I‘ve always fantasized about a world without borders, without nationalities—a world where no one is Venezuelan, Costa Rican, American, or Mexican but simply a citizen of the world. Yes, I know, it’s a bit idealistic, and yes, I’m aware that my idea is far from original. Many of us dream of a world without so many geopolitical limitations. The truth is, though, this is merely a fantasy. There are divisions and limits across every piece of land we call a country.
So, back to reality—I’m Venezuelan and have had temporary residency in Costa Rica for almost two years now. But like every utopian dream, there’s a way to escape, a valve that allows you to blend a little fantasy with reality so you don’t lose it entirely. For me, that valve is traveling—especially traveling by land, with that mix of excitement and a little anxiety, knowing that now you’re in one country and, just a step (or five meters) later, you’re in another.
I must confess that my escape valve was nearly another utopian dream. For many reasons—some legitimate, others more like excuses—I’d never done it until now. To be honest, I’ve traveled very little internationally, but I set out to change that a few years ago.
As an immigrant, I carry emotional debts tied to my country, my family, and my people. My parents are in Venezuela, along with most of my family, while my brother, his wife, and daughters now live in Panama. So, it’s no surprise that for our first vacation since moving to Costa Rica, I came up with the brilliant (and I mean that without sarcasm) idea of traveling to Panama—and doing it by land. But wait! I can’t continue without first telling you about the two weeks leading up to our trip: preparing the car, our almost-3-year-old daughter, my husband, and ourselves for a journey of approximately 15 hours to Panama City.
My Parents Arrive
My parents arrived in Panama on October 14, and on the 16th, my daughter, husband, and I eagerly welcomed them at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica. They planned to spend two weeks with us before heading to my brother’s house for another two. Our plan was to join them in Panama for a couple of weeks of family sightseeing.
My parents are an adorable elderly couple—my mom is 74, and my dad just turned 82 here. Despite their health issues and tired bodies, they gathered the courage to take not one but two flights to visit their children and grandchildren. With them, we couldn’t plan any grand adventures, so we embraced the Costa Rican “Pura Vida” lifestyle: relaxed, unhurried, and safe.
Our first stop was Juan Mora Fernández Plaza in downtown San José, where we bought a bag of corn and enjoyed watching our little one feed the pigeons. The scorching sun quickly drained my parents’ energy. Next to the plaza stands the National Theater, a Neoclassical architectural gem inaugurated in 1897. Its lobby houses a small café and gift shop.
Mindful of the sun’s toll on my parents, I suggested we step inside for a coffee and a breather. Unfortunately, the heat had already taken its toll on my mom, who experienced a sharp drop in blood pressure that scared us for what felt like an eternity.
After the scare, we decided to stay in the car, enjoying the air conditioning, and headed toward Poás Volcano. We didn’t plan to reach the summit, as it’s a demanding activity and we’d had enough excitement for one day. Still, the journey to Poás is worth it for the scenery alone: lush vegetation, clean air, and stunning views.
Along the way, we stopped in Poasito. The cool mountain weather and light rain were a welcome contrast to San José’s intense heat. We bought souvenirs, enjoyed fresh strawberries, and indulged in palmito cheese, which reminded us of Venezuelan cheese. After that bittersweet day, we adjusted our plans to focus on a more laid-back “senior-friendly” tourism style.
Exploring Costa Rica
The following weekend, we explored small towns in Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area. We visited Santo Domingo de Heredia, where we relaxed in its Central Plaza, entered the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and admired the Basilica Santo Domingo de Guzmán, declared an architectural heritage site in 2013.
The next day, we headed to Cartago, driving up toward Irazú Volcano. The views, farmland, and small community of Cot were a delight. We later descended into Cartago’s city center to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, built in 1912 in a Byzantine style with Romanesque influences. It’s the main religious pilgrimage site in Costa Rica.
By the end of our tour, hunger struck, and we stopped at a humble restaurant near the basilica. To our surprise, it served one of the best pizzas we’ve had during our nearly two years in Costa Rica.
Our time with my parents was filled with love, quality moments, and mutual pampering. Though we didn’t embark on grand adventures, we created cherished memories. They were enchanted by the simplicity and peace of Costa Rican life, and we were grateful to show them love and care in person after two years of virtual hugs and kisses.
Farewell and a New Journey
On October 29, my parents left for Panama. My daughter and I bid them goodbye at the airport without tears or long farewells, knowing we’d join them the next day by land. We still had 12 days to enjoy each other’s company, this time with my brother and his family.
It was time to finish packing, load the car, double-check our daughter’s and vehicle’s travel documents, and rest for the long road ahead. Panama surprised me. In some ways, it even charmed me. But that’s a story for the next chapter. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
