After two successful flights, we landed in San Jose, Costa Rica around 6am. Being very tired from the red eye flight, it was an overwhelming process to figure out the best way to get to the city center. As we quickly walked past all of the men yelling at us offering taxi rides, I had an idea to call an Uber. While contemplating this idea with Gavin, a very ambitious taxi driver approached us and assured us that Uber is illegal and very dangerous and that he has his legit taxi right there. Even knowing that he was probably overcharging us, Gavin and I decided it was the best option for our sleep deprived selves.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect in downtown San Jose but I was a little surprised by the juxtaposition between the silence of the city and the crowds that filled them. Homeless people and lots of trash covered every street corner. I later learned that we also drove by a Venezuelan refugee camp. The Selina San Jose hostel acted as a little oasis for us in the city.
Covered with greenery, wooden tables, and cool decor, it was a great place to spend time.
With our check-in not for a few more hours, we decided to lock up our bags and walk around the city. It was a sunny, warm afternoon and very quiet. We realized it was 7am on a Sunday morning, so checks out that it felt so quiet and desolate in parts. We stumbled upon a group and tour guide that invited us to join for free. We saw the congress building, a huge library, the old distillery, and learned about the history behind the statues. Joining the tour gave us more appreciation for San Jose and I enjoyed learning about the history and culture!
After returning to the hostel, decompressing, showering, and eating, we joined a small group in the restaurant for the evening activity of learning about a traditional Costa Rican drink and getting to know others — this was great because Gavin and I were so tired, it felt hard to force conversation but this activity made socializing easy. The drink was a traditional coffee liqueur one that was delicious. We met a woman from Germany, one from England, and one from California. I was so impressed with how many female solo travelers I met and inspired by their independence.
The next morning, we met the German and Californian travelers for morning yoga on the terrace. This was such a nice way to start the day (besides breathing in the smell of sweaty feet from the much used yoga mats). Our yoga instructor came straight out of a GQ meets swimsuit model commercial. He was a very friendly and gentle soul and surprised us all when he took off his shirt revealing his 0% body fat. His practice was impressive too from some type of pretzel fold to single legged donkey kicks straight up in the air.
Then we met a Peruvian and the other girls for our last meal there. Speaking with the Peruvian was the first practice I got in using my Spanish. We may meet up with these travelers later on near the coast, but regardless it was inspiring to get to know them all. I love the laid back traveling that everyone seems to be doing, planning one day at a time. Gavin and I are off to a change of scenery — see you soon, Santa Elena!
