On Friday we went to the Aerocasillas pick up center. At the pick up center we sorted packages by client number and opened the center at 9 am for customer pick up. The pick up center used the same system that we have seen the past few days and we were able to log into the customer accounts when they gave us their client number to see which packages or mail needed to be picked up. We met all types of people thoguhout the day picking up their packages including a woman who was 77 years old and spoke 7 different languages! The Aerocasillas workers at the pick up center were very nice and helpful; they helped us use the computer system and appreciated our extra help. On a typical morning they have around 100 total packages delivered but on Friday there were 300 packages delievered and ready for pick up! The Costa Rican government imposes a lot of taxes on various products that enter the country; but twice a year they allow the citizens two opportunities for a tax free purchase. The customer needs to print a form from the online website and attach a copy of their credit card and drivers license. After the form is complete the customer turns it into the Aerocasillas pick up center. The customer is able to wave the fees of the product if the form is completed. Customers typically save the opportunity when buying expensive purchases because the taxes can add up so quickly. Electronics in Costa Rica are very expensive; a digital camera can range from $600-750.00 and so ordering a digital camera on Amazon.com can save a customer almost 300 dollars! By having the product shipped from the US, paying for taxes will still be significantly lower than the standard Costa Rican price. There are so many websites online that offer great discounts for Central American customers!
The World Cup.
Friday morning was the opening ceremonies for the World Cup. The World Cup is like Christmas morning for Costa Ricans! My home stay mother is a high school teacher and she said that on the morning of the opening ceremonies it is required by the government to allow the entire classroom to watch the first game. At the pick up center we met two world cup fanatics who explained in detail the way the world cup bracket works. There are 8 separate groups with 4 countries in each group with a total of 32 teams. The teams play within their groups to begin the elimination process. Teams are awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss. After each team plays within their group the elimination towards the final round takes place all month and the winner is given the World Cup! The United States beat Costa Rica in the qualifying games and so Costa Rica is not one of the countries represented in the tournament. Surprisingly they do not have any hard feelings towards the US and are actually rooting for us! The US played England on Saturday morning and tied, keep it up USA!
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