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