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I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica yesterday. Riding in to town from the airport seemed like Panama City all over again. I chatted with the taxi driver on the way in. It’s become a bit of habit for me to chat up the taxi drivers, and it’s definitely more fun when I can use my Espanol poquito! The added benefit is that you’re suddenly human to them instead of just money. I didn’t have a lot of small change so instead of breaking a larger bill he took a few dollars off the ride, with a smile and “Pura vida”! Welcome to Costa Rica!
After spending the night in San Jose we caught a local bus out to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, near Panama. Puerto Viejo is a Spanish speaking Rasta town, with miles of gorgeous beaches and excellent food. It’s the kind of beach town you’re just backpacking through and a month later you’re like “What, I’m still here?”
We’re staying south of town at a cute little bungalow style hotel, where each room has their own hammock. Ah, nap time.