DAY ONE!!!

I stole this picture of Alejuela's church from the internet because
of technical problems.  Sorry.

Our courtyard at night.

We’re in Costa Rica! Our flight from Boston to Panama City went by without a hitch.  I had a moment of slight disappointment on our flight from Panama to  San Jose went I thought the stewardess offered me a Cherry Pie, which turned out to be a charipa, or hot dog.  Not bad, but still disappointing.   We took a taxi to our hotel in Alajuela.  I’ve never been to Latin America, but I’m already charmed by this city’s atmosphere and people.  Some of the finer elements of American culture can be found throughout the city.  We saw a large, well maintained Hooters for example.  We wandered the city for most the afternoon, exploring parks, markets, and a church.  I went for a walk this evening by myself.  It gets dark unreasonably early here.  I left for my stroll at around 8 (it was already pitch black), and first passed through a park.  It was absolutely chocked full of young couples.  Never have I seen so many adolescent couples making out at once.  Latin passion maybe?  Anyway, after admiring the park, I popped into a supermarket and bought some water and peanuts.  After purchasing my goods, I stepped out of the store and over a sleeping homeless man.   The evening ended with me getting somewhat lost, finding my way again, and returning back to the hotel with more water than I began with, so overall, it was a definite success.
-Juan