Rules of the Road

Driving is crazy in Costa Rica. Just to give you an idea, I've written up a list of the 5 basic rules that I've noticed it's imperative to be aware of when driving here, especially in San Jose.

1. Stop signs and red lights are optional - you only need to stop at them if a car is approaching from the opposite direction.

2. As you will remember from physics class, "an object in motion will remain in motion until stopped by an opposing force." This law of science is obeyed in various instances.

Since this is true, a car approaching an intersection with a red light has the right of way to go through that intersection, rather than a car stopped at the intersection with a green light. This will work out better for everyone involved than if the car waiting at the intersection had attempted to act as the "opposing force" that stops the vehicle approaching the red light.

3. Never fail to follow Rule #1 by not going through stop signs and red lights, or you will become the enemy of everyone behind you. Similarly, assuming that you have the right of way just because you have a green light or have been waiting at a stop sign, and therefore disregarding Rule #2, can have disastrous consequences for your health.

4. As a pedestrian it is even more important that you try to avoid becoming the "opposing force" in Rule #2.

5. Although Rule #4 is true, you will never succeed in crossing a street unless you run (or walk, once you're experienced enough) in front of oncoming traffic that's not slowing down.

In order to arrive at the beach at some time during the same day you left, you will also need to: scare cows off the road by honking at them or lurching at them with your car, use the left side of the road to pass someone while you're going around a curve, and not drive off the side of the mountain on the way there.

On the other hand, maybe you shouldn't take suggestions from me on how to drive here because I've never been crazy enough to try it.