I'm going to make this one brief for two reasons: First we were only in San Jose for an evening, and second we just found out that we're going to be catching yet another 4am bus, so I'd best be getting some rest.

I've struggled trying to decide what to say about our time in San Jose. Prior to arriving, we'd had it decidedly described as a "s*%t hole" and were not particularly looking forward to it as such. As the bus entered the city and we noted that not only did the houses have cages on every window, but also had cages around the houses themselves, we started to wonder if perhaps the description was apt. As usual, tico time got us in two hours behind schedule. We grabbed a taxi to our hostel and figured out very quickly that we were being ripped off. Due to the fact that it was only by a couple of dollars, it was easier to let it slide, but it was still not doing much to improve our impression of the city.

Then things started to take a turn for the better. Our hostel was lovely and clean and comfortable. We grabbed a public bus easily to the city center where the old colonial style buildings were beautiful to look at and well maintained. We were both very impressed with the number of public spaces available for people to congregate. Overall, there was a nice feel to a place we had initially disliked so much.

We met up with my cousin for dinner and had some fantastic Costa Rican food and some very entertaining company. To get back, we went to look for a taxi, and despite the sign on top of it reading "chickens only", they did actually take us home for a reasonable price.

I think Ola described it very well when she said that there was something appealing about the state of beautiful decay of San Jose. By the time we had to leave for our 6am bus, we were both a little sad to not have a few more hours to explore what turned out to be a fairly fascinating place. But since it is the main transportation hub for the country, and I do have family there, I imagine that one day I'll have that chance.

We're off to Nicaragua in the morning, so more commentary coming soon. For now it sleep time.