Costa Rica is a beautiful country, known for its lush rain forests and peaceful beaches. So it's no surprise people like to go hiking, zip lining and white water rafting. Since I had already done all of that on my first trip, I decided to see what other things the city had to offer. Here are eight fun and interesting places I found in and around the capital, San José.
La Sabana
People walk, jog, relax and fly kites in this huge park. On the day of my visit, I watched an in-line roller skate race and took a group aerobics class.
Multiplaza Escazú
A mix of familiar and new brands, it's easy to spend the day shopping in this two-level mall. Looking for bargains, I realized shoes weren't cheaper than what you can find in the States, but some of the clothes definitely were. After several hours of walking around, my pedicure at Todo para sus Pies was a relaxing way to end the day.
La Panadería
San José is similar to what I've heard about Paris, in that there's a bakery on almost every corner. People walk to la panadería to get their daily baguette. It's golden brown on the outside and sounds hallow when you tap it, but that's where the similarities end. The inside is wispy and light as a cloud, not sturdy like French loaves. It's crunchy, airy, and salty - all at the same time. While it's typically eaten at breakfast with cheese and coffee, sometimes Costa Ricans also eat bread in the afternoons and evenings.
La Feria
While I was in Costa Rica, I tasted over 15 fruits and vegetables I had never seen or heard of before and la feria, the weekly farmer's market, was where I was introduced to most of them. My friends and I got there early on Saturday mornings to beat the crowd and have the best selection of produce.
La Heladería
Helados Pops, the national ice cream chain, has a lot of interesting flavors on their menu. I always taste every nieve or sorbet they offer, but my favorite combination was guanábana (similar to a sweet melon) with cas (tart citrus).
La Chocolatería
If you're a chocolate connoisseur like me, you won't want to miss these handmade chocolate truffles. Smooth ganache flavored with classic and interesting ingredients such as raspberry, rose and passion fruit is enclosed in a crisp layer of milk or dark chocolate.
El Supermercado
I packed an empty bag in my suitcase, knowing that I wouldn't come home empty handed. Instead of buying souvenirs, I went to the supermarket to buy Costa Rican coffee, jam, dried seasonings, and hot sauce. That way, I could share my experiences with friends and family. And each time I eat pineapple jam on my toast and close my eyes, I almost feel like I'm in Costa Rica again.
Photos by Christina Mitchell
