Dear Friend,

We were told Uber in Costa Rica was considered illegal. The government advised against it and there was even a possibility of getting fined if caught.  After attempting to purchase cheap tickets from San Jose to La Fortuna at two different bus terminals, we decided to take the risk and schedule an Uber. YOLO right?

Unknowingly holding our breath, we watched your blue car pull up to the curb. First, we verified the license plate to avoid being a victim of any abroad abduction, then hopped in. I thought it was strange that you advised my husband to sit in the front seat in order to be inconspicuous from government officials, but we cooperated. Then we began our 2.5 hour journey to La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Although you didn’t speak English well, you tried answering all our questions to the best of your ability. We enjoyed learning about the history of CR and even about the nearby strike going on with the bus workers. Thank you for ensuring our safety. 

After making a quick stop to recharge your electric car, we finally made it to our destination. When you asked us if we would need a ride back to San Jose after our stay, hubby and I looked at each other in relief. We were shocked that you actually wanted to drive back to your home in San Jose, then back to La Fortuna to come get us, only to drive back to San Jose. We thought to ourselves, “this guy must really like driving”. Without any hesitation, you did exactly that. However, as we were driving back to La Fortuna, I found myself regretting that decision. 

Jorge, your driving put me in a fear that I will never forget. You were texting, checking the latest on Instagram, eating ice cream with one hand while speeding through the curvy mountain roads at night. I felt like our lives were in danger!

So many thoughts went through my head. Was this normal driving in CR? Was I overreacting? Should I say something? Should we get another driver after this? Will we even live to see another driver???? After my husband saw the terror on my face, thankfully he started talking to you to ease up on the gas pedal, IG and whatever else you were doing. He even started playing music for you, which you seemed to enjoy. I am glad we made it safely, but that experience left a subconscious mark on my mind- never travel long distances at night in another country!

After returning to San Jose for one night, you offered to drive us to Uvita and then back to San Jose. Although I wanted to say “no thank you”, we agreed. 

Overtime, the driving seemed to get better. Even though I had a pretty big scare that night, we were grateful that you were patient, loyal and dependable. Even when we would leave our luggage in the car during an activity, we knew they were safe and that you would come back for us. There was something about you that made us feel at ease, which is essential for any traveler in a foreign country. 

Jorge, thank you for being you-crazy driving and all. It didn’t seem like you had a family of your own, but we still appreciate the sacrifice that was made to wake up during those early hours to ensure picking us up on time.

When you dropped us off at the airport, you said “see you later when you return”. We replied, “Yes, Jorge. See you next time”. Surprisingly, we meant it. After spending long car rides with you, we began to see you as more than our driver. We saw you as our friend. We definitely plan to come back to Costa Rica and having you as our trusted driver again would be an honor.  Pura Vida!

Hasta luego amigo, 

Your New Friends at Travel Bien!