November 26, 2004

making friends

I ate breakfast at a place called The Sunrise Cafe this morning. It proclaims to offer "The Best Breakfast In Jaco," and I can't argue with that brag after trying the food. Eggs, bacon, rice & beans, fried potatoes, fried plantains, assorted fresh fruit and toast, all for 1,200 colones (about $3.00). THAT was a breakfast.

I met a guy named Herve there. He is from Florida and he came to Costa Rica to get a face-lift. He's about 60 years old (OLDER THAN I AM!!!) and I think he might be gay--- but that's immaterial. He's getting his face lifted here because it's about 1/2 the price of the same thing in the United States. I have heard that a lot of people have plastic surgery in Costa Rica because of the inexpensive price.

Herve also asked me about buying some reefer here in Jaco. (I guess I look like an old-timer who knows how to find dope.) I told him that I had never bought any weed here before, but I ALSO never tried to buy ANYTHING that I COULDN'T get here. I suggested that we take a walk and I would help him look for some smoke.

We went down a side road near the beach where surf shops and small cafes are crammed together like sardines in a can. I saw what seemed to be a transfer of cash for a plastic bag full of something green occurring in a small alcove next to a "One-Hour Ding Repair" sign. I walked over and told the young man taking the money that my friend wanted something to smoke. I introduced him to Herve.

That was easy. How much do you want? I've got it right here.

I left before the deal was consummated, but I gathered that Herve was going for a full ounce for $80 US. I hope he ended up happy with his purchase. I probably could have dickered the price down some if I had been interested in doing it, but I left Herve on his own for that part.

Now I know how to buy dope in Costa Rica. Just damn!