A Traveller’s Lunch in Costa Rica
You Never Know Who You Might Meet
I sat down at the open air bar to decide on my lunch. It was quiet, with only a few other people at the bar. I had my choice of tables. I chose one in the corner, nicely shaded, with a fan overhead.
The walls were decorated with vibrant graffiti-style art: flowers, masks and animals. I overheard later that they’d been spray painted by a graffiti artist from San José.
Guns ‘n Roses, Metallica, AC/DC, and Bon Jovi played on the speakers.
The fan above me gave little respite from the heat. My beer helped a bit.
I ordered a Casado (a meal with meat, rice, beans, salad, and fried plantain) and relaxed into the moment, taking in my surroundings.
I noticed a little guy at a table nearby, and hoped he might come over to see me.
After my food arrived, he made his way over to my table.
His company was pleasant, but he only had one thing in mind.
When it was clear I wouldn't give him what he wanted, he sauntered away to make his rounds around the bar.
I continued eating my meal.
He passed by a few more times, sometimes looking at me, sometimes pretending to ignore me, but I hadn't changed my mind.
I would have been happy for him to sit with me while I ate, but he had one thing in mind and I wasn't going to give it to him.
He and his buddies left. A few minutes later, he came back alone and sat a few feet away from me, occasionally making eye contact, otherwise, much like me, checking out the surroundings.
I finished my meal and the server took my plate away. With the absence of my plate, the little guy was no longer interested in me. He walked to the table where I’d first seen him, and lay down underneath it for a nap.
I sat back, enjoying my passionfruit batido (smoothie), watching him & the other dogs who'd returned and were lounging around the bar.
What a way to enjoy a relaxing day!
