Last Day!
Okay it is now May 25th but I am post dating my blog because I had a pretty hellish few travel days and things have been go go go since getting to Toronto! Exciting updates to come, Annika has been keeping me busy.
So on my last day in Costa Rica I packed up (so much of my stuff is still damp, holy guacamole!) but I plastic bagged it and put it in my backpack. They have storage at the hostel so I put my things there and then hopped on the public bus back to my man Juan Carlo who still has my laptop!
At the computer shop he google translate explained to me that “I have two news: 1 good and 1 bad” lol I love google translate.
Bad News: My wifi chip inside my computer is shot and will need to get replaced at some point.
Good News: He was able to put my laptop back to an older Operating system (Catalina) so it would be compatible with a plug in wifi chip (USB) and that he got me back online!
This is good enough for now! As long as it connects to the internet for my work week in Toronto I am happy.
I stopped at a local store while in town to get a t-shirt because all of mine are now dampy or stinky…the tourist shops are $24 USD for a basic T but in town I got a sweet Pineapple t-shirt for $6 and a Ralph Lauren Polo for $6! They are both big but I just want PJ shirts.
Back at the Selina I had 4 hours until my bus to San Jose so I had a swim in the pool, ate some nachos and said bye to my new digital Nomad friends Bryden and Ryan.
The shuttle to San Jose ended up just being me, so I got a private drive at a group shuttle price which was pretty nice. I tried to speak some Spanish with the driver but its still pretty bad, he appreciated me trying. He told me about Corcovado national park (I might be spelling that wrong, I will have to Google) and how it’s a must see if I come back!
At the Selina in San Jose, I basically went straight to bed for my early pick up tomorrow to the airport.
Before I shift my focus to travel and Toronto, I thought I would note down a few unique things about Costa Rica that I observed.
Costa Rica has potable water running throughout the country. It’s the only country in South America where you can drink straight from the tap everywhere.
Pura Vida - This slogan is huge, said for hello, goodbye, everything. I noticed that it seems to set the culture in the country because it means “pure life” but really it’s a reminder to being positive, kind and live life to the fullest. You really notice it in their interactions, and mindset. I hope I can bring it home with me.
When I walked home I found that they have solar power mini path lights that are motion triggered. I just thought that was cool.
It seems like dish soap is commonly delivered in a solid brick in a cream cheese style container. You open it up, get the brick wet and its becomes soap. Seems smart to only buy the cleaning agent not the liquid.
Questionable plumbing - No flushing toilet paper, it always goes into a bin. I think it is because they use septic tanks?
Roads - the roads are wild in costa rica. They weren’t as bumpy as I assumed but they are super winding and narrow. Also the drivers are.. assertive? They know their way around and don’t fear getting close.
Roads are elevated with trenches/ ditches on both sides for the rain.
Iguanas as like bunnies - they are not feared, they fear humans, vegetarians (+ some bugs I think), they hang in everyones front yard.
Everything is green, this is exaggerated in the wet season (starting now) but wow what a lush place!
Okay those are my observations haha. Go to Costa Rica and see for yourself, I would happily go back one day. Or maybe be like my co-worker Jen and buy some land there!
