A Word on Mail Delivery

One thing that’s very different about Costa Rica is that individual dwelling units ….. you know, things like houses and condos, don’t have mailing addresses. Many streets don’t have names, and most buildings don’t have numbers. Instead, an address might consist of a lengthy description including landmarks, left turns, right turns, distances, and other methods of designating location.


So, how does mail get delivered, you ask? Well, mostly, it doesn’t. Mail might get to a designated local store or business where people in the community can occasionally pick it up. Or, it might even get distributed by a guy on a motorcycle once in a while. But, basically, it’s very hit and miss. Mostly miss.

This situation makes email an unusually attractive alternative. It’s targeted. It’s quick. And, there are no stamps to buy. The down side is that people just won’t stop sending you their crap. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was an email filter that would block all those emails pushing the senders political agenda and views. And, how about those “chain letter” type emails that promise you good luck and great fortune if only you will forward it to ten or twelve of your friends or, worse yet, everyone in your entire address book. And, then there’s always the threat that if you don’t forward the email as requested, you can expect 7 years of horrible luck and much tragedy in your future. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if there were a way to stop all the nonsense?!? Well, Costa Rica’s history might provide some insights and ideas.

As most people know, Costa Rica was inhabited for many, many years by a large variety of Indian tribes. And, some of their ancient practices might deserve serious consideration in this day and age. For example, communication by smoke signals instead of email, could be a major deterrent to the click forward and send habits of today’s computer aficionados.

Just imagine how difficult it would be to forward chain letters and political views by smoke signals. It might eliminate the practice entirely. Life could get way more tranquil without all the electronically transmitted refuse. But there’s a huge downside to this plan. How on earth would we be able to BLOG.