Costa Rica-Panama

Crossing the border over to Costa Rica was a breeze, it’s a matter of just following the crowd and the TicaBus’ services were commendable. Upon arrival at San José, I was whisked out of the city to Escazú. Nine nights stay means I get to add a little bit of stability into this life of a traveller plus time to catch up on a few things like planning for South America. Constant move from one place to another is definitely putting extra strain on sleep and eating out most of the time makes me miss home cooked food. The focus of the week is to get a some normality back.

San Jose walking tour was brilliant cos I was the only one on it since the other person didn’t turn up. That means, private tour! The markets around the city is great as is the history and the daily life of the people there. As always, tasting new fruits and local foods are on the itinerary. One of the most memorable fruits is jocote, in which the green ones reminded me of an unriped mango that usually served with spicy sweet tamarind sauce back in Malaysia.

Visiting one of the many post offices dotted around the city explained why Costa Rican doesn’t have a home address, instead they have post box address. The guide mentioned his address as an example, 200m south east from the town square blue house on the right and I was bemused how the whole system works. No wonder we had so many problems with investor verification for Costa Rican. So these post offices are where all the mails, parcels and everthing addressed to the individual/family living in the area.

The tour ended in a chocolate museum, where the shop made their own chocolate and offers classes on chocolate making. The hot chocolate there was divine, makes a girl happy for the rest of the day and the dark chocolate was just right for my taste. This was only one of two days that I spent in the city. The other day was to have lunch with Veronica and Alicia before they head off to Colombia.

I met two lovely guys in the hostel, Milton and Jano, and we decided to head out to Limón to explore the place and for some Caribbean rice and beans (Milton heard from several people that apparently Limón has one of the best rice and beans). So, we set off early at 6am for the 3hrs drive and arrived in a town that was way below our expectation apart from one of the best breakfast I’ve had in Central America. The place was a tad too quiet for our liking especially when we were confronted by a guy with what looks like blood plastered all over his face walking past us, freaky!

We looked online to see what else is on offer around this Caribbean cost and found Cahuita National Park. In Cahuita, we met Rosa (who was travelling on her own) and we invited her to join us for the national park. We saw many wildlife, mainly racoons, and walked until the park was about to close. The aim of going to Limón was to taste the Caribbean rice and bean, so for dinner we hunted and I had my fill of rice and bean with fried fish (yum). The drive back was rather interesting starting with police checkpoint then fog through the national park’s winding roads and crazy drivers.

It was nice to stay in Escazú, a peaceful quiet town just a short bus ride away from San Jose, surrounded by hills and mountains. The more I travel, I felt that my life is being enriched by the people and the places with their unique cultures. The last few days in the town, there were celebrations on their version on All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween.

Last place I wanted to see was Irazú Volcano. The lake in the crater was turquoise and it’s one of those situations where patience is all you need. Many people gave up when the clouds were hanging around, walked off thinking there weren’t anything to see. This is why I love nature, unpredictable and humbling.

Heading to Panama next, last country on the first leg of my journey through Latin America. Panama City and spend a few days in San Blas Islands, some activities and chill time at the beach. The city is like any other with unbearable traffic, noise and pollution. I feel like running away from the place straightaway. Fortunately, San Blas Islands tour was the next day and I was whisk off early in the morning heading north to the Guna Yala region. The drive through the forest was like rally driving and the driver was one of the nicest people I’ve met on my trip so far.

The port was chaotic and it seemed that I’m getting used to these situations, patiently waiting for the call to board the boat for the islands. I can see why most people recommended the islands as one of the must see places in Panama. The islands are beautiful to say the least and quiet.

Another couple of days in Panama City and I was ready to leave. I know the feeling when I need to move on cos I have no interest in exploring anymore. Perhaps next time Panama…I’ll visit the places, where I will feel more enthusiastic.

Five weeks fast track to Mexico and most of Central America. It’s been both crazy and fun meeting new friends, experiencing new things and learning about new cultures. I would definitely like to go back to some of the places and stay for longer. For now, I’m happy and content.