Dave gets his drivers license in Costa Rica

Dave along with the Brinks got their Costa Rican drivers licenses today. Speaking little Spanish and not knowing the procedure, they asked Ray Forte from Ship Costa Rica to go with them.
First stop was to park the Subaru in a “free” parking lot. The parking lot is connected somehow to the Doctor that does the “physical” required to get the license. A parking lot attendant led the whole crew down the street to the Doctor’s “office”.
The Doctor’s “office” opened to the sidewalk and was about 12 feet by 6 feet small. The “office” shared a wall with a small Soda (a Tico eatery) next door. The small office was basically one room with a wall that extended half way across. On one side of the wall was an eye chart on the wall and 2 or 3 chairs to sit on. On the other side of the wall was a surface for the Doctor to work from and 2 chairs.
Most of the physical done was done visually as Dave had nothing done, Dave Brink had his blood pressure taken and Arden had her far vision checked. Everyone was charged 10,000 colones ($20.00) and it all took minutes to complete.
Across the street was the MOPT (the Costa Rican DOT). At the top of the flight of stairs (probably 20) Ray went into an office to get everyone’s paperwork stamped (copies of their passports, copies of their valid driver’s licenses, and copies of their entrance stamps). After a woman checked all the stamped paperwork, they were given the paperwork back to be taken to the Banco National branch in the building. After making the $20 or $30 payment at the bank and having a photo taken they all walked out of there with their new Costa Rican driver’s licenses.
FUNNY STORY: Dave was told by a Tica in line that it was his turn. He asked her how she knew that he was a gringo and she stated quite simply “Because of your shirt” (it was a Hawaiian print one!) Read more Entry>>