Weirdness of the Week

Welcome to the series, "Weirdness of the Week" (weird things I see or experience in my day to day life).

1.  Last night I was walking home and walked by a man who was just peeing on the side of the road near my house.  That wouldn't be so weird (I have seen homeless people doing this or drunk people...) but this man was wearing nice clothing and looked like your average citizen.  He looked at me, paid no mind, and continued peeing.  I crossed to the other side of the street and tried to pretend I didn't see.  Then, when he finished, he simply continued his errand of visiting the ATM at Banco Popular.

2.  My host mom distributes Avon.  I thought she just ordered it, but I keep having to sign for packages when she's not home.  Now the Avon distributors know my name and know me as the Gringa who signs for packages.

3.  I don't think people here like to clap.  I don't know if it is specific to Quepos, to the parade itself, or to CR as a whole... but they don't seem to clap to show enjoyment.  At the Independence Day parades this weekend, the MC would say, "Let's give that band a 'strong applause!'"  This was met with the weakest applause I have ever heard for that massive a group of people.  My old class of 28 would have been louder.  The weird thing is, though, the people seemed very appreciative and to be enjoying themselves. 

4.  This one is just a good idea that I think I will remember for the future.  In the parade this weekend, I realized that the band had an assistant that was passing out bags of water to the players.  Imagine when you buy a fish from the pet store and they tie the bag full of water with the fish inside - yep, like that.  All you do is bite a small hole in the bottom corner and suck out the water.  You can do that hands free!!! Then when you're done, you simply stuff the bag in your pocket and there is nothing to carry.  Wow, REI.... now, that is some high tech sport gear.  Sometimes it really amazes me how utilizing the simplest things can be so amazing and intelligent.  The people here are really good at this. 

5. Today, I was walking home from the elementary school... which is always exciting in itself because I get to say hello to all the chickens that walk down the street with me.... when I passed by an old man relaxing in the hammock outside of his house.  This is normal, you might think.  The weird part, though, is what he was listening to as his choice of music.  The stereo on the table next to him was blasting "Live it Up" by J-Lo and Pitbull as if he was a 21 year old throwing a massive dance party. If you want more of the experience, listen to the song here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMf74f4po3M and imagine an old man relaxing in a hammock while you listen.  Perhaps you will laugh out loud like I did.