March 6 & 7 Perspective

Carnival is such an epic cultural event, and we are getting a heavy dose so we can understand just how passionate the country is. I don't know of anything in Canada that would compare. Think about a cross between:
   A fall fair in a small town
   An outdoor concert at a large venue
   Canada Day fireworks
   Summer long weekend party atmosphere
   A cultural demonstration of costume, dance and music

After a lazy day of eating, blogging, and a great visit at Juan's cousin's home, we are off to get one last taste of Carnival before we head across the border. The costumes and dancing are truly amazing, and we are all having a great time soaking it in. I am getting some great ideas for the beer festivals I host back home. There is something amazing about a culture with a rich and diverse heritage, and the means in which they embrace and share it with we lucky foreigners. Looking around the private party we're in, where all the costumes and dancing occur, there are not many non-participants. We are there though, with a front row seat (again), smiles permanently smashed to our faces, and camera's clicking like crazy. I hope I will get to see something like this again. It is truly amazing.

Car ride, truck stop food, cheap hotel room, and we're now boarding the bus at 3am.

What we understand now, from the Panamanians we’ve met, is that taking the bus from Santiago to San Jose is a comedic decision. It was by far the most draining experience of the trip so far. 

We arrive to San Jose, not wanting to be social, or even awake for that matter. Our co-ordinator, Manuel, arrives, and he is gracious and warm, which seems to be the calling card for Central American Rotarians. We have a snack, and freshen up at the past District Govenor’s house, and potentially the most recognized and decorated Rotarian in Central America, Francisco Lopez. 

We review our itinerary, and we’re off to our billets houses. Mark is staying with Manuel in downtown San Jose. Kim, Doug and I are about 30 minutes west in a suburban area. Alicia, as is the trend, is more than an hour away from the rest of us, in the east end of the city.

My host is a Rotaract named Juan Carlos, and we are in a cozy 3 bedroom apartment. His roommates, Luis Carlos and Annibel are outgoing, and it is easy to see that they have been friends for a long time. After a shower (very much needed), Juan Carlos and Luis Carlos take Kim and I out for dinner. Kim enjoys some authentic fajitas, and I try a local dish at the boys suggestion, Chifrijo…it’s hearty, fairly healthy, and is a perfect fit after the wild 24 hours that preceded.

Home, guitar, bed. While we were on the bus it felt like we might never sleep comfortably again, so I seize the opportunity… I sleep with intensity and ferocity.

Costa Rican Adventures begin tomorrow.

CGD