After taking care of some logistics we are finally leaving San Jose for the small outpost of Orosi. Don't get me wrong, San Jose is an interesting place. Like most large cities, it's fun to visit but not to stay for too long. This has been our first exposure to Central America and an eye opening one at that. Open air markets, dirt bikes racing on beaten streets, exhaust fumes perfuming the hazy air, centuries old Spanish arcitecture...amazing!! Our hostel has been a placid refuge inside the noise, pollution and craziness of San Jose. You walk in the door of Tranquillo Backpackers to be greeted by friendly faces, psychedelic paintings on the walls, hammocks, green trees and music! From Bob Marley to Pearl Jam and everything in between. A very good place to aclimate ourselves to a very different world, one that we have only read about. Being here is intense and real. The reality of not speaking (or being able to read) the languge, having to exchange our currency for one that we are not familiar with, insects in the sink when your brushing your teeth, armed police and shop owners at every turn and poverty. It's what I have been looking forward to experiencing!
In Orosi we will take Spanish classes, as we will be in Spanish speaking countries for the next few months, it would be helpful to know the language. It is also located in the countryside, coffee plantations, forests, waterfalls and volcano's nearby. We can get outside to hike in the woods and not in a polluted city. Good posibility of no internet access so hang tight as far as the updates go! Adios! Jeff.