Boxes and Buses

It's funny how little things make me feel so successful sometimes. And looking back, I'm noticing a pattern. Post offices and buses. (See post 6 Oct 2005 - Chile)

See, today I took used the city bus system for the first time here in Costa Rica. Until now I've been walking most everywhere, with an occasional cab ride. I had no real need to take the bus, I just huffed and puffed my way around telling myself, "Hey, suck it up. It's good for you" while that irritating little voice in the back of my head whispered You actually are too scared to try to take the bus. You are afraid you'll do it wrong and get lost. You're chicken.

Today, there was no avoiding the bus. I had to get from Hatillo #1 to Universidad Santa Paula and the only logical way was by bus. Today was the day. With the help of Xiomara, a mother of a beautiful 5 year old with an implant, I hopped 3 buses and ended up right where I needed to be. And with the help a USP student and a Tica named Lidia, I made it back home safely ... on the bus!

And you see, this weekend I took a 5 hour bus ride to Puerto Viejo, a gorgeous beach town on the Caribbean, and I didn't get lost, robbed, molested ... only a little cold because I didn't bring a jacket.

And last week, I found the post office. I sent 2 letters and I opened my very own Post Office Box here in Escazú. And I bought an envelope.

I know this all seems trivial, but for me, these small things mean big success. They mean I am learning how to live independently in Costa Rica. And the funniest thing is, living independently here has meant asking and asking and asking for help. Swallowing my big fat pride, telling myself that asking for help doesn't mean I'm a failure and meeting the nicest Costa Rican person who is willing to get off the bus early just to make sure I catch the next one I need. Megyn, you would be so proud. I'm getting bold in asking for help. Is this the bus stop for Manzanillo? Where can I buy an envelope? (You'd be surprised ... it sure isn't the post office) Can I throw my toilet paper in the trash can?

You might never know if you don't ask. And you might do it wrong or take the long way forever, when you could just ask and learn to do it right from the start. This is quite a new concept for me. But asking isn't so bad.

And who would've thought I could learn all this from a PO box and a bus ride.

My address/PO box here:
Mamie Knight
Apartado Postal 1614-1250
Escazú, San Jose, Costa Rica

I'll post pictures of Puerto Viejo/Manzanillo later ... awesome!