San Jose, Costa Rica

At this point in the trip time has faded from bold to blurry. Day is no longer viewed as an antagonist to night, but rather as an alter ego to a split personality. Basically, the timex on my wrist is the only connection I have to time in the form of a date or an hour. Although Max and I are on schedule with our predetermined route we are only so through conscious recognition of a far-off deadline.

We arrived in San Jose following a 4 hour bus ride through the dense jungles of Costa Rica. Even if the dinosaurs that escaped Jurrasic Park were roaming around we wouldn´t be able to see them. Mountain after mountain is covered in deep green tropical jungle. Winding around the cliffs in a mini-bus, with the windows down, wind blowing, is a freeing experience. Max and I keep ourselves from getting claustrophobic, to the dismay of a few passengers, by play fighting, impersonating family in our best mexican accents, and debating important and pertinent issues (materialism, education, women, etc..).

A long day of travel combined with late evening showers influenced us to remain indoors at the hostel for the night. The hostel was a 5 star hotel to the experienced backpacker, providing amenities that are sought after but rarely found - that is, hot water and free internet. Showered and relaxed about 15 of us guests gathered around the flat screen TV to watch a classic piece of American cinema - Mean Girls. It is so very reassuring to know that Lindsay Lohan and company are ambassadors for our great nation. (Seriously though, the movie is well done, but the small UN gathering we had really held it in high esteem).

The only full day in San Jose was spent wandering around the city and taking in all that the capital has to offer - which is limited. Max and I met another English friend and toured the city with her - that is until Max and I got into a scuffle (translation = stupid argument over nothing). Separated, we each did what would help us cool down. I had a coffee. He went shopping.
During that time Max made another new friend - a local taxi driver. Later in the night he called up the cabbie and we had our own personal guide to the mall. On the way Max sat up front freestyling with the driver and talking about hip hop. The entire conversation was a spectacle. Once at the mall we soon learned that although it is three stories, it is simply three stories of bad shopping. With full pockets, we headed for the exit and toward the San Pedro end of town.

We started the night off with a bucket of Imperial beer and a few laughs. Terra U was a college bar playing the newest records as loud as possible. The DJ felt compelled to speak into the mic after every few seconds so the atmosphere was noisy if not annoying. A few drinks later we found ourselves at an inviting Jazz club. The atmosphere was candlelit and certainly more calm. A much needed change of pace. Girls swooned over the band. Max and I poked fun at the band. All the while we drank some more and downed papas fritas. With no whataburger around, the great night ended with some late night facebooking back at the hostel.

It was an overall great evening with new and old company.