Am bored and I've got another hour or so until boarding so may as well confirm I will be leaving Costa Rica...

Why was this ever in doubt you wonder?

Well, Costa Rica's government recently increased taxes by 5% and as a consequence labour unions are causing the country to grind to a halt by setting up blockades and general strikes. Apparently there were plans to block access to the airport today meaning I decided to leave around 6 in the morning - for my 11:30am flight - to beat the blockades.

Am not sure if they've actually materialised, the airport seems awfully busy so I doubt people have had trouble getting in, but given how passionate the protesters seemed in the city centre yesterday I wouldn't be suprised if something happened later on today.

Still, there are far worse airports to spend a few hours in than San Jose, Guatemala City comes to mind for example. Hoping everything now works out for my layover and my flights etc. Got a 7 hour layover in the world's largest city - Mexico City, home according to some estimates to a whopping 26million people. Hopefully will be able to see a little bit of the centre.

I feel like I've been very harsh on Costa Rica. I don't think I've made a secret of the fact it's certainly not my favourite Latin American country, but it shouldn't be forgotten just how easy the country is to travel in and how for first time travellers a bit scared of organising everything etc. this place is quite literally paradise. The pacific coast is littered with partying surf towns, as well as quieter, slices of paradise. There are volcanoes and jungles galore but little history, or culture. I'd definitely return to do the pacific side - especially Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula - the bit of land sticking out like a fin on the southern end of the country.

Sad that this is all ending, it's all gone so ridiculously quickly. That being said, these last three weeks have felt more like three years. Hopefully all is well with Aeromexico, they're an 83 year old airline and one the world's largest so everything should be fine.

Adios Costa Rica.

I've even got a little tear in my eye.

Vamos!