I thought it would be interesting to show all the businesses and institutions that face the four sides of Atenas Central Park. So today I walked around all these trees facing out and photographing each establishment, starting with the church and going counter-clockwise. South side, east side, north side and then west side.
The city recently thinned out the trees & painted bases & benches. Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
SOUTH SIDE OF PARK
Catholic ChurchSouth Side of Park, Facing North, (which doesn’t match stories about Costa Rica churches facing west so worshippers face east to Jerusalem) Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
EAST SIDE OF PARK
La Cafeteria – The Coffee Shop Plus 3 other shops in corner building across from church Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Tribunales de Justicia, Court House Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Photography Shop Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Discount Groceries (Chinese store) This is in location of what was the largest Bar/Restaurant in Centro But a lack of business and illegal activities closed them down. Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
A Dress Shop Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
A busy Bakery on left + 3 little shops Bakery is only place to get coffee at 5 AM + Bus Stop is there! Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
And the next corner is an expensive Young Adult Clothing Shop Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
NORTH SIDE OF PARK
POP’S Ice Cream & Bar Punga Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Unknown Office Building & Shoe Repair Shop Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Mattress & Bedding Shop Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
A Lunch Only Soda Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Florist Downstairs & Apartment Upstairs Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Banco Nacional – My Bank The other 2 banks are about a block away and notice the long line at the ATM at left, typical everywhere here.
Pizzeria Olivera – The most popular Pizza for Ticos. Most expats prefer the thin crust pizza at La Finca a block away. Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
WEST SIDE OF PARK
City Hall Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
I think it is an addition to the City Hall – Brand New! Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Women & Children’s Clothing + Fabrics & Patterns to Make Your Own Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
University Extension Classes Here Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
Clothing Store & Pharmacy The center of town at Calle 0 and Avenida 0 Atenas Central Park, Costa Rica
One block down that street above to the right is the other big commercial area with the Central Market, Bus Station, 3 furniture stores, hardware store, 3 super markets, many clothing shops, gift shops, office supply, and our best discount store El Rayo, like a big dollar store in the states with cheap Chinese stuff. There is actually more shopping going on there than around Central Park. Maybe a post on that someday.
You can get most things you really need here, just not always American brands. The rich Americans who can’t adapt to other cultures drive their big cars to Alajuela and San Jose where there are shopping havens like being in the states. The Escazu suburb of San Jose is the “little USA” for shopping and dining. I don’t like that but do get a few things I really like at Alajuela Pricesmart or Walmart and very rarely at the big City Mall in Alajuela. All by bus and taxi.
I just ran across one of our local Realtor’s “Top Ten Reasons Expats Retire in Atenas” that I thought you guys thinking about retiring here might be interested in. Of course this guy is trying to sell you property, so read it through that filter! And he particularly markets to wealthy Americans.
And if you haven’t seen the latest Atenas PR video, it is not commercial: Atenas
