'cause these streets is where my folks at.

i often enjoy using the public transportation system in costa rica. it makes me feel adventurous and independent. it also gives me the chance to see how most people in costa rica live. every time i am waiting hours upon hours for a bus, i try to remind myself that this is how the people do it. this is how they have to do it. which brings me to chagas disease. i got stung by an assassin bug the other week (an insect vector of chagas- it feels kind of like a wasp or scorpion sting.) Apparently people who get chagas disease don't realize they have it because the assassin bug bites them at night (defecating in the wound spurring the victim to unknowingly scratch the irritated skin, further rubbing the fecal matter into the wound.) so my point is that the cdc estimates that 8-11 million latin americans have chagas disease (most of whom do not know they are infected; if untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.) so in 30 years, if i realize i have chagas disease, i'll know that the outkast lyrics "i stay down with these streets 'cause these streets is where my folks at" ring true... chagas affects the people. and i could be one of those people.

assassin bug that mirjam and martina found around the albergue. apparently assassin bugs hang around filth... which means that the mosquito net at night is necessary.


EXTREME CLOSE-UP!! be afraid. they come in the thick of the night.