We have left the beach and are now in the Central Valley visiting long time friends, living our best life!
Yesterday we rose early and caught the local bus from Atenas to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica where a quarter of this small countries’ population of over five million live. We were excited to experience the city, and eager visit the many historic and cultural attractions on a guided tour.
We were prepared for a bit of traffic on what proved to be a wonderfully chaotic symphony of honks, a ballet of moving (or at times not moving!) colourful, sometimes hair-raising experience of the roads . From the art of double lane merging from single lane traffic circles to the mystery of disappearing lane lines, we survived! Despite the madness, there was a unique charm in this adventure, that included the bus screeching to a sudden halt when a passenger noticed a cell phone that belonged to an elderly passenger who had disembarked a half block earlier. The driver patiently waited, stopped in a driving lane, while the phone was returned to the owner!
Our commute of almost three hours on the bus was a new record for what normally takes 70 minutes. The delay resulted in us missing the tour but lucky for us, we had our own tour guide with us! Jim was able to steer us to the most interesting historic locations, including one area where a taxi driver stopped to tell us ‘ esta área no es buena‘! …. not a good area for tourists
The culture in San Jose, Costa Rica, reflects the country’s history, traditions, and values. The city is a melting pot of influences, including indigenous, Spanish colonial, and modern cosmopolitan elements. It’s also characterized by warm and welcoming people.
The city has an energy that reminds us that traveling isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a bucket list; it’s about opening our mind and heart to the richness of the world around us. It’s about stepping out of our comfort zone and into a realm of endless possibilities, where each new encounter has the potential to leave an indelible mark on our soul. It’s about recognizing that the world is a tapestry of diverse customs, cuisines, and traditions, each thread contributing to the beauty of the whole.
By embracing unfamiliar customs, trying local cuisines, and engaging with diverse communities, we have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world’s differences. It’s about more than just sightseeing; it’s about forging meaningful connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Traveling with an open mind allows us to challenge our preconceived notions and expand our horizons in ways we never thought possible. It’s about encountering unexpected traditions, forging connections with locals, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations that often hold the most profound revelations.
But perhaps most importantly, being open-minded while traveling fosters empathy and tolerance. It allows us to appreciate the beauty of different perspectives and to celebrate the unique tapestry of humanity that binds us all together. The journey transform you in ways we never thought possible. Traveling with an open heart and an open mind is the key to unlocking the true magic of the world.
We will continue on our next adventure with a spirit of curiosity, wonder, and boundless possibility. After all, there is more to explore one new experience at a time.
But first more coffee!
Always coffee! Wonderful writing. It made me see San Jose from a different perspective. Bus rides always interesting! Took us 2 hours to get into Montreal today.
Wow awesome writing! And so true ! ❤️
Love your bus adventure, especially the cell phone! How awesome was that! You have really embraced the feelings of being in another country. Of course, you have taken it to the highest level, gotta love it.