San Jose, Costa Rica

We did it! We’re in another country on an adventure and so far it’s pretty awesome. I know, it’s just day one, but I’m so excited! I recently quit my job, sold all my furniture, paid off all my debts and now it’s time to just roam and soak in some adventure.

Rebecca and I arrived this morning in San Jose, Costa Rica. Somehow it already feels like we are experts here because we feel so comfortable, except for our Spanish, which needs some work.

Hostel is Situated in a good location

Our driver, Carlos, took us to the Hostel Casa Del Parque and we’ve been on the go since. We left from Albuquerque, NM, USA late yesterday and now we are trying to stay awake until nightfall.  Rebecca has just succumbed, but I don’t blame her. We had an overnight flight and sleeping was difficult on the plane.

So far this morning we’ve had a great breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and bacon and of course, coffee. I should add that we walked around until I could find a place I approved of – I wanted somewhere quiet to enjoy our meal and we did find just that.

We’ve gotten our yellow fever shot (required since we will be going to the Amazon in Peru)- after wandering around to the wrong clinics. We’ve also walked quite a bit of the shopping area, and picked up some groceries for tonight’s dinner.

Meeting New People

I really like staying in hostels for the fact that you meet so many new people who are also finding their way through the country. Many have been where we are going or can suggest other places for us to explore.

Be in the Know: Hostels don’t just rent beds, some also have separate rooms available at cheaper rates than hotels. A great savings plus access to a kitchen is a bonus! Especially if you want to save money and not have to eat out all the time.

Now that evening has arrived, we are going out with Joshua, a young man we met here at the hostel, for dinner and he’s making us some tea.

We went to sushi (I don’t actually eat sushi, but I figured I could find something else on the menu). Joshua went through his tea ceremony, his way to meditate and it was very nice being a part of this process. Watching the methodical preparation definitely a bit meditative.

I ordered something on the menu without knowing what it was. Turned out to be vanilla ice cream with tempura fried bananas. Yum!

Consider Your Sleeping Options

The Hostel Casa Del Parque is pleasant but don’t stay in the dorms here if you are a light sleeper (they do have a private room), or make sure to bring earplugs. The bunk room is huge with a long row of bunks, and it gets pretty cold at night. However, it has a lovely courtyard, friendly host, and it’s in a good location – close to shopping, groceries, etc. Plus, I liked the fact that for our first jump into Costa Rica, the hostel offers a driver, Carlos, to come pick you up at the airport.  For a fee of course, but I thought it was well worth the price.

Want to see more:
Day 2 in San Jose, Costa Rica

I’m Sonja Dewing. I’m an award winning creative writer, a published author of Toy of the Gods, an adventure in the Amazon. If you’d like a free copy of the prequel, Ire of the Gods, sign up for my email list and you’ll get it right away.

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