We came, we saw, we visited the vegetarian restaurant.   On Monday we flew to San Jose (capital of Costa Rica), a short and bumpy ride, and found ourselves in the first big city of this trip (satellite view).  Which means plenty of lodging and food choices, museums, entertainment, as well as hectic streets, noise and grime.  We have explored most of this city in the past few days, including the main avenue, the city parks, the city zoo and the crowded mercado. 


San Jose Correo (post office)


Yesterday, we took a nauseating bus ride up a nearby mountain to peer into the mouth of a still active volcano (Volcán Poás).  An impressive sight, although much less of a hike than we had been expecting, especially since our last volcano adventure.  The last volcano park was more of a true wilderness experience with all the hiking and the monkeys, here the only wildlife was small, hairy, and loud—children.  But Volcan Poas offered an incomparable view at an altitude of 8,000 feet of an active crater with sulfur steam.  Being so high, clouds began to roll in as we watched, at times covering the crater-top entirely—a surreal scene. 


The crater of Volcan Poas


Today we visited the contemporary art museum and were rewarded with an international show that held up to Lucinda's high expectations for modern art.  Housed in an old brewery, the building itself was an aesthetic space that complemented the art within.  So Lucinda got her art-high of the week and Eitan didn't seem to suffer too much from the onslaught of minimalism.  He did get an onslaught of cold germs though, which is arguably worse.

We plan to spend the rest of the weekend exploring the city, and on Monday, if the weather cooperates, it's Panama time!