come on vamanos... to COSTA RICA!

I went on a mountain run today and thought of three things...

1) some cows are so cute, and others and super unfortunate looking

2) Dr OZ is as big as Oprah here, they worship him

and 3) I forgot to blog about my San Jose adventures.... so here I go....

School was canceled on Friday so I decided to take advantage of this, brave the craziness of Costa Rican transportation, and travel to San Jose for a day of sightseeing. I was super nervous to travel by myself but it ended up going much smoother than I thought. I hitched a ride to Puriscal with my host mom's sister in law, where I hopped on the bus to San Jose. It was about a 2 hour bus ride, so I feel asleep watching the beautiful hills roll by. In San Jose I got off the bus, and began to walk around aimlessly. I was surrounded by random shop fronts and markets. It reminded me of a mix between China Town and Pike Place in San Francisco, anything and everything was for sale. The first thing I bought was a chocolate iced doughnut, delicious. Then I took a cab to Plaza de Central. First, let me just brag a little bit and say that i carried on a decent (yet elementary level) conversation with the cab driver! I was so proud. Once at the plaza, I wandered around, but just like my guide book said most of it was "architecturally unremarkable." However, compared to trees and leaves and dirt I have been surrounded with for the last 4 weeks, I loved it! I decided to visit the Museo de Oro Precolombino, but when I got there I found out that only 1 of the 3 exhibits were open to the public. But, I paid anyways and made my way around some ancient pieces of gold, an exhibit about Costa Rican birds (one my mom would have LOVED) and a hands on build your own sculpture area. I even signed the guest book before I left (in half English/half Spanish). I ate lunch at the Burger King across the street. I couldn't figure out how to order my normal picky meal, so I went with the "numero uno, con queso por favor." I ate that whopper so fast I thought I might be sick. Best Meal Ever. However, even with my burger, fries, and coke, it was weird sitting in a restaurant by myself. I was surrounded by people, but alone nonetheless. I wanted my mom to see the bird exhibit, I wanted Sekou to see my barely there remnants of my whopper meal.

Next I ventured to the Mercado de Central. This is supposedly a super touristy spot in the city. I agree. It was corny and alot of the souvenirs were corny, and more importantly "made in China," sorry in advance for those of you who were expecting cool Costa Rican presents, but I'll do my best to find something better! I wandered around insanely lost for the next few hours, when I finally found the bus to Escauz. I figure this is the city of rice people. The mall was huge and reminded me of the malls in Orlando! I bought a ticket to see Hangover 2 (or in Spanish "Que Paso Ayer Parte Dos"for 4 dollars!!! and popcorn for 2 dollars! When you buy a ticket in Costa Rican movie theaters you have to choose an assigned seat, I thought this was weird, but I guess it makes sense! The movie was hilarious, but the best part was it was in English with Spanish subtitles. After it ended, I took a cab to a hostel in the city. I got my own room and a queen size bed. I showered and fell asleep within minutes knowing that I would not be awakened by any rat friends!!