So I arrived in
My place was ready and waiting – good thing since I arrived at 4:00 a.m., I was ready for a nap.
While security is a priority here, it’s not quite as obsessive as it was in
The fun thing here is all the keys. I have 5 keys just to get into my house. The keys are similar to the old skeleton key, but with a head on both sides, so 5 fills up your pocket!
My backyard is huge and, as with all homes here, it comes with its own Parrilla – which is a big grill type cooker, but no charcoal here – it’s all wood! Hmm umm good!
it’s in
The population is about 3.5 million for the country and 1.5 million live in the capital city of
The architecture reflects the many contributions to the culture – Italian, Spaniard, German.
It’s never boring to go for a walk.
Antique car collectors in the states would go absolutely crazy if they could see some of the vehicles that are used here.
Because of the European culture, until I open my mouth no one knows I’m not from around here.
Observations from my first few months n
*the Spanish here is a lot different than what we were learning in
*everyone here loves dogs and just about everybody has a dog – there are no laws about dogs pooping on the sidewalks.
*smoking is one of the 'in' things although you cannot smoke in buildings or on public transportation
*the beef is wonderful
*this is cheese heaven - I have never seen, or heard of, this many different kinds of cheese - some good - others not so much, but they put cheese on everything
*Boiled egg is also put on everything, including the pizza
*you cannot find real peanut butter
*Ziplock bags, plastic containers, and hangers are expensive here (hangers are about $1 a piece)
*name brand athletic shoes are very expensive here - a pair that you'd pay around $50 in the
*most of the young people where Chuck Taylors (canvas Converse)
*
*the ground coffee you buy in the store has sugar already mixed in -- not good -- there are some that don't but I have to be careful -- found some Rey Express (Costa Rican coffee) the other day - $24 a bag - ouch.
*McDonald's, Burger King and Subway are the only American restaurants
*weddings start around 8:30pm or later and the receptions will go to around 4:30am
*this is also one of the 'make-out' capitals of the world, in broad daylight - at the bus stops, on the buses, in the malls, on the sidewalks, everywhere and it's not just the teenagers
*public transportation is really popular here, buses mainly, but there are a bunch of taxis too
*Oh yeah, gas is over $6 a gallon
I am SO proud of you! What a great post! I love the pictures. Now that you know how, do this really often. Use lots of pictures. How about some of you, and the dog. I'm telling everyone at SS tomorrow. Love ya.
Anonymous said...
December 13, 2008 at 3:38 PM
We're so glad to catch up with you again! We miss you lots, especially today, when you should spending Christmas with us.
Choate Family said...
December 24, 2008 at 1:56 PM