This big ol’ hardware store moved into San José about five years ago, more or less. I must admit it was a relief to finally have a large hardware store to wander about in. I’m used to doing a certain amount of home repair by myself, and a one stop hardware store is just easier for me when I need to get a big plank of wood for Addy’s new therapy swing, a swath of rope, screws, and a brick of cement for the guinea pig cage.

This EPA came to Escazú on the West side of San José about three years ago. It took over a location being constructed by the WAlmart owned Hipermas. Hipermas deserted the location because during construction, it began slipping off the cliff. An engineering boo boo of enormous magnitude. Imagine picking up a broasted chicken and suddenly falling into a raven 500 meters below. Not pretty. Lots of people lost money on that deal. So it sat for awhile and little by little the shell of the 1/2 built shopping store was removed. EPA scaled back the building enough to make it stable. About a year later, there I was, milling through the wide isles looking for the tools that make my life run a little easier.

I think in reality, EPA saves me gas when I have to buy these few odds and ends because otherwise I have to go to different stores (all over the place) for many of the items. I believe the corner hardware store will always thrive in Costa Rica because this culture is accustomed to buying three nails and one screw at a time at a little place in town. (I love that about pills too. You can actually go into a drugstore and just buy four aspirins if you want.) The little ferreterías are cramped and it is always a good place to challenge my Spanish because I have to remember words like nail, washer, screw, bolt and that “thingy” that goes around the other “thingy.”

My daughter whined as any child would with boredom and repeated frequent requests for M&Ms and/or a plant. But she gets to push her own little cart, which satisfies her until we get to those plants. How can I leave without a pink impatiens or a heavenly hortencia? We never do linger too long at EPA. Those florescent lights give me a headache and the air conditioning makes Coco’s eyes water. After picking up that last screw, we make a run for the cash register. I mean, it did fall off a hill once. I’m not taking chances.