, just limes.
58. If you need a public bus to stop, just tell them. They'll stop and let you off. If you need them to pick you up, just wave them down.
59. You will wait your turn for gas.
60. You will plan a special trip to go get gas.
61. Mosquitoes will find you. You will itch. You will survive.
62. If you need medical help, you will go to San Jose. If you are having a baby you will go to San Jose. If you need a surgery you will go to San Jose. If you want to get medicine you will go to San Jose. (San Jose is four hours away)
63. You can get everything you need in San Jose.
64. Living in Costa Rica is always an adventure!
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