Looking to centro district
by zrim
Like I said in the introduction, San Jose itself is not striking. It is a functional capital city, but the buildings are drab. Lots of buses. Lots of trucks. Lots of asphalt. Lots of diesel fumes. Not exactly a holiday atmosphere. I don't wish to disparage the place, for we found no crime (despite plenty of warnings) or abject poverty (though you can see from my barrio tip that there are poor quarters). I guess my overall reaction is: eh, well there you have it, buses, people and government buildings.
Football Stadium
by zrim
Costa Rica is no different from any other Latin American nation--it is football crazy.
Every bar has the tv turned to the football matches and at the hotels two out of every three tv stations show the latest football highlights.
Furthermore, every town and village has a football field in varying states of repair.
Church of La Merced
by penumbra
Originally constructed in 1909, the church of La Merced is currently being restored. This is the oldest church in San Jose and is noted for its sculpted wooden ceiling, slender spires and arched windows.
Address: Avenida 2-4 - Calle 12
Driving
by boltonian
Not an easy exercise.
Roads have huge potholes and drivers seems to just go where they want without warning. You have to be alert.
The city is in a complicated one way system. Signs are not always visible (or even existing). The best thing is to plan your route ahead of your journey.
If you miss your turning, it can be very hard to find your destination as there are few places to turn around, and the one way system leaves you guessing.
Avoid the smaller roads by the markets. Trucks stop for ages to unload, and there is no way past. Cars behind honk and vent their fury at you in Spanish. We felt a little intimidated here, stuck inbetween 2 cars, ripe for a car jacking, though nothing happened.
Finally, parking. You MUST use secure car parks or you will find your car is stolen. They are not that cheap, but $10 for a few hours peace of mind is worth it. If leaving it overnight, negotiate the rate. Even with little Spanish, we managed to get a half price deal for 24 hours parking right next to our hotel. If you agree a price, get it written down as the guy who lets you enter may not be on duty when you return.
Oh, and don't leave your keys with them.
Typical food and a bit of entertainment
by Tom_In_Madison about Nuestra Tierra
A nice, huge restaurant on a busy street corner on the east side of the city. Kind of touristy, with traditional dancers dancing during the busy dinnertime. Good enough though. Grilled pollo w/rice & beans and a potato salad I think.
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Gorgeous Mountain Views Flying on Nature Air
Museo de Oro Banco Central
National Theatre
Stephen and a Stone Sphere
