Thoughts on San Jose

As my time in Costa Rica comes to an end I figure here is my chance to explain my thoughts about it. Hmm, hmmm, let me begin with San Jose.

- PDA is out of control. I have never seen so much hands on, lip-locking, cop-a-feel, ain't ashamed, let's dry hump in a field, or on a bench in the mall action then here. It has been explained to me that this is part of the culture. Since it is not socially accepted for girls and guys to go over each others homes they make do elsewhere. If this actually prevents teen pregnancy, I don't know, but it is definitely helping the public learn the steps to third base.

- Terrible is a mild way to describe traffic. You have a 50% chance of dying every time you cross the street. Pedestrians do not have the right-a-way. The roads do not have distinct lanes. The car honking here would mute New York City. Taxi drivers pretend they don't speak Spanish or English. No such thing as speed limit. Every San Jose car owner should move to LA and become stunt drivers. Everyone drives a standard. [Good news] The public transportation system is impeccable! The US should take a few pointers in this department.

- Music & movies from the States is inescapable. For an entire month I tried to find a place that showed foreign films. I had no idea that my quest for a good Spanish film would turn into disappointment. The closest I got was Hannah Montana dubbed in Spanish. No thank-you. Music is the same. I've heard more 80s music from the States then ever. Ohhh globalization.

- Mannequins go to the plastic surgeon before they head to the mall. What do I mean by this? They are curvaceous and busty, and when I say busty, I mean breast that resemble inflated balloons.

- Food food food. When in doubt just say, Quisiera comida tipica, por favor. and you will get a heaping mound of rice, beans, meat, plantains, salad, and juice for under $3 bucks. This translates to affordable deliciousness.

- Nightlife can be a little pretentious. If you are from Dallas, I think you'll be fine. But don't worry, there are cool dive bars & the karaoke here is nothing short of amazing.

- Let's talk liquor You got two choices of beer. Imperial or Pilsen. Both taste like Natural Light. The reason? Well, Costa Rica has a national brewery and so that is the only thing you are going to get. They also make their own liquor from sugar cane called Guaro. Surprisingly, it isn't sweet but very smooth. It is a lot like vodka minus the potato taste. The typical mixed drink is guaro and fresca. As far as open container laws.. They don't exist and you can even bring your own boos to the bars.

- Oi Rasta! I got this everywhere I went. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes it was annoying, but often useful. People gave me discounts on things if I let them touch my hair, a little strange, but it saved me a few bucks here & there. The most frustrating part was trying to explain to folks that I'm not a Rastafarian from Poland. No one seemed to understand, so towards the end I just learned to accept it.