San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. The city was practically built on profits from the coffee industry. Most tourists view the location as a transit hub, a place to fly in and out of, on their way to popular destinations, such as Manuel Antonio. The National Park receives nearly half a million visitors each year. Costa Rica is probably most known for its popular surfing beaches. So tourists land and then it’s surf’s up!

After visiting the ABC islands, the last thing I was looking for was another beach. There comes a point, with full time travel, where you just need a spot to call home. I booked two hotels in the city of San Jose. The first was a Wyndham, a short ride from the airport. Then, I relocated to a condo hotel, walking distance from the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica.

It took a day or two for my domestic bliss to wear off and finally venture out of the condo. I decided to walk 30 minutes to the cultural center of town. The returned Peace Corps volunteer in me didn’t have an issue with the dark and deserted side streets. I was especially happy each time I came across any type of street art.

San José has a great reputation for its political graffiti. The “City of Color” area, located behind the National Museum, has murals and street art on display. I could have spent more time viewing and reading about the artists and their works. If you visit, be sure to schedule additional time to check out this area. There’s a lot to see.

On the museum grounds, before you reach the old Bellavista Barracks, you will find a monument to José Figueres Ferrer. During his first term in office, he abolished the national army, gave women and Afro-Costa Ricans the right to vote and offered Costa Rican nationality to people of African descent. Just beyond this artwork is the entrance to the museum.

The building was originally used to house soldiers. There’s even a small jailhouse that you can visit. The cells were used during the Costa Rica Civil War, in 1948. The first exhibit was the butterfly garden. I was able to see a few blue morpho butterflies, with their stunning cobalt wings. It’s the most popular butterfly in is Costa Rica.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a good picture of one. Side note: I asked for and was granted the senior citizen museum discount.

I really enjoyed my time in San Jose. It was great just cooking again and not have to go out to restaurants. The condo was equipped with cooking utensils and the neighborhood grocery store was a short walk away. For me, it was the perfect post beach vacation.

It was also an opportunity to visit a city that’s known to be dangerous for tourists. I grew up in Detroit. So, I always take that advice with a grain of salt. Plus, at 67, it’s not like you can find me at the club! XOXO—GGT