We started our travels early Tuesday morning, catching a 6:30 am flight to Dallas, then on to Miami before finally arriving in San Jose, Costa Rica after dark. Our hotel in Alajuela had emailed dryly humurous, detailed instructions. We followed them to the letter.
Some first day travel tips:
1. The exchange rate at the airport is terrible. Do not change currency there. In addition, many places take US dollars as well as Costa Rican colones.
2. Only use official taxis. When you exit the San Jose airport turn left for an official orange taxi. Later that night (and, in other cities), when we called a taxi, the taxis were most often red. We would be told what number taxi to wait for. The number is clearly printed on the passenger door.
3. ATMs are often behind locked doors. In order to enter, just swipe your debit/credit card; and, the door will unlock.
Our hotel was exquisite. Pura Vida covered the taxi drop off from the airport. Bernie met us at the entrance with two large German Shephards. Thankfully, both of the dogs were quite docile. Bernie's British dry wit put us at ease as he checked us in and led us through the gorgous garden to the Katydid Casita.
After we settled in, we were able to exchange some US dollars at Pura Vida (competitive exchange rate) so that we could catch the taxi to downtown Alajuela for some dinner. Bernie recommended Jalapenos; and, although it seemed strange to eat TexMex on our first night in Costa Rica, we were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious, from the non-salty refried beans (hope that some of my favorite Austin TexMex places will take note) to the whipped smooth guacamole. Our meals were accompanied by freshly prepared juice. We tried the pineapple and the cas juice, which tasted sour like a grapefruit. Jalapenos was quite the ex-pat/tourist hang-out; and, we met a family from Gainesville, Florida there. The owner, who previously resided in New York, can assist any tourist lacking the Spanish skills to order at a restaurant. All of the staff were very helpful.
From Jalapenos, we walked two blocks to the nearest banks with ATMs. The streets were very safe. On our return, Jalapenos called us a taxi; and, soon, we were headed back to Pura Vida. Our driver explained that the burning smell along the road was the sweet scent of coffee roasting.
One final note on Pura Vida, while there is free, secure WiFi, for our Casita at least, we could only get it from the living area and dining area.
Some first day travel tips:
1. The exchange rate at the airport is terrible. Do not change currency there. In addition, many places take US dollars as well as Costa Rican colones.
2. Only use official taxis. When you exit the San Jose airport turn left for an official orange taxi. Later that night (and, in other cities), when we called a taxi, the taxis were most often red. We would be told what number taxi to wait for. The number is clearly printed on the passenger door.
3. ATMs are often behind locked doors. In order to enter, just swipe your debit/credit card; and, the door will unlock.
Our hotel was exquisite. Pura Vida covered the taxi drop off from the airport. Bernie met us at the entrance with two large German Shephards. Thankfully, both of the dogs were quite docile. Bernie's British dry wit put us at ease as he checked us in and led us through the gorgous garden to the Katydid Casita.
After we settled in, we were able to exchange some US dollars at Pura Vida (competitive exchange rate) so that we could catch the taxi to downtown Alajuela for some dinner. Bernie recommended Jalapenos; and, although it seemed strange to eat TexMex on our first night in Costa Rica, we were not disappointed. All of the food was delicious, from the non-salty refried beans (hope that some of my favorite Austin TexMex places will take note) to the whipped smooth guacamole. Our meals were accompanied by freshly prepared juice. We tried the pineapple and the cas juice, which tasted sour like a grapefruit. Jalapenos was quite the ex-pat/tourist hang-out; and, we met a family from Gainesville, Florida there. The owner, who previously resided in New York, can assist any tourist lacking the Spanish skills to order at a restaurant. All of the staff were very helpful.
From Jalapenos, we walked two blocks to the nearest banks with ATMs. The streets were very safe. On our return, Jalapenos called us a taxi; and, soon, we were headed back to Pura Vida. Our driver explained that the burning smell along the road was the sweet scent of coffee roasting.
One final note on Pura Vida, while there is free, secure WiFi, for our Casita at least, we could only get it from the living area and dining area.
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