Los Bichos

I know what this title looks like, but don't get me wrong. "Los bichos" translates as bugs, creepy-crawlies, or creatures (if you're talking about something bigger). Well, let me tell you about the "somethings bigger" here in Costa Rica.

I have had quite a few ants in my room since I arrived...nothing too much, nothing that I can't handle. After all, I am in a new country, in a new culture, trying to soak up every new experience.

Last night, however, I had a mini-freak out moment. There were more than 'quite a few' ants in my room, so while I was writing in my journal on my bed, I put on my flip flops and began stepping on them. The crazy thing about these ants is that they are not Iowa-ants. One step by a human only slows these ants down. Costa Rican ants are more like two to three steppers. Many times, I have stepped on one and walked away only to find the "bicho" two feet or more from where I left him.

Anyways...last night, the ant infestation was growing. I did a few two-step squishes, but decided to grab some ant spray as well. I went out into the laundry room that connects my bedroom to the dining/living/kitchen area. I wasn't able to find the ant spray, but as I was looking I saw something moving from the tile crack on the floor. It was the world's biggest centipede! (For those scientists reading this blog, it was not the world's biggest...however, it was by FAR the bigget one I've ever seen!) I pulled a "Kim moment" and freaked.

For several moments, I considered stepping on him (MUCH too big...it would have felt gross and made a disgusting noise), spraying him with ant spray (I would have had to do something with his body and I was not looking forward to disposing him), or, as I usually do at home, scoot the little bicho onto a thick piece of paper and carry it outside (I didn't want to cause a ruckous and wake up everyone else in the house). So (this is the worst part), I closed by eyes and went back to my room, immediately putting my feet and all that is important to me up on a shelf or on my bed and not on the floor.

Before my run-in with the 100 legged bicho, I kept my door closed for the majority of the time, but not when I knew that I would be right back. From now on, it is staying closed 100% of the time! Because this little bicho amigo is wandering this house somewhere and he's NOT getting in my room! From now on, I will count my blessings realizing that a few ants on my floor are nothign compared to this 100 legged comrade.