Learning To Drive A Costa Rican Car

I bought a car about 2 weeks ago. I picked up my friends Cathy and Roland, and I was not able to make it up the steep hill with my car. They had to get out and walk up the hill so I could get us out of there! Roland thought maybe I needed a new gas filter or possibly a new pump.

Last week I took my car to the shop of a wonderful young mechanic named Kevin. He had tested the car out for me before I bought it. I told Kevin what happened and his reply was, "Perhaps you do not know how to drive on mountain roads." Well, truer words were never spoken. Not only have I never driven on mountain roads I have not driven a standard shift with a small engine in at least 30 years, and that was on flat Texas streets. So....I made an appointment to come back to Kevin's shop today.

I arrived precisely at 9:30 for the appointment. He was still tied up under a car, so I stood outside where another American walked up to get his car. He and his wife had moved here in April from Round Rock, Texas. So much fun meeting other people that are making Costa Rica their home.

When Kevin finished with the car he came to me and said, "Let's go for a ride." We went back to the hill I could not get up, and the other American rode with us to put the extra weight in the car. Not a problem. Up the hill we went. A little slowly but up. That is when he told me he would be giving me a driving lesson. I just died laughing! Yes, it was I with the problem not the car. He talked to me about torque and where my engine should be revved to when approaching a hill. All righty then! I love "free" advise!

Another challenge and lesson learned in Costa Rica unless there is the small truck rocking along in front of you with 2 cows in the back.

Pura Vida!