It was about a year ago I was booking tickets and making plans to head to San Jose for a couple weeks of work training. This time, though, I am excited that my travels bring me to the other San Jose…in Costa Rica.
I landed in the afternoon and made my way by public bus to the center of the capital city. I was afraid of having the correct Colones for the fare, but the bus driver had a whole organized container of coins to make change for passengers as they got on the bus. Aren't they afraid someone will steal? Apparently that must not happen... And I loved that the list of stops were just put at the front of the bus in simple self-adhesive letters. No fancy schedules or electronic signs. Just simple self-adhesive letters. Also, please note the fabulous rainbow interior!
Despite only having cross streets (but no map), I was able to find my hotel after being dropped off in the middle of the hustling and bustling city without even needing to get a cab. My sense of direction just keeps getting better and better with every new adventure.
I walked around the town, got myself lost wandering around and looking at some cool statues and parks, but eventually found my way back to the familiar main street of the town. During my afternoon journey, I found some very cool things such as beautiful streets with interesting architecture and statues,
colorful murals,
and bright buildings.
I absolutely love the abundance of color all around the city in the buildings, people, food, everything. In comparison, the U.S. seems very bland, but I guess we also don't really have the tropical climate that seems fitting for bold colors (at least not in Seattle!)
I had a lovely dinner at a nearby restaurant. Since I am American, they asked if I wanted some French fries instead of the fried plantains that were typically included. I appreciated they were trying to make me feel like I was at home, but was slightly offended they would assume my people would not want to experience the local cuisine. If I knew how to say homegirl in Spanish, my response would have been “homegirl, I did not travel thousands of miles to bypass epic fried plantains for French fries”, but a nice “no thank you, I prefer the plantains” sufficed instead. Everything was so delicious!
They even have “Pura Vida” brand soap! I was very excited when I found it (can you tell?...the sleep deprivation from the red-eye flight might have played a role in my excitement). No wonder Costa Rica boasts the happiest population on earth…they get everyday goods plastered with positive and inspirational life philosophies.
