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Henry
David Thorough did not have a car. Neither do we. Cars
are a totally unnecessary expense for a retired person
here. We only go into San Jose for legal matters and
rare other requirements. The roads here are narrow two
lane roads with many sharp curves.
We could drive the 30 Km to San Jose in about 45
– 50 minutes and then look for a place to park and pay
for the parking or we can ride the bus.
The bus lets us enjoy the magnificent and ever changing
vistas of the mountains, takes about 1 to 1 ¼ hours,
and we do not have to pay for parking.
We meet many interesting neighbors and travelers as many
of the professional people ride the bus because of the
lower cost and tension of driving in the mountains. The
cost of the bus ride is 65 cents. It is no problem to
buy a six-pack and have a beer or two on the trip home.
We like to think of it as our $80,000 chauffeured motor
home that we share with others.
While
in San Jose, it is easy to walk to most of the places we
need to go. It is only about 40 blocks from the East
side to the West side and 30 blocks from the North side
to the South side. We have never had an occasion to
traverse the whole city. Most of the time we need to go
only 10 to 12 blocks. This allows for more good exercise
and a chance to see the many stores and shops. If we are
in a hurry, or it is raining, we can easily get a cab.
Most rides are less than $2.
Most
of our requirements for travel involve going into our
little town, San Ignacio de Acosta. We shop for the
items not delivered to our door, as discussed in a
previous article, visit the Dr and get our
prescriptions. We usually walk the beautiful 14 minutes
to town and take a taxi home. This gives us a little
exercise and the taxi only costs $1. Many cars stop
beside us as we are walking offering to give us a ride.
We explain we need the exercise and thank them for their
kindness. Many of our neighbors have a car and are
always offering to take us to visit relatives or scenic
spots. We have done this on many occasions and always
enjoy the exposure to the real Tico culture.
I do have a motorcycle, which I use to tour the various
areas I think would be possibilities for my tour guests
to consider living. Cruising on the paved or unpaved
rural roads is fantastic. There is very little traffic
and I enjoy stopping at the many little villages. I
originally thought my wife could share this experience,
but the unpaved roads are so rough she does not enjoy
it. Neither of us is as flexible and resilient as we
used to be.
I know it is difficult for people from the US to imagine
being without a car or two. But, after you try it, I
believe you will prefer it. You can use the money saved
to buy other toys and/or spend it touring the country
and staying in the many fascinating B & B’s.
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