Puerto Limón, a town considered by most Ticos (Costa Ricans) as that black sheep of the Caribbean family. Folks only stop in Limón because they’re basically forced to; they start their journey over here to Tortuguero, are in need of changing buses while travelling from San José to Puerto Viejo, or find themselves voluntarily stuck in the town due to the Caribbean cruise they’re taking.
Puerto Limón has had a rough-and-tumble, wild wild east, capital of crime-kind of reputation for decades. If you ask a Tico from the west about their first thoughts regarding Limón you shouldn’t expect a pretty answer. The many stunned looks I received when I told someone I lived in Puerto Limón are beyond counting. At the same time it was kind of difficult to explain friends and family back home that Costa Rica is more than that eco-organic-happyclappy-image it tries to sell abroad.
With the upcoming new port, the city seems to experience better days however. I might be biased about that, but it seems like buildings are being restored (although unfortunately the most famous one of all, the Black Star Line, burnt down in 2016), that the town is enlightened again by its vibrant festivals (after a security lockdown) and that people realize the upcoming trade flow may mean something to them personally as well.
I lived for two years in Limón and I experienced both moments that I truly detested ánd absolutely loved this city. It came in waves, or loops perhaps like a rollercoaster. I guess you could say that if you can’t handle the city at its worst, you don’t deserve it at its best :). For sure I can say it’s a remarkable town and that I left it with a heavy heart.
Costa Rica and all its people in it – both Tico and expat -, I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity and the things you taught me! I hope Limón will gain momentum in the next decade and we’ll surely come back to see its change.
They say the best memories are the ones that we forget. So below some random moments that I captured along the way, whether special or not. Hope they’ll evoke some happy thought for my fellow expats too.
Look over here if you’d like to see some more vivid portraits of the festivals!
Here’s where to find my former home town!
