Today was my first real San Jose adventure.  I did not go to a museum or kick back in the park, but instead I took the bus downtown and explored what it had to offer.  I soon realized that the large city center did not have much to offer. I had been told by many to fly into San Jose and then get out of there as fast as possible.  Well sure enough, I live in one of the suburbs now, but going to the ‘real’ downtown was a whole new adventure. 

Taking the bus was easy.  Just get to a corner and wait for the bus.  There are designated stops but as long as your group together and look interested, they will stop.  To take the bus is a really inexpensive way of getting around.  It was only 200 colones which is about 40 cents.  There may be a reason behind the price, as you are not guaranteed a seat, because the driver will pack the bus until people literally can not get on.  One tricky part about the buses is that you can not go from suburb to suburb; you have to take a bus to the city center and then go back out again.  I would call this inefficient, but oh well.  This was my first time to the city center and it was exactly what I had expected.  It was a busy area with loads of peddlers selling everything from lotto tickets to toys.  It was pretty entertaining watching everyone interact too.  There are the locals, the obvious backpackers, the bums, and the peddlers. 

If you want my honest opinion, if you don’t make it to the city center of San Jose, it’s not too much of a bummer.  There is an indoor market that is good for cheap stuff, but other than that, not too much. Don’t get me wrong, it does have its sense of charm and quirkiness.  Now I understand why people don’t come to Costa Rica for a metropolitan trip.  People come for the beaches, the wildlife, and the lush greenery.  I do plan to go back downtown to experience the Sunday market but other than that I think I will stick to the beaches and the suburbs.

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Filed under: Uncategorized on July 25th, 2007