for example, the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works starts work at 6 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. Costa Ricans, at least in the Central Valley, are not too keen on sleeping a siesta. The stores along Central Avenue generally close at 7 p.m. Most businesses divide their annual vacation in two parts: Holy Week and then between the 20th of December and the first day after New Year's.
As is customary in Latin America; expect to get slow service in government offices. The labour laws make it difficult to fire an employee, whether public or private, unless there is full proof against his behaviour or poor performance. A relative of mine, who was Minister of Education some twenty years ago, fired the man who cleaned his office. The latter complained to the Civil Service office which soon reinstated him, where upon the Minister, preferring to be transferred rather having to see the man every day, was able to get the President to move him to another post. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Relations where again in government office and as usual, he served brilliantly.
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