On the journey

By Guest Writer: Gurkhahere

Avenida Central in San Jose

Speaking of time, I had plenty on Sunday. The orientation wasn’t until Monday. So I decided to walk the streets of San Jose. I also needed a camera since I hadn’t brought one. I consulted my host sister for advice on where to go to find a camera. Turns out I had to visit another town, albeit close, to find a big electronic store. The plan was to first go to Zapote to buy a camera and then head to downtown San Jose. Then out I went with a mindset of being a tourist/traveler. I wanted to see what the city was like, what the people were like and what it was that made them unique in Central America. Costa Rica is arguably the most developed country in Central America besides being the most politically stable. The crime rate is very low. Btw, Ingrid had told me that presidential elections were to occur in February for which I could already see the spirits raised with rallies and people carrying flags and pictures of their favorite candidates. In recent years Ticos have made ecotourism their tool for development and economic development. They have taken great strides in conservation of some of the most amazing biodiversity on planet. While export of coffee and banana was the primary source of income for Costa Rica for a long time, income through eco-tourism has taken over in the last few years. Their adventure tours such as canopy tours, whitewater rafting, which I also plan to do, are some of the best in the world.

Avenida Central in San Jose

I caught a local bus at the bus station after a 10 minute walk from the house. After being on the bus for about 20 minutes I saw this really happening area and figured it would be the mall area where I was supposed to buy camera. I got off the bus and walked around. Turns out I was in downtown San Jose- in Central Avenue. After talking to a man, I found out I had taken the bus in the other direction. But whatever, I was where I wanted to be, just a little early. The Central Avenue and the surrounding area are vibrant. I was surprised to see that many people and that many shops open on a Sunday. People were just hanging out at the park, feeding the birds, watching street shows, selling DVDs, and just enjoying the nice weather. I took a stroll around the city’s core area. The city along with the neighborhood I was living in so reminded me of home. People look very much like Nepalis, which is why whenever I wanted to have any conversation people spoke to me like I was one of them, just another Tico. The streets are narrow, shops are very similar to those in Nepal in that you have to ask for what you want to see/buy. Unlike many big stores in the US, you can’t just look around, pick up stuff and take to the counter. Some other reminders of Nepal were trash just lying open on the roadside, although not as huge a pile nor as stinky as back home. Street dogs, open sewer lines and sudden holes on the pavement as you are walking were common sights.

National Theater in San Jose

However, San Jose has more developed infrastructures than Kathmandu. The roads are very decent, even in the neighborhoods. Eighteen wheelers frequent the freeways. Many households in San Jose and San Pedro have cars. Traffic lights are in great working condition and drivers and pedestrians mostly follow the traffic rules. The funniest thing is the green light for pedestrians whistles like parrots and with much speed before it goes red. I spent the evening in a bar again (c 4000 for 3 Imperials) as I couldn’t find a coffee shop in San Pedro. Seriously I didn’t…..

To be continued…….