They fought the law. . .

And everyone: "The law won." While up in Ciudad Quesada a while back, a friend parked where they normally park, as there really seems to be no rules in most of the towns and cities in the area. Upon returning, the friend hopped into the car and was ready to pull away, when someone came running up and said that the license plates were missing.

Instead of a regular ticket tucked under the windshield wiper, the traffic enforcement folks confiscate the license plates, which means you have a good chance of picking up another violation of driving sans plates since most folks don't look to see if their plates are there.

Anyway, after 45 minutes and much searching, the proper office was located and the plates were retrieved: with a promise to pay around 125,000 colones (about $250.00). Very steep for a country where the average monthly income is $500.00 per month.

Hand-wringing and wailing ensued before the official at the office said there was nothing to be done but to pay the fine (and he reminded our friend that if they had waited until the next day, the plates would have been shipped to the major city in the area, about an hour away).

Since they didn't accept money at the office for the fine, they were told to pay online or at the bank. However, not being fluent in Spanish, they didn't notice the fine print (that took Lucy a good while to sort out) that no matter when you pay the ticket, there is a 30-percent surcharge on top of the fine. OK, you all can do the math on 30 percent of $250.00 as I'm challenged in that department, but it adds up to a hefty chunk.

Bottom line: Don't park on the street unless you're absolutely sure.