San Jose, Costa Rica

San Jose was busy, crowded, and vibrant. As soon as we arrived in San Jose from Jaco, the first thing we looked for was something to eat at the Central Market (Mercado Central). We didn't plan it, but our hotel was only about 5 minutes away from the Central Market.

The Central Market was a closed market with lots of different vendors - meat, vegetable, pet store (strange combo), and of course, food stalls. We were busy eating what locals were eating. It was a nice change from Tourist foods that we had been eating in Jaco.

Spices (didn't know they were using this much spices in Costa Rica)

Tamale

OK... our final adventure in Costa Rica was finding the restaurant, Machu Picchu (Peruvian Restaurant).
It was recommended by an article that I read plus my travel book (finally taking advantage of my book) and it was supposed to be close from our hotel. It was raining that night, so we decided to take a cab instead of walking. Our cab driver and the hotel concierge seemed to know right away about the restaurant, so we didn't worry until our driver was about get on a highway.

That's when we found out that our driver was about to take us to another city.
A 5 minute cab ride turned into a 45 minute cab ride and by the time we arrived at the right restaurant, Christoff told the driver, "I will call the police" in Spanish.
Somehow, that completely scared him and he wouldn't even charge us.

OK... after that fiasco, we arrived at the restaurant and the trip was worth it!

Anticuchos - beef heart

Octopus (it was very yummy)

Lamb with white beans

Jaco, Cost Rica

I hadn't been out of country since January 2007. I was going crazy...
So we decided to leave the country just for a few days.
Costa Rica seemed like a good place to go - only 5 hour flight, affordable, & warm... what else can we ask?

We decided to combine beach & city.
Jaco is the closest beach town from San Jose.
It reminded us of Phuket. Touristy beach town, but it was good enough for us.

Wine in cartons. You gotta love this country!

Typical meal...

Pinkberry

It seems like everyone already knows about Pinkberry.
I only found out about it when my sister told me last summer.
Since then, more than a few stores opened up in the city including one near my place.

It's supposed to be frozen yogurt, but it doesn't taste like frozen yogurt.
You can choose your topping, I choose mostly different types of fruit.
It's especially good for someone like me who is lactose-intolerant.

www.pinkberry.com

Graduation

Finally I graduated!
After many many years, it doesn't even seem real, but I must say it's a great feeling.
I didn't go to the graduation ceremony, so Chris promised me to take me out once I got my diploma. Chris took me to Jewel Bako.

Sashimi was good, but rolls weren't that special.
Jewel Bako passed Fraziers' Tuna test & fresh Wasabi test!


Jewel Bako
239 E. 5th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-979-1012