1. More flavorful and simpler food.
The food here in Costa Rica is somewhat bland and attempts to make it not so just seem to drown it in fattening sauces, hot sauces, or cilantro. It's not that I don't like the food here (I like some of it), but I liked to food in Mexico better. I also was more comfortable with their eating schedule.
2. Hot showers.
There is this concept in Costa Rica that people should take lukewarm to cold showers, and it is supported by their plumbing system. I'm not a fan.
3. Easy public transit.
I don't know why the bus system is so much more complicated here and most of the drivers much less friendly, but I would give this area of Costa Rica a C in public transit, whereas Merida would earn an A.
4. Street names and addresses.
Unfortunately, an American girl like me has no use for directions that say go 200 meters East, turn left, walk to the old lemon tree, turn right, and continue 350 meters South until you get to the blue house with white roof decorations. If only there were street names and signs and addresses with numbers, I wouldn't be so lost. After Merida's easy grid system, coming to a place that from a friend's description sounds a bit like Cameroon as far as directions go, I can't help but miss the simplicity.
5. Safe streets at night.
Here it is not very safe after dark (6 PM), which means no going outside at night or out at all unless you take a taxi. Thieves abound during the day as well, there are many areas in this small town where you must be on guard for purse snatching, camera stealing, and the like. If you are carrying a large amount of money (say, to pay your rent), you had best take a taxi. Merida was extremely safe, even at 1 AM, so it has been a change.
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