10. Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock attached to the Old Town Hall in Prague is arguably one of the most famous clocks in the world. The medieval clock can be found at the southern portion of the town hall’s tower and has been a landmark in the Czech Republic since 1410. At the top of each hour, doors on the clock open up to present a procession of the Twelve Apostles of Christ.
Aside from the apostles, four figures are flanking the clock that is also set in motion at the strike of the hour. These figures are said to represent the sins of vanity, greed, lust, and their ultimate demise of death, depicted as a skeleton that toles a bell. The beautiful clock not only tells time but showcases the exact position of the sun, moon, and planets at any given the time of day.
One of the most fascinating things to do in Prague with kids, crowds gather around the clock toward the top of the hour to watch the mechanical show. Originally created by clockmaker Mikulas of Kadan and mathematics and astronomy professional Jan Sindel, the clock is now over 600 years old. It has undergone many renovations and reconstructions over the centuries, some caused by damage from uprisings and wars and others resulting from age and the need for restoration.
2. Soccer: The National Sport of Costa Rica
Soccer is the most popular sport in Costa Rica, it’s almost a religion.
Some say soccer became so popular in Costa Rica culture because -
one ball can be shared among many.
Moreover, the game can be played almost everywhere. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a town in Costa Rica that doesn’t have at least one soccer field, called a “cancha” in Tico Spanish.
During the lunch hour and after work you’ll see large groups of soccer players heading to the field for a friendly match, called a “mejenga”.
The National Team is called “Le Sele”, which has played in four World Cups.
Anytime one of the Costa Rican teams are playing, you can be sure all of the neighborhood bars will be full of people watching the football game and drinking. Soccer is an important Costa Rican tradition.
Soccer is not just a sport, but a part of the Tico pride and identity.
3. Enyucados
Enyucados are a delicious Costa Rican food made from yucca root, also known as cassava.
The yuca is peeled, grated and mixed with shredded mozzarella cheese.
The mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown. The end result is a crispy, savory snack that is traditionally served with salsa rosada for dipping.
Enyucados are a favorite snack food in Costa Rica and can be found sold by many street markets and restaurants.
Enyucados are often served as an appetizer or as a side dish with a main meal.
4.Costa Rican currency is as colorful as its terrain.
Every denomination of Costa Rican cash features a different landscape and animal chosen from Costa Rica’s vast biodiversity, including the white-tailed deer, capuchin monkey, sloth, and blue morpho butterfly, all of which can be easily sighted here.
5. Gallo Pinto
Gallo Pinto means ‘painted rooster,’ but refers to a rice-and-beans mixture that is commonly considered the national dish of Costa Rica.
Locals in the country’s capitol of San José and throughout the country actually eat the meal for breakfast, combining the rice and beans with scrambled or fried eggs. But the national dish is often enjoyed without eggs at any time of the day. And the true Costa Rica Gallo Pinto rice and beans dish is extremely flavorful.
7. Churchill
Churchill is a popular Costa Rican dessert that is perfect for a hot day.
It is a mixture of shaved ice, syrup, condensed milk and a variety of toppings such as fruit, chocolate chips and cookies. The various ingredients are layered in a cup, with the shaved ice on the bottom and the toppings on top, creating a colorful and delicious treat.
Churchill is a popular street food in Costa Rica and can be found in many roadside stands and ice cream shops throughout the Central American country.
9. Pura Vida “Simple Life”
Costa Rica is known for their “Pura Vida” outlook or culture. Pura Vida is a Costa Rican phrase that means “simple life” or “pure life.” It’s used as a greeting and also as a general philosophy.
For Costa Ricans, Pura Vida is about enjoying the simple things in life and appreciating what you have. It’s a positive outlook and a way of enjoying the moment. This is definitely a popular place to take your foot off the gas and appreciate the things in life.
Pura Vida is also about being friendly, laid-back, and helpful. If you’re looking for Pura Vida, you’ll find it in the people you meet, the stunning natural scenery, and the relaxed atmosphere.