For our forth day in Costa Rica we traveled to San Jose for a tour of the capital. While there, we learned about the vast history of how San Jose and viewed multiple important monuments and sculptures. One of the many interesting facts we learned was how coffee and bananas had a huge impact in the formation of San Jose. Not only did they drive the economy, but they lead to the creation of the train system, a major mode of transportation into and out of the city. Additionally, in the multiple parks and public areas around the city, coffee and banana trees can be spotted as a way of recognizing their major impact in the country’s history. These trees can be spotted next to many sculptures that make each park an attraction and a common place for Ticos and tourists to go.

Interestingly enough, San Jose reminds me a little of Pittsburgh in the fact they have public areas and parks in the city with sculptures and iconic buildings. When walking through the San Jose’s market I was surprised to see how it was similar to Market Square and seeing a fountain in a park immediately reminded me of Point Park. Moreover, San Jose has a lot of museums and art exhibits similar to the very art driven streets of Pittsburgh.

Another fascinating fact about San Jose is that while it is the capital of Costa Rica, it started as a rural community and therefore does not seem very capital like. One example of this can be seen in in the minimal use of street addresses in San Jose. Instead, people navigate using landmarks and buildings. Considering that San Jose is a city, I am sure this poses a lot of trouble when it comes to delivering mail and when tourists try to navigate, but it makes Ticos more connected to San Jose and makes the city come alive with energy because Ticos go through parks and across monuments to travel. In the end, I believe the rural community feel of San Jose makes it different than other cities and while it can be confusing, it makes the city seem smaller and more comfortable.