Plaza de la Cultura — Attraction in Catedral

I visited Starbucks, which is nearby. Starbucks has a good cup of Costa Rican coffee, at about $7 American, same as in the States. It offers a nice view of the plaza, the tourists passing by, and the locals, who scout out the tourists as targets of opportunity. Keep EVERYTHING in your front pockets, and lock your backpack. Be somewhere safer after the sun goes down.

An additional note to travelers: Beware of ANYONE approaching you with pleas for assistance. Some pose as stranded Americans, robbed a couple of days ago, and unable to get assistance from either the local police or the US Embassy. "YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN HELP ME!" This is always followed by a touching, albeit completely fabricated story. It is ALWAYS A SCAM, 100 PERCENT OF THE TIME!

I speak with too many tourists who tell me about these types and I often know who those con artists are; they have pitched their stories to me as well, as I look like a tourist.

When Mike tells you that they even stole his wedding ring, offer to call his wife, so she can send him some money via Western Union. Under no circumstances should you let him (or any other stranger) hold your phone. Take a picture of his face and he will get nervous.

Mike is the scammer I hear about most often, and he is pretty good at it. He ran into me about a year ago, near the Plaza. I had already been in Costa Rica for a few years. I asked a couple of questions, and easily understood him to be a phony. I told him that I couldn't help him, so he walked back in the same direction he came from.

He and his friends are licking their lips at the sight of you, an American, visiting Costa Rica. They will always be con artists.

I ran into Mike again, about a month ago. I reminded him that I turned him down,, a year ago. He wanted to spend a few minutes justifying why he does what he does. I have no interest in pathological liars.

When a guy approaches you from behind in downtown San Jose, and asks, in excellent English, "Are you an American?", it's Mike. Take a couple of steps back, while asking him how his wife is doing in Florida, and if she misses him, after all of this time. He's been playing his game for 20 years now, according to him.

Greasy, thick brown hair, parted on the right side and swept to the left. Ask him to take...

A Journey Through History at Plaza de la Cultura, Costa Rica

Embarking on what we fondly dubbed our "Starbucks odyssey trip" in Costa Rica turned out to be an unexpected voyage through history, especially at the Plaza de la Cultura. Nestled in the heart of San José, this bustling square is a microcosm of Costa Rican culture and history, offering a blend of modernity and tradition that captivated us from the moment we arrived.

The plaza itself is a vibrant hub, alive with the rhythms of daily life and surrounded by iconic landmarks. We found ourselves immersed in stories of the past as we sipped our coffee at Starbucks, conveniently situated at one corner of the plaza. The coffee shop offered a perfect vantage point to observe the ebb and flow of local life while reflecting on the rich heritage of this enchanting place.

The architecture of the plaza reflects its historical significance, with buildings dating back to the early 20th century. The National Theater, a jewel of neoclassical design, stands proudly nearby, inviting us to explore its ornate interior and learn about its role in Costa Rican cultural life. The Museo del Oro Precolombino, just a short walk away, housed a stunning collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts that spoke volumes about the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilizations.

Beyond its architectural and cultural attractions, Plaza de la Cultura serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. We witnessed impromptu performances by street musicians, encountered artisans selling their crafts, and engaged in conversations with friendly locals eager to share stories about their city and its history.

Our visit to Plaza de la Cultura was more than just a stop on our coffee-fueled adventure; it was a journey through time and culture that left us enriched and inspired. As we savored our Starbucks drinks, we found ourselves not only enjoying the moment but also gaining a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica's past and its vibrant present.

In conclusion, Plaza de la Cultura in Costa Rica is not just a square; it's a living testament to the country's heritage and a must-visit destination for anyone eager to experience the intersection of history, culture, and coffee in one...

Después de almorzar, casi siempre termino en el mismo lugar: la Plaza de la Cultura. Es mi rutina sin mucha ciencia, pero se ha convertido en uno de esos momentos del día que espero con ganas. A veces como en El Burro Loco, que aunque suene a nombre de cantina de pueblo, sirve una comida bastante decente por lo que cuesta. Otras veces paso al Mercado Central, donde uno puede encontrar desde casados hasta ceviches, todo con ese saborcito criollo que uno busca cuando no quiere gastar mucho pero quiere comer bien. La comida es buena, pero lo que viene después es aún mejor.

Salgo del restaurante, esquivo a los vendedores ambulantes, cruzo la calle entre buses, pitos y semáforos, y ahí está: la Plaza. Es como un punto de equilibrio en medio del desorden de San José. Hay ruido, claro, pero es un ruido diferente. No es el estrés del trabajo ni el bullicio de una tienda llena, es el sonido de la ciudad respirando. Gente caminando, conversaciones al aire libre, niños persiguiendo palomas como si esas alas pudieran llevarlos a otro mundo.

Yo solo camino. A veces doy una vuelta completa, otras me siento en una de las bancas, saco el celular, pero ni lo veo. Me quedo viendo la gente, escuchando, dejando que el momento me limpie un poco la mente. Es como si la Plaza de la Cultura sirviera para eso, para que uno se reconecte con el aquí y el ahora, sin tener que pagar entrada, sin necesidad de agenda.

Siempre hay algo diferente. Un día hay un señor tocando la marimba con una sonrisa más grande que el instrumento, otro día un grupo de jóvenes baila breakdance en el puro centro mientras la gente se amontona a grabar con el celular. De repente aparece alguien disfrazado, una protesta pequeña, un grupo de turistas con mapas y caras de sorpresa, o alguien simplemente leyendo un libro bajo el sol. Y ahí estoy yo, en medio de todo, como una sombra más que se desliza por la ciudad, sin hacer ruido.

No es un lugar lujoso. De hecho, si uno lo ve con ojos fríos, es una planicie de cemento con unas cuantas plantas y un subterráneo donde está el Museo del Oro. Pero hay algo en su simplicidad que lo hace especial. Quizá es porque está justo al frente del Teatro Nacional, ese edificio que parece salido de otro siglo, o porque la Avenida Central le da vida con su constante flujo de personas. O quizá es porque ahí uno puede ser quien sea sin que nadie lo note.

Para mí, la Plaza de la Cultura es más que un punto turístico o un espacio urbano. Es un rincón de respiro, un lugar donde puedo caminar después del almuerzo y simplemente dejar que la ciudad siga su curso mientras yo bajo revoluciones. Y aunque a veces me digo que debería probar otros lugares para variar, siempre termino ahí, como si la Plaza me...