Pacific and cultured

Today I would like to report on two special events. On Friday, we traveled to Puntarenas on the Pacific (not to be confused with Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile). Even on this actually beautiful route – lush vegetation – there was heavy traffic. It took us an hour and forty-five minutes for the nearly 90 kilometers, and we had to pass several tolls, which we were luckily able to pay with our phones. When we got out in Puntarenas, we were quite astonished by the heat that hit us. We enjoyed the shade under coconut palms and tried local food. PA is located on a peninsula, but it is not suitable for swimming due to the currents. There are reportedly even more beautiful beaches. But that was the closest one from San José, and our first attempt. The town itself is rather poor. On the way back, it took us three hours for the same distance, with many, many traffic jams. I am amazed at what the Ticos endure to get somewhere. And I now see the traffic jams in Germany with different eyes.

I learned something again. Both of us struggled quite a bit with calf cramps despite taking magnesium. We must be lacking electrolytes due to sweating. Now we drink plenty of water with lemon juice, salt, and sugar.

On Sunday, we had another very nice church service. The visitors here listen very attentively and are grateful to have a temporary pastor. Afterwards, there was once again a coffee gathering in the community garden, where almost everyone joined in. Here, too, there was a very lively exchange. That is what excites us here so much: You quickly get into conversations and learn interesting life stories. With a small group, we then went to a Peruvian restaurant to eat together. It is not far from us, and I think we will certainly drink Pico Sour there, which we have come to love in Lima (and also know from Chile).

It is always the people who inspire us with their openness. Even on the street or in shops, you quickly get into conversation.

Today we walked again along a familiar route and had something to drink in a nice café where we had been before. Repeating things that are good for you gives a sense of security. Now, after three and a half weeks, we have settled in much more here.