Another lovely hot day in San Jose today. I'm finally beginning to believe that "summer" might exist here in the mountains. I almost wore a tank top to work today, but decided it was unattractive, and took it off. Decided NO shirt was more unattractive, and found a t-shirt. Whew, the drama of getting dressed.
After tutoring this morning, and not having to be Dr. Octopus when we played, I caught the San Pedro bus down to the National Theatre to meet Tammi and Luisa. What august monument did we choose as our designated meeting place? The ornate metal gate? Nope. We met outside one place that everyone can identify: McDonald's. We did choose not to have the classic burger meal, but opted instead for a Lebanese stall type thing in a type of shopping centre. It wasn't quite a mall, but it wasn't a real food court either. It was good, and I'd return. After that it was time for the main reason for our foray into downtown: an English bookstore.
Now, those of you who have Chapters or Barnes & Noble at your disposal won't think much of this adventure. Those of you avid readers who have lived in a foreign country and have searched high and low for reading material just might understand. Here in Costa Rica, English language books, especially novels, are few and far between. When you do find them, you end up paying twice as much for them as you would at home. Let me tell you, Tammi has saved me.
I don't know the name of the store, if it has one. It looks a bit more like a book dump than a planned store, and my fingers were itching to realign piles and alphabetize (I gave in for a few moments) but it is pleasure in a tiny space. Here's the deal: You bring in novels, or any other book you don't want anymore (or could live without - I always want my books) and the man behind the counter looks at them, and gives you a verbal credit limit. I brought in 2 books, and he gave me a c2000 credit. I thought that was total, but after picking out my new/old books, I had a credit of c4000. I now have a few novels to read, and a beautiful book full of ballet stretches for people who want to get into shape. The photography is beautiful, and I might use it in class. And it was only $7. I love books.
After searching through a few "Ropa Americana" stores (used/unsold clothes imported by the huge box from the States) Luisa found an ideal piece of clothing to send to her blog-pal who creates something new every day out of something too hideous or out-of-style to wear anymore. I think this is the blog http://www.newdressaday.com/ , but Luisa can set you straight at her blog http://lessons-la-frontera.blogspot.com/. Both interesting reads, anyhow!
We were just about done in, and planning on catching the bus when we passed Roma Caffe. It's a tiny, pretty classy little place that can't quite decide what it is. It's a restaurant, bar, coffee spot that offers good drinks, live music on the Friday nights and a Sunday brunch, all with an Italian flair. All of us had expressed an interest in checking it out at some point or another, and so why not? In we trooped with our used clothing and books, and took up residence at the bar.
We decided we wanted the place to be a bar, and ordered in that manner. I was hoping to see "Monkey Business" on the menu, but alas. Then I saw it: Alexander. I had no idea if I liked Brandy, I know I don't like coffee (I thought creme de cacao would be chocolate. So dumb.) One of my favorite songs ever is "Brandy Alexander" by Leslie Fiest. I had to try it, and thankfully, I liked it. It does "go down easy."
I've added the video I found on Youtube. It's a good recording, and an interesting video (though one which doesn't seem to have anything to do with the words...) Ballet and brandy. Good day.
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