San José – Everything Turns Out Differently (Part I)

One thing is already certain. Regarding this day, I really do not like to look back. Because even now it triggers a lot in me. At the same time, I know that it is important for me to take a closer look at what happened to me. To return to that moment that overwhelmed and frightened me extremely. It starts off foolishly. I slept poorly and woke up several times during the night. Constant city noises all around. The realization that this beautiful journey is coming to an end and that we are heading back to Germany – back to reality. When I get up in the morning, it is warm, but the day is completely overcast. I get ready and go down to the breakfast room. Some group members are already sitting here. But the atmosphere is subdued. The others probably feel the same way I do. If only I could be on the road forever, yes, in motion.

One last time Gallo Pinto. I will miss this dish so much! Tried too late and then truly enjoyed it. With scrambled eggs and hash browns. Fresh pineapple and melon. Savoring everything once again. At my table, we talk about the reality that will soon come back and when everyone has to work again. I am lucky because after returning, I still have four more vacation days left. I am not yet aware of how much I will need them.

Nevertheless, the day starts with a small and final agenda item. A large part of the group gathers at the reception at 8:30 AM. Jefrey wants to show us some corners of San José. So we set off. First, we head to the Plaza de la Cultura. Here, in close proximity, is the Teatro Nacional of Costa Rica. It was opened in October 1897 with a performance by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Unfortunately, we cannot enter the theater. Our path takes us further through large intersections, deeper into the center. During our walk, I see many things that make me think deeply. Poverty. People who apparently live on the street and are in poor health. But where in a big city is that not the case? Generally, it is crowded and also loud. As tourists, we are of course approached more often. Comments that are not directly assignable. While I was able to gather so many beautiful moments during this trip, the stay in the capital feels foreign and uncomfortable to me. The buildings are in varying conditions. It is hectic, I see many power lines. Though these impressions are not unfamiliar to me, I feel out of place.

Our main goal is the Mercado Central of San José. You can imagine this as a very lively, labyrinthine market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, coffee, hot prepared foods, handicrafts, souvenirs, and many other things. Many locals actually gather here. As we enter the market, we immerse ourselves in a colorful world. It is very busy, and there are many small aisles, sounds, and smells. Each of us veers off in different directions. Some are picking up a few souvenirs. I would actually like to do that too, but somehow I can't decide, and I feel overwhelmed by the large selection. I sense that what I have experienced here in the last 2 weeks, all these feelings and impressions – they are more than sufficient for me. I don’t really want to engage with this market, so I find myself already at the agreed meeting point. Everyone returns on time, and when Jefrey joins us, everyone shares what they have purchased. By the way, one could also buy very good chocolate at the market. Jefrey has picked up fresh coffee. I realize that I am getting a little sad because I would have liked to take coffee beans with me. No problem. He goes back with me and another group member to the stand. Here we receive good advice, and it smells really nice. We buy beans for classic filter coffee as well as for espresso from the espresso machine. I am thankful.

We make our way back to the hotel, where we arrive at about 10:15 AM. At 11:00 AM, we have to leave our rooms, as many new guests seem to be arriving today, our group is checking out completely, and many rooms need to be cleaned. When I arrive in my room, I think that there's still quite a bit to do – I start to feel a bit stressed. First, my suitcase still needs to be packed. Simultaneously pondering how to best pack everything and what I won’t need anymore. I jump in the shower, wanting to freshen up before this long journey back. After I get dressed, and the suitcase is packed and closed, I think about how to organize my carry-on. We can leave the hotel only at 2:00 PM and will be taken to the airport. For carry-on, I have a backpack with me. However, since I do not want to carry this too heavily during the remaining time, I decide to leave as much luggage as possible at the hotel, and I opt for my small shoulder bag. Since the fact that our luggage will likely be safely stored in the breakfast room but still makes me feel uneasy, I decide to keep my wallet, phone, and passport in my shoulder bag. It somehow doesn’t feel right to leave any of these things behind in the hotel.

Once everyone is out of their rooms, the group discusses one last time. Three hours remain. A portion of the group decides to visit a museum. There are different options. On the one hand, the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, or the Museo del Jade. I join a small group, and the four of us decide to find a nice café and spend the time more relaxed. We reach the café “Capital Coffee Roaster.” Here we are greeted warmly, and soon many tasty things are ordered. Alongside Iced Lattes and fresh sandwiches, there are cappuccinos and a piece of vanilla cake. We are all satisfied and engage in conversation with the owner. He gives us some information about the beans. There’s also another opportunity to take coffee with us. We leave the café and decide to visit a supermarket one last time. Some of us, including myself, want to pick up a few little things. We find a nearby supermarket and grab banana chips, the famous Lizano Salsa sauce – which goes perfectly with Gallo Pinto – and Frijoles Molidos (prepared refried red beans). Just as Jef taught us, a great dip for classic nachos. Canned palm hearts also come with us. So off to the checkout and out of the supermarket. Since there’s still time left, we decide to bring our small purchases back to the hotel and visit the restroom. Always good to consider where to go in foreign countries for a quiet moment :-). We then plan to head towards the National Theater again. A very nice idea from one of the group members, I think. And perhaps one last chance to see some of the theater’s interior. Here is the “Alme De Cafe.” However, for me, everything turns out differently.