San José is situated in an elevated position in the country of Costa Rica. At just over 3,800 feet in elevation, the capital city enjoys a far more comfortable temperature and weather pattern than do Managua, Granada or the city we would soon be traveling to on our final leg of our southbound journey. Good evidence of that was seen when we peeked outside of our hotel room in the morning. Pedestrians were wearing sweaters and jackets instead of only t-shirts and shorts as had been the case in Granada just a day or two before. Nice change to be certain. And a very comfortable difference for us.
John and I got up and headed out for a light bite for breakfast while Don and Nance were still slumbering in their bed. We decided to go out and purchase tickets for the bus ride to the city where we would connect with our friends David and Pam. We walked just a few short blocks to a commercial multi-level building in which there was a food court situated on second level. We found a bakery of sorts which had something that interested us. We ordered sweet bread together with coffee and tea and directed the vittles and libations to an area for storage and processing about two feet below our mouths. It was interesting watching working folks scurry about and catching a little nourishment also there.
We walked just a block or so more and found both the bus station and the place where they vended tickets for our route. We paid the equivalent of USD4.50 each for our passages scheduled at 11 that morning. Depending upon traffic or construction delays, our travel time should take no more than two and one-half hours to cover the sixty-one miles between the two cities.
We returned to the hotel and purchased coffee and two orejas (elephant ears) for Don and Nance and took them up to their room. Then we packed and got ready for our on-going adventure.
At 10:30 we began the four-block hike with our luggage to the Coca-Cola terminal from which area our bus would be departing. We waited with dozens of others for our bus which did show up around 10 minutes before departure time. We were assigned seats and the bus was soon loaded with few if any spare seats. Most of the buses we had used were comfortable to very comfortable. This one was crowded and left precious little arm and hip room to spare. It reminded us of the stingy way that all of the North American airlines had chosen to configure their airplane seats. More bang for the buck. But, on the other side of the coin, the seats on all of the long distance buses here are measurably comfortable than any airline seat that has been assigned to me for years. Apparently the bus companies are not restricted by weight as are the airlines. But, the airline companies could learn an important lesson I believe.
The trip passed from a high central plain toward a lower elevated area making almost a constant descent towards the sea coast. The bus had no air conditioning which made little difference at the inception of our journey but became increasingly an issue as we progressed. Windows began to be slid open and window shades began to flutter in the breeze. About three-quarters of the way to our destination, the rains began to fall and most of the windows were either shut completely or to just within a crack to allow some ventilation in the bus. It was not uncomfortable since the rains had served to moderate the temperature.
We had been given instructions by David and Pam to call them when we knew our arrival time. We did that a couple of times but their mobile phone was unanswered. But Pam had given us excellent instructions about what to do upon arrival and about our specific arrival stop. Additionally, she had made reservations for us at a hotel and had given us the name of it. So, when we pulled into the parada (bus stop), we exited and collected our luggage and headed five or ten feet to a small bakery. Yes, we did stop and yes, we did purchase and consume. More sweets with coffee and tea. And, yes, they were pretty good - far above 6 on a scale of 10! We waited until 2 and then John and I told Don and Nance that we would go out scouting for our hotel which we did. We walked about four blocks to find the hotel, the Girasol (Sunflower). We talked with the front desk and told them we would be back soon to occupy.
We returned to the bakery but before we walked into the eating area, we spied David riding his bike. We gave him the Swanson hoot and there was immediate recognition. So, we connected with him, collected our things and walked over with Don and Nance to the hotel for check-in.
This area is very laid-back and the front desk appeared to be disinterested in taking any credit card or personal information. We still have done nothing to memorialize our presence. I suspect we could bolt and there would still be nothing done!
We were assigned to a unit which sleeps four. Many residents of the hotel and of homes in the area depend on no a/c and some even survive on no fans. Sorry, folks....that is not for me nor will it ever be when I visit or find myself in a place in the world where it is both hot and humid. The temperatures here reach into the 90s easily this time of year and the humidity can reach that percentage also. That duet is not an admirable combination for me. Of course, many of the locals are clad in skimpy swim suits without any covering on the tops except for the ladies of course who are covered. It is hot and moist here when one is outside there is always presence of perspiration on every square inch of one's body. For those of you who have visited New Orleans in the summer time or Cartagena, Colombia, you know what I am talking about. But, for those who worship the beach and the sun and find themselves in the ocean or in their swimming pools for the majority of the time, it is a fantastic place.
A very interesting and beautiful place to be sure with loads of exotic birds, palm trees and ex-pats. There is no need to know one word of Spanish here as I have found no areas where English is not spoken or understood. If I were interested in improvement in Spanish, this would not be the place for me.
More about Jacó and about David and Pam in the next blog entry.
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