We left Tortuguero National Park on a long boat, travelling with others who were leaving.
After the boat there was a long bus journey in a mini van
with a lunch stop at a typical roadside tourist meal stop
The difference was - a fantastic garden.
And a butterfly garden, that was specializing in a breeding program.
Caterpillars hung on leaves.
.this chrysalis had just hatched.
The butterflies were beautiful.
Once we checked into our typical 1920's converted house hotel.
with attractive patios.
And a very nice breakfast area.
We wandered off into the city. After the peace and quiet of the Canals of Tortuguero we were a bit overcome by the hussle and bustle of the streets, so we popped into a restored 1920's cafe.
The tiles had been lovingly restored.
And heavens, we hadn't had a coffee like this since our trip to New Zealand last year!
Most of the Colonial buildings in Central America have been destroyed by centuries of earthquakes.
But a few survive - The old Theatre.
An iron house imported from Europe.
and a few old houses, now wedged between modern buildings.
The visit to the central market was as fascinating as ever.
Piggy banks are a feature.
Candles of different colours.
Hobby horses were everywhere.
This is serious horse
country!
Loofers to keep one clean!
Herbs
Knives
Hammocks to sleep in,
Very rustic plates seem to be very popular.
tin oil canisters of any size were for sale.
A fish head for the stew is essential.
amongst all this was a nativity scene!
Outside someone was quite exhausted.
The bank was interesting.
A flower stall brightened up the busy walking street.
We finally went to visit the Pre Columbian Gold Museum deep
underground with serious doors to stop thieves!
The gold pieces were exquisite and the museum very impressive,
everything was explained in Spanish and English.
A frog, a symbol of life.
Aztec culture spread south through the trade routes.
Brooches.
The wealthy wore headbands earrings and breastplates.
A model grave shows how they were buried with their possesions for their journey with the spirits.
Eating was a problem in San Jose as it is not advisable to walk the streets after dark.
We ate here and had some of the best steaks so far!!
We stayed two nights, then hired a car that
we would leave in Liberia, near to the Nicaraguan border.
We were off to the volcanoes and cloud forest.
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