Well, I thought that everything was good to go. NNNNNNNNNNNNgh.  Nope, I actually had to physically take the car back to Paso Canoa and chase a guy around to get what is called a “Pase de Salida” so in the future I can register this car here and get a plate for it.  I also need that if I will ever want to sell it.  I can’t see that happening, after what a good girl she has been, but it is nice to finally have stamps on everything.

It was a little funny though, because about 5 km from the border there is a check stop.  I got stopped and ended up giving two of the guard there, complete with AK-47’s and side-arms, a ride back up to the border.  So there I was pulling up to the border with these two army guys in my car.  You should’ve seen some of the looks I got when they got out.  Mikes’ armed escort!  For the life of me, I don’t know why I didn’t get a picture, but I swear it happened!!

Anyways, when they got out, of course they knew everybody there, and one of them had a talk with one of the border guys, and from there I was pretty much led around like a VIP.  Past the line-ups, right into the air-conditioned office, talking with the boss of EVERYONE, and had my issues (as there was a problem with the on-line system saying I hadn’t paid when I had proof that I had) dealt with by all the top brass.  This guy, the boss of everyone, even got into my car with me to show me where the other places I needed to go were, and then waited to make sure it was done right.  Too cool.  Thanks guys.

So now I only have to get a plate when I return.  Whew!

The issue with AirTransat didn’t work out.  I am not going to travel 8 hours, get to the airport early, and wait for a MAYBE!  It’s too bad because the ticket would have only cost $45 to Toronto.

As it stands now, I have a ticket out of Costa Rica, with no stops in the excited States, to Toronto for $466 US including taxes.  This is a four hour bus ride from here for around $12.  Taca Airlines, in case you are curious.  Sun Wing also does pretty cheap flights out of Montreal and Toronto as does AirTransat, but you can only book from up north.  What a pain.

So, now, finally, after threatening to do it many times, I will go to Bocas.  It better not rain.