Rainy Days and Traffic Haze
An hour had passed by and not a car had moved forward in the stand still traffic. Taking the bus home from San Jose back to campus in Guacimo required driving through the mountains and weaving through the misty jungle. Without traffic this drive would only take an hour. However, the daily San Jose traffic practically guarantees an additional two hours of driving time. Rain continued to pour down adding to the hazardous traffic that never seemed to end.
Traffic and rain are common themes of Costa Rican road conditions. The habitual rain and inconsistent upkeep on the roads causes many of the streets to form unavoidable potholes. The majority of the main roads are maintained decently well, however these roads are far and few between.
Many of our days our filled with traveling by bus to different off campus locations for experiential research and class field trips. There are few days where we don’t find ourselves on one of the many Earth University sponsored buses exploring new parts of Costa Rica. At times we have even found ourselves venturing so deep into the jungle that we have been required to exit our bus, walk, and take a small boat to our final destination. During our traditional work days when we stay on campus our classes on are all in close distance only requiring us to walk from building to building. A much needed break after routine bus rides over bumpy gravel roads.
Due to the structure of our program we have not experienced many opportunities to use public transportation. Locals have mentioned that public transportation is less than adequate. It fulfills the minimal needs of individuals but still has plenty of room for in improvement. Particularly regarding its consistency and accessibility. Unfortunately the bus system only runs during rush hour making it extremely convenient for the average employee but particularly difficult for anyone looking to visit the city just for leisure.
Transportation has added yet another dynamic to our travels and studies in Costa Rica. It contributes to the adventure and excitement to the unknowns of this beautiful country. Every bus ride, boat ride or walk down the street involves rolling hills of dense and luscious tropical forests housing thousands of animals waiting to be discovered. The sometimes questionable road conditions are easily swept under the rug once I take a glance outside the window and realize how truly beautiful the world is.
