Walking the Dogs

Since our recent move, I have started taking our dogs on daily walks around the new neighborhood. It is a lovely place. The unnamed roads that we take have not been paved yet and there are many directions to choose from. As we walk, we pass many quaint homes and pastures with horses and cows. For the most part, typical of Costa Rica, our neighbors smile warmly and offer morning salutations.

There is no question, however, that our daily loop through the neighborhood is looked on as a bit strange. It is uncommon for locals to walk their dogs. To top it off, I am a woman, dressed in loose fitting work clothes, sneakers and a bandana on my head. An anomaly. As I walk, men marvel at my ability to control two shaggy beasts. Mothers pull their children a little closer as they make their way to school, and a few older, traditional ladies clearly don´t approve.

The other day a little girl called out to me from her yard. She asked me why I walk back and forth with my dogs everyday. She thinks this is very odd, and with four years behind her, she had no qualms in letting me know. Gringos are sort of freaks in our needs and habits. Walking dogs around in circles is a clear example. I may only know what the four year old is really thinking, but no matter what the others have crossing their minds as I cross in front of their homes, I still feel welcome.