Jamie's Big Adventure!

Part of our crash course here has been on personal safety on the streets. Although Costa Rica is one of the safest Latin American countries, San Jose, like any major city, has it's fair share of crime. Luckily violent crimes are rare, although they are on the rise, and it is generally muggings and petty theft that you need to look out for. We've been taking our cues from the Ticos (Costa Ricans) themselves... no flashy jewelry or clothing, carry purses under your arm, spread out your money (some in your wallet, some in a pocket, some in your shoe) etc.

This week I (Jamie) walked to the grocery store...by myself! OK, I admit, it doesn't sound so adventurous but it sure felt like it. Nathan and I were both a little nervous about it, but decided that we couldn't live our lives in fear. Since we don't have cell phones, we figured it would take me about an hour and a half. A half to walk, half to shop, and half to get back. After that Nathan would worry. I got my list, said goodbye, and off I went.
I found myself very alert to my surroundings. There's 2 men standing at the corner, a woman is walking a few paces behind me, a motorcycle just drove by and turned around. Then I started practicing in my head saying, "Ayudame!" (help me) just in case.
I prayed the whole way there, and by the time I did my shopping, gave the correct amount at check out, and even asked someone for the time, I was feeling pretty good. When I got home I was all proud of myself. "You should be." my friend Karen said, "There are many language school students who couldn't do that the whole year!"