While I was in Costa Rica, CNN broadcast a story about the Happy Planet Index. Costa Rica ranked #1; the United States #114. This index is based on its subjective life satisfaction -- essentially how happy are the people themselves with their lives? I’d rank the country high as well; I loved Costa Rica.

I would not rent a car; traffic in San Jose is a nightmare -- fast, right on the bumper, starting and stopping. Buses were regular and easy to understand though I preferred to take the official red taxis while I was there (CheTica business card has a map on the back to show drivers where home is).

I would ride into San Jose with patients who were heading to a doctor’s appointment and spend the morning at the Museo Oro Precolombino (gold), Museo del Jade (jade), Museo Nacional with a wonderful butterfly garden, the National Theater, or one of the beautiful cathedrals. Spend some time wandering downtown streets, with parks and coffee shops everywhere, or just hang out in one of the malls, or at one of the markets. The walk will be good for you physically, but you’ll also get to know the country and its people a little.

You can get suggestions from Ruben, Lorena, or anyone else at CheTica -- Costa Ricans are proud of their country and want you to see it at its best. Other more ambitious outings for which tours can be arranged include coffee farms, canopy tours, butterfly and frog exhibits, volcano trips, and a wide choice of beaches on either coast.

At CheTica, Juan Carlos and Eric (brothers to owner Lorena) are experienced drivers and great conversationalists. They will stop with you at a supermarket or grocery store and help you shop if you have special wants. We had a discussion about North American women not letting men open doors when I first jumped out. I was handed in and out and up the steps like a princess.