The juxtaposition of the “developing part of Costa Rica” mixed with with the “old-day Costa Rica” is bizarre and surreal. On runs, I often pass this huge mall packed with all the modern conveniences we need to keep us distracted from the real movies of our own life. I trot by nice homes, expensive furniture stores, and then tin shacks, a falling down bridge, and always to my delight, usually a cow or two (or at least a goat). And the funny thing? The rich and the poor are all mixed up. This cow pasture was right next to a big, busy store that sells discounted boxes of stuff from China. Sadly, I know these empty lots and lovely beasts will too give way to the cement of parking lots and shrines of shopping. But for now, I can enjoy the show. The lady above wandered over, slowly, to check me out.

In fact she was so friendly, she kept nudging her way closer. I think she wanted a pet on the snout. What do you think?