Day 18: A Pause in the Afternoon

Liberia's Parque Central offers a slower pace, a calm heartbeat in the midst of warm, sunny Costa Rica. The park itself felt almost like a silent companion, with leafy trees providing shade for benches occupied by locals and travelers alike. A young family sat nearby, their laughter melding with the gentle rhythm of the afternoon. Nearby, a couple of older men were deep in conversation, their gestures animated, though their words were lost in the soft sounds of the street. I took a seat under a spreading tree and pulled out my sketchbook, intrigued by the shapes and shadows cast by the colonial buildings in the park. Liberia's historic charm is subtle but steady, as if the place wears its heritage like well-worn clothes. The day passed, accompanied by the steady comings and goings of the city. Just before I left, I bought a chilled guanábana juice from a local stall, savoring its sweetness as the evening's cooler breeze began to sweep in. Liberia's simplicity has an inviting depth. It left me with a quiet sense of belonging.