Costa Rica - La Primera Vez

Naturally, my first blogpost about Costa Rica ought to be an 'impressions' kind of thing, so here goes:

The Living

Many years ago, when the Savoy Hotel was being built in London, it had the unprecedented luxury of a bathroom in every suite. The builder was much bemused, and asked 'Who's gonna be livin' there, amphibians?'

My apartment has three. I ASSUME it was meant for more people, but maybe it's just for the sake of variety.

The People

Affectionately known as 'Ticos'. Spanish-speaking. The CR accent tends to swallow the last consonant, so 'incomodo' becomes 'incomo' etc.

The Barrio

Fairly dull. Lots of well-off expats and gated condos. To the north is a busy street (actually more of a small highway) lined with strip malls which the Costa Ricans call plazas. Alot of chains and car dealerships. Many off the menus, signs, etc. are in English.

To the south is 'downtown', but this is tame stuff - I was there last night at 8PM and I hardly saw anybody about.

Prices

High - hardly much less than what you would expect in the US. Maybe its a function of the neighborhood.

What IS really cheap are small restaurants called 'sodas' (more on these later) which serve quite filling meals for $3-4.

Also, the money has sharks on it.

Weather

Warm, but even during the day its not unbearable. At night it is cool enough that I don"t even need the AC.

Work:

I have a small office in the basement. Not much sunlight, but close to the cafeteria.

Right now many of people are on vacation, so it's taking a while to get everything organized for me - I'm still waiting on my cell phone and ID badge.

Water

Potable.

Until next time...