I learned the secret and learned something else not so good.

Today I finally made my trip to Cartago. I really feel like a pack mule when I do these trips. I went over in my head several times trying to decide what to bring along to carry things and what route to take and where to get things. I decided on my trusty red bag and three other nylon bags. When I got off the bus I headed for the ribbon store to get black ribbon for Kathy's hat. They were so busy people were lined up to the door so I decided to skip that and try another place later and go to Mayca for all the things I needed. The containers and lids and even the coconut weren't that heavy but the big slabs of chocolate I got for several of my projects were. I was out of white chocolate and I needed dark chocolate for the peppermint patties. I now have lots of chocolate, lots of coconut, oatmeal, containers for everyone and a bag of really good popcorn with half caramel and half butter. I am snacking as I write. On my way back, and heading for the yarn shop I came across a ribbon and yarn shop. I got my black ribbon and yes, I bought some yarn. It is cotton and so soft and beautiful and yes, it is twice the price I pay in the US. And yes, I know I have 100 skeins coming next week. But it was so soft and beautiful! Not far away is a fabric store I hadn't seen before so I have 2 new places to visit. I stopped at Johanna's mother's beauty shop to see if I could get my hair cut and she said yes. I said I was going next door. Johanna has been ill with Dengue Fever so they have another lady working. I didn't know her but she was very nice. I introduced myself and explained who I was and that the hats and scarves were mine and I had hearts and cards to add to the hats. We went through all my items and I added them and using my translate program I explained to her what they said. While I was having my hair cut Ziomara's mother came in and there were cheek kisses all the way around. When I was finished I asked to leave my bags in the yarn shop and went off shopping. I stopped in a shop near the yarn shop and got hair ties, little girl socks and notepads to go with the colored pencils. I still needed to go to the grocery store and get cocoa. They didn't have it at Mayca. Or if they did I didn't find it. Got home, dumped everything and headed to the Hardware store for more paint chips. It was a little difficult because they are in a side area and there weren't any lights on so I couldn't really tell the colors. I need to go back when the light is bright during the day. On to the Chinese Market because the Super doesn't have a lot of things. Got a half a cart load and took it to the cashier and when I handed my Visa he said no they don't take credit cards. I have never heard of such a thing here except in very small shops. Ticos don't carry cash, they live on their debit cards. I guess I have always paid cash but I was low and planned on using the card and getting cash another day. I ended up leaving everything there and went to the ATM and then stopped at the Super and got what I could. I still have a few things to get tomorrow before I do my baking. Now to the secret. Now you know I love it here and love the people so this is not a criticism, just an explanation. If you have been following my adventure you know that from early on I thought there was a secret to the sidewalk that I didn't know. I have been told! It seems that Ticos on the whole tend to only think about themselves, not others. If they see someone they know they stop and talk no matter where they are. If they want to stop and check their phone they do it, even if 20 people are backed up behind them and they are blocking the only route. If they are waiting for the bus and they sit down on the sidewalk and stretch their legs out so they block most of the sidewalk, it is not to be rude, it is just what they want to do so they do it. If they want to walk down the middle of the sidewalk they do just that. So, it makes life much easier for me knowing this. I don't take it personally anymore. And I must admit I am usually the only one trying to go fast. Everyone else is going at a slow pace. So, one thing solved. I only have 4 rows left on Kathy's practice hat. Can't wait to show it to her and tell her it is her hat since she asked for gray and black and it is green and purple. All the linens are done for Heather and Adriana and Jose has agreed to take all of us on the 21 or 22 to visit the coffee pickers and hand out the gifts. This year there will be a gift on top of the container of goodies for at least the kids. Jose said to plan for 20 kids. The adults will just get goodies. Still have to figure out transportation to Ziomara's on the 24th about 8:00pm and then home again the middle of the night. My house is coming along and I have all my recipes out for Christmas baking. The sewing machine is put away and the table decorated for Christmas. Little by little the whole house is looking festive. This time of year the government gives each employee the equivalent of one month's pay so there are lots of people out spending for Christmas. Cartago and Paraiso were very busy and people on the bus have lots of bags. I also am doing all I can to help the economy of Costa Rica.