I began my day alongside my hostel mates in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica. The hostel owner had told us there would be people holding white umbrellas who would be giving a free walking tour in downtown San Jose.
The guide I found was a seventy year old man by the name of Carlos as you can see featured above is his business brochure. Carlos was a funny man who spent his early childhood in Hollywood he told us but was very knowledgeable about the history of San Jose city and Costa Rica. He gave interesting facts such as how China bought loyalty from the Ticos by building their largest futbol stadium in the country in exchange for voiding their friendship with Taiwan. Other facts interesting facts Carlos bestowed upon us was that China is building their version of the “Panama Canal” along the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan border but they are dumping the trees etc in the Costa Rican side which is not good for border relations with Nicaragua.
Carlos went on and on about other facts and introduced us to several people along the way including a restaurant owner and several gringos he has known for many years. All in all, my expectations for this sort of tour were low (just being honest). But Carlos had the energy, charisma, and wisdom that made the tour an experience which is why I highly recommend him for when you come to San Jose for a visit.