When you are not bathing in Costa Rica's famous clear blue beaches and coasts, spending the night on a volcano retreat, or exploring its lush rainforests take your free 108 minutes in Costa Rica to discover the city of San Jose. You'll find that the country's capital has much to offer to the curious traveler and is a relaxing break from the adventures of the country side. To begin your trek throughout the city, check out some of the unique architecture and contemporary art in the Parque Central and Parque Espana. The parks provide a welcome scene of greenery to hard cobblestone and cement pavement of the busy streets of San Jose and they also are often host to a number of music festivals and events throughout the year. Pick up a copy of La Nacion or another local newspaper to find out about upcoming music concerts in the area. As is custom when touring a new city or country make sure you visit Costa Rica's abundant national museums. The National Museum of Costa Rica and the Museum of Pre-Colombian Gold is a great chance to peer back into indigenous and colonial history of the nation. The National Museum houses Costa Rica's world-renown and mysterious stone spheres. The huge spheres were created thousands of years ago by indigenous Costa Ricans but the meaning and purpose of the spheres remains till this day largely unknown by the academic community. Interestingly enough, the spheres continue to inspire contemporary architecture in Costa Rica many of which feature prominent spheres in their designs throughout the country. The museum also has a fine collection of indigenous art work, jewelry and ceremonial tables. The Museum of Pre-Colombian Gold contains beautiful intricate designs of gold statues and jewelry that would make even the most talented gold crafters today envious. Yet, Costa Rican art is by no means confined to the museums walls, for a look at more contemporary artistic expression take a walk through any street in San Pedro. In recent years Costa Rica has undergone an explosion of street art creativity. From the sides of old buildings, or under towering bridges, to the corner tops of walls San Pedro is often exuberating with colorful images reflecting on Costa Rica's diverse past, present and future. Also in San Pedro, just outside of the University of Costa Rica, many street vendors camp out to sell trendy handmade Costa Rican jewelry and accessories offering a great unique alternative to the more expensive commonplace designs found in malls. San Pedro is also home to Calle Amargura, less than a block away from UCR, Calle Amargura is one of San Jose's major nightlife hotspots. It hosts dozens of restaurants and clubs that feature live rock, house, reggae and ska music as well. The Calle is as famous for its raging nightlife scene as it is infamous for its string of petty thefts and violence so leave any flashy add-ons at home and be careful to exercise common-sense caution and stay within groups. Of course, no trip to Costa Rica should be limited to San Jose. To see the country's richest treasures you need to leave the Central Valley explore this great country coast to coast. From the volcanoes of La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo to the coast of Limon where Afro-Costa Rican history, culture and music abound, the charms of Costa Rica are unending. After your first 108 minutes in Costa Rica you'll quickly find yourself wanting to gear up for your next 108 minutes! BM
