Many things here in Costa Rica are very different and though at times we get frustrated with the way things are done, there are times when we just have to laugh.  For example, last week we decided to order a pizza and have it delivered to our house.  We found a little "hole in the wall" pizza place and they have a little man on a motorcycle who will deliver it to you so we decided to try it.  I called to place the order and they asked for my address as they would in the States.  The only (BIG) difference is that here the houses don't have numbers and the neighborhood streets don't have names so your actual address is specific directions to your house from a certain point.  We have been told by our landlord that our address is the following:

   "San Francisco de dos rios, en la Pacifica, de la farmacia San Francisco, seisientos metres este,         veinticinco norte; casa izquierda-color melón..."

(Which translates--city of San Francisco de dos rios, la Pacifica (the main road through town), from the San Francisco pharmacy, 600 meters east (each 100 meters is a block to them no matter how short or long the block is), 25 meters north, the house on the left, melon color)

As I was reading this to the guy he was understanding but then started asking me more and more questions about more specific directions.  Finally, I told him that we would be outside on the porch and when we saw a man coming by on a motorcycle carrying a pizza we would flag him down.  He was very appreciative and sure enough after 45 minutes we heard the loud motorcycle and we were able to get our pizza.  It was great pizza too---really gave Pizza Hut some big competition.  

Day after day we realize more and more---we are not in South Carolina anymore!   But we really like it here and we thank the Lord that He loves us and takes care of us daily!  We feel like the most blessed people on Earth!!!

The Barretts in Costa Rica: Everyday Life

Barrett Missionary Page