I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica early afternoon, 8.24.24 flying into SJO. Given that I had an early morning flight the following morning to Panama City, I selected this museum for their overall historical content to inform myself in advance of my 3-week vacation in the country. This place was a great deal, I spent $11 for the entrance fee, which included being able to use a locker to store my luggage (2 backpacks and a medical device bag) as I had not yet checked into my lodging for the night. They have tons of history told through images and stories, as well as artifacts and even taxidermy animals unique to the region. This museum also has remnants of the prison that had been located at this site, with come example holding cells.

The thing that surprised me and delighted me the most, was the butterfly garden. Small but mighty, this space affords you the opportunity to walk among a myriad of butterfly species in the middle of the country’s capital city. I was fortunate enough to have a Blue Morpho butterfly land on my shoulder and was able to capture the moment in a selfie. While I had the opportunity to visit other larger butterfly gardens within the country, this was actually my favorite because you were able to get so close and walk among the butterflies freely without guides directing your movement. I could have easily spent more time here but wanted to see more in the surrounding neighborhood before the sun went down.

I was patient and it happened, a *Morpho menelaus* or commonly known as Blue Morpho butterfly landed on my shoulder.

After leaving the Museum and visiting some nearby free sites (see post) I had my first meal in Costa Rica at Restaurante Nuestra Tierra. I was going to order one of their large sample platters but was talked down by my server who explained it was far more food than I would need. They suggested a smaller dish that provided some sampler options and I have to say even that was a lot of food so I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach after the travelling all day and finally settling in for some food. I had some interesting juice drinks with my food and got to face out towards the street and watch the city do its thing in front of me. There was also live music which was pleasant with the singer trying to get restaurant goers to sing along or at least engage them in some conversation. I was happy to not be called on and made sure to tip them.