San Jose

Woke up around 7:30 yesterday morning, packed the rest of my stuff, and walked to the bus station. I tried to sleep on the bus, but it was pretty useless. Hunching sideways onto the non-existant window sill isn´t exactly comfortable. :)

Since the trip is such a long one, the buses stop 1/2 way for food and a restroom break. I bought a chicken taco and then realized that everything in Samara was pretty over priced. (Most meals are around $10 each.) Right before I got back on the bus, I considered taking a pit stop since people were still getting on the bus. I´m SO glad I decided not to because right as I sat down, the driver took off.

The ride back to San Jose wasn´t bad since I had a window seat this time. On the trip, I saw people standing outside church; I saw several carnivals being set up - Costaricans are very festive, especially around Christmas time. I saw mountains covered in trees and clouds, and several small towns. Small towns in Costa Rica are often set up in a similar way: there is a large soccer field surrounded by tiendas (stores), Sodas (Costarican-style fast food), and a church. There are also flowers and flower bushes EVERYWHERE. It´s really pretty.

I arrived at the SJO airport and caught a taxi into San Juaquin de Flores where my tico family lives. When I got here, no one was home! That worried me a little, since I hadn´t called to let them know I was on my way. (I had messaged Jason on FB, but he hadn´t replied, so for all I knew they left for the weekend.) ... Luckily, Miguel´s (papa Tico) mother lives next door. She let me bring my bags into her house and we talked for a while. ... Well she talked - I had little clue as to what she was saying. LOL

I left my bags in her house and went to the MegaSuper (grocery store) to look around. Then, I spent a few hours walking around San Juaquin. I checked my email, ate un postre (dessert), tried on a skirt, and marvled at all of the Christmas decoration shops that were EVERYWHERE. I walked quickly in hope of avoiding all of the unwanted cat calls from men in cars and on the streets.

When I got back to the house, Nadia and Miguel were home. They welcomed me in and then cooked me dinner. Then, I went to ¨my¨room and watched Terminator 3. LOL. Jason came home around 9:30 and we went with his friend Danny to a club. Once I arrived, I realized that I was WAY under dressed. I was used to the people in Samara who wore sundresses and shorts to the bars. The people at Club Vice were dressed to the 9s. Everyone was HOT and I was dissappointed that I didn´t know. I would have at least worn makeup. LOL...

We waited outside for a few minutes and then paid a 2,000 colones cover charge (around $4). We walked in and could barely move! There were A TON of people there. It was a nice place, too. There were two levels overlooking the main floor on both sides. There was also a second bar upstairs and in another room. They played music from Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, and Estados Unidos (U.S). Everyone was dancing! Next time I come back to CR, I need to remember to hang out with the locals more - they know all of the best places. :) I came back home around 1:00 and crashed.

This morning, I woke up and Miguel fixed me breakfast. The typical dish is gallo pinto, which is rice and black beans cooked with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. It sounds kinda weird to those who have´t tried it, but I assure you that is tha bomb! We sat and talked (in Spainsh, of course) about our cultures and the differences between them.

After about an hour or two, I got around and walked to the San Jose bus stop. I walked to one area and the bus never came, so a guy in the convience store directed me to a different stop. I walked and walked and finally caught the first bus I saw. I asked the driver how to get to SJ and I think he told me that I took the bus going the wrong way. Regardless, he let me out at a bus that went directly to SJ. It took about an hour to get to the center of town. I was going to ask the driver how to get to the art musuem, but it was too crazy with everyone getting off the bus, so I just started walking. I went into a store and asked a worker how to get to the museum. He said the only one that he knew of was far away, so I decided to just walk around and check out the shops. I went into a few clothing stores and the attendants followed me around each time. It was great service, but it kind of made me uncomfortable - partly because I was just looking and partly because I couldn´t understand what they were saying to me. hee.

I was really impressed with everyone walking around town. The people here always look nice. The women wear cute sandals or high heels with jeans and brightly colored tops, and often skirts or dresses and a lot of jewelry. Their hair is done and makeup looks great. I haven´t noticed any of the girls wearing tennis shoes or athletic wear. This is true for younger girls and older women alike. The guys wear jeans or slacks with collared shirts. Some wear t-shirts, but always look stylish. I wish I had a good picture of la gente (the people) to post.

Anyway, here I sit at the ticos house, waiting for them to get home so I can buy them dinner on my last night in town. YAY - I´m about to go home! :)