Locker #H56

Porte Viejo, Costa Rica

Located on the caribbean sea, Porte Viejo is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride from San Jose. Costa Rica just keeps getting better and better.

My seat mate on the bus trip was... Interesting. I found out he was from Denmark but he looked like a SoCal skate King. Black, Quicksilver shorts. Ratty, white wife beater tank that looked like he has worn it 7 days straight. Red sun inked over a black star tattoo over his heart. Short brown hair with crazy, stoner beard. He was also sporting a NY Yankee cap that was way too big for him. His name was Chris and he is a Communications Major at a University back home in Denmark. He's here in Costa Rica earning his internship credit.

We talked a lot about Costa Rica, the world politics (like always), and of course kicking it root down around the world. The most awesome part of our conversation went like this:

He asks me, "What do you like best about Costa Rica?" I shrug and respond, "The people. They are soooo welcoming, friendly and giving here. Great people."
"What do you like most?" He puts his index finger and thumb together in front of his lips and with the most awesomest stoner voice ever says, "The weed bro, the weed."
Never know what to say after that. "How's it compare to the weed in Denmark?"
"The weed in Denmark is skiddish. Garbage. That is why I started growing my own" he exhales.
"Isn't that illegal?"
"Yeah, that's why I only grow for me and it is inside so no one will know."

He then whips out a switch blade (I thought I was dead). "Want some cake?"
"Uh... Na, I'm good."
I pull out my book and dive right in with one eye on the page and one eye on my new stoner friend. He slices up a small pound cake and we cruise to the beach.

Today's blog is titled "Locker H56" cause that was my locker at Rocking J's, hottest hostel in the world. This is the best place for travelers from around the world. Everyone is here, even my new bud Chris.

There are several things that make this the coolest place for travelers. Here are a few:

1. The atmosphere. A total tossed salad here. We have met people from all over the world. All hanging together. All partying together. Pool tables, foos ball, and the sickest beer pong table I have ever seen. Last night was the owner's brother, Erik's birthday and the whole place was celebrating. The cops came at 1:00am to shut it down but they just built a bonfire on the beach and moved the party out there. The music didn't stop thumping till 4:00am. There was no sleep till Brooklyn (literally, they played every Beastie Boys song throughout the night).

2. The accommodations. Rocking J's set up is a brilliant process. You walk in through the bar/restaurant to get to the front desk that is off to the left. When looking out to the beach, two huge areas flank both the left and the right. No walls, just a floor and massive ceiling. Under each roof hang 40 hammocks that go for $5 per night. On the 2nd story over the restaurant is where the tents are located. You can rent a 1, 2, or 4 person tent for $4. That space is filled with at least 30 tents. They also have rooms there tucked away in corners that sleep 2 & 4 people for $7. If you wanted to do a group site, they have three group sites with hammocks, tables, and chairs. For meals, you can go to the restaurant or they have a full kitchen with 10 burners for cooking your own food. All of this located right on the beach and 30 yards from the water.

3. The location is perfect. Right on the beach. 10 minute walk to the Jaguar Rescue Center.

We made it back home today from our time on the coast. Had a great weekend.