Shuli and San Jose

After leaving Puerto Viejo, we were planning on making a straight shot to our next destination - La Fortuna.  Unfortunately, we didn't check the bus schedules to make sure that plan would work and we ended up getting in too late to catch the last bus to La Fortuna.  Don't worry, though, that's all part of the no-plan plan! 

As you can see, "settling in" looks more like moving in!

Luckily our cabbie knew a clean, cozy, and affordable hotel right across from the bus stop to La Fortuna, so we got settled into our room and then headed out to explore San Jose with Shuli.
































Our past experiences in San Jose weren't all that exciting, but this visit was very nice.  It was a rainy day and we enjoyed seeing the various outfits the locals had put together to brave the elements - this little guy was our favorite! Funny how he's so protected and his mom is so... ready to get wet.



















We walked through the central market where Shuli found a beautiful hand-made purse and I got a not-so-fashionable but very functional sun-hat, with buttons on the side to convert it into a cowboy hat.

 Not sure how often I'll take advantage of that, but it's nice to know that I have options.  

That food transporter

While we were at the market we decided to go for the full Tico experience and eat at one of the little restaurants inside.  After we placed our order for guacamole and a banana milkshake we were surprised to see our waitress yell it out, seemingly to no one in particular.  As we sat people-watching, we noticed that food was being lowered down on a pulley system, and realized that our waitress had called our order upstairs to the kitchen that we didn't even know existed above the bustling marketplace below.












After our snack we walked the promenade, stopping for an hour or so to watch the Ticos walk by and discuss the various styles of dress. It is very intersesting to see the way the Ticas (the Costa Rican ladies) dress especially because the trend seems to be quite matchy-matchy. They always seem to pick a color and go for it, making all their accessories match and add a certain touch of style to their outfits. It was a great time to really observe the culture and feel the heartbeat of the city. Most of the young, well-dressed ladies that walked past us were accompanied by their gentleman partners. All held hands but no public displays of affection were seen. 

After enjoying our people watching session, we continued up the promenade and headed towards the Teatro Nacional (National Theater). It is a main site to see in the city and we observed many young people congregating in front and socializing. It is a beautiful sight to see and we enjoyed another people watching session while sitting in front. The theater is mainly a tourist attraction but also lends itself to various shows about twice a week. 

After observing the locals, we decided it was time to intermix. We had to head back to our hotel to eat and change but then we headed right back out into the city to hear some music at a bar we discovered called The Lone Wolf. 

Although we were tired it was really interesting to be out in a local young peoples hang out spot. All around us were people around our same age, dancing, talking, socializing with their friends and enjoying the band. I really felt like we were at home with how hip the scene was, all the young people dressed so stylishly. Aside from the language people were speaking it really was like we were in a local hipster bar in Los Angeles or New York City. There were even extra points of interest to watch from our seats at the bar, with the eccentric flute player with an afro that would dance in front of the band while he played and another man who tried with all his might to get the crowd going with his own interpretive dance moves.  

After a long night of taking in the sights our little eyes were tired and ready to head back to our little hotel room. We had to wake up early to catch our bus to La Fortuna so beauty rest was necessary. 

After the many visits to San Jose throughout our travels, this day and night proved to be the best. We really got a feel for the city and enjoyed immersing ourselves a little more in the Costa Rican culture.