Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1737. Originally a small settlement, it became the capital in 1821 after Costa Rica gained independence from Spain. The city grew significantly in the 19th century, fueled by the prosperity of coffee barons who built many fine buildings. Today, San José is a vibrant capital city that seamlessly blends its historical charm with modern urban life.
Continue reading “Pura vida”
The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, located in San José, is housed in the historic Cuartel Bellavista, a fortress-like structure with a rich and complex history. The construction of the Cuartel began in 1917 under the regime of Federico Tinoco, who sought to strengthen the military institution after his coup d’état. The building served as military barracks for decades, and its exterior walls still bear bullet holes from Costa Rica‘s 1948 civil war. Following the abolition of the army by José Figueres Ferrer in 1948, the Cuartel Bellavista was symbolically transformed into the National Museum in 1950, marking a significant shift from military to cultural purposes.
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Jardín de Lolita, nestled in the heart of Barrio Escalante in San José, offers a unique dining experience that combines the charm of a multi-level beer garden with the variety of a food court. This vibrant outdoor venue features multiple restaurants, allowing patrons to order from a diverse selection of cuisines, including pizza, local dishes, premium meats, sushi, and ice cream. The restaurants provide guests with a device that signals when their food is ready for pickup, ensuring a seamless and efficient dining experience. With its relaxed atmosphere and eclectic food options, Jardín de Lolita is the perfect spot to spend a laid-back evening enjoying great food and drinks.
Continue reading “At the tracks”
The Costa Rican colón (CRC) has been the official currency of Costa Rica since 1896, when it replaced the peso at a one-to-one exchange ratio. Named after Christopher Columbus, known as Cristóbal Colón in Spanish, the currency’s symbol is ₡. The colón is divided into 100 centimos, and its plural form is colones. The banknotes show the animals of the country and on the ten thousand colones bill you can find the iconic sloth.
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The Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), located near Alajuela, serves as Costa Ricas primary international gateway. Originally named Aeropuerto Internacional el Coco after its location, construction began in 1952 and the airport was officially inaugurated in 1958. It replaced the previous airport in downtown San José, where Parque La Sabana is now situated. By the way: the former airport buildings now host the Museo de Arte Costarricarense, a museum well worth visiting.
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The Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología in Ciudad de Guatemala is a treasure trove of Maya artifacts and cultural heritage. Housing the country’s largest collection of ancient Maya relics, the museum showcases an impressive array of monumental stone sculptures, including Classic-period stelae from Tikal, Uaxactún, and Piedras Negras. Visitors can marvel at a superb throne from Piedras Negras, animal representations from Preclassic Kaminaljuyú, and rare wooden lintels from temples at Tikal and El Zotz. The museum’s collection also features exquisite jade necklaces and masks, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the ancient Maya.
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Cardamom is a versatile and aromatic spice prized for its unique flavor profile, which combines notes of citrus, mint, and pine. It is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes across various cuisines, particularly in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Scandinavian cooking. Cardamom is a common ingredient in chai tea, adds depth to coffee, and enhances the flavor of baked goods, curries, and meat dishes. Beyond its culinary applications, cardamom is also used in traditional medicine for its potential digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
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The capital of the Alta Verapaz department in Guatemala, has a rich history deeply intertwined with German influence. Founded in 1543 by Dominican friars, the city gained prominence in the late 19th century when German settlers arrived and established coffee plantations. These German immigrants significantly shaped Cobán‘s development, introducing their culture, architecture, and agricultural practices. The city became a hub for coffee production and trade, with German families like the Dieseldorffs playing a crucial role in its economic growth.
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The Isla de Flores, a small island in lake Petén Itzá, Guatemala, is a charming destination known for its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. The old city center, perched atop a hill, features a picturesque main square with Maya stelae and the white-painted Catedral Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the Malecón, a promenade that encircles the island, offering stunning views of the lake and providing a perfect spot for watching the sunset. The island’s compact size allows for easy exploration on foot, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops lining its quaint streets.
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Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive Maya cities, flourished in the heart of Guatemala’s rainforest from around 900 BCE to 900 CE. At its peak during the Classic Period (200-900 CE), Tikal was a bustling metropolis with an estimated population of 100,000, boasting monumental architecture, advanced astronomical knowledge, and a complex political structure. The city’s decline towards the end of the 9th century remains a subject of debate among scholars, with theories ranging from environmental degradation to warfare and social unrest.
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