Auckland , General info:
9/10

Often callled the city of sails due to the many boats in its harbor. Auckland has over 50 volcanos and Range Toto - a volcanic Island in the center of the harbour is only 600 years old. Fott prints preserved in ash show that the native population actually watched this volcanic Island form. The rocks on the Island are still warm to the touch.

Auckland , Cheap stuff:
7/10

Visit One Tree Hill (although the tree was chopped down by a Mauri activist recently) for a beautiful view of the city. Also visit the Albert museum, which also has a spectacular view.

San Jose , General info:
8/10

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the center of the country, sprawling across the Central Valley, the city is the seat of the government, the focal point of political and economic activity, as well as the major transportation hub of this Central American nation.

San Jose , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Super markets and grocers usually have better prices than shops that cater to tourists.

San Jose , Different stuff:
9/10

There are no street addresses in San Jose, or for that matter, in Costa Rica. This does create problems. People here give directions by referring to landmarks.

San Jose , Don't miss:
9/10

Gold Museum, which offers a rare look at various gold artifacts of the ancient Latin American civilizations. The collection consists of 1600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD. Information is given on the processing and making of the pieces as well as their social, cultural and religious meanings.

San Jose , Food:
8/10

Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica, offer dining opportunities that span the globe. From sushi to Italian, from fast food to French cuisine to Argentine beef to Peruvian seafood, you will find far more than just rice and beans in local restaurants

San Jose , Hotels:
9/10

San Jose is full of hotels from one star to perhaps three. Just a few luxury hotels with great service.

San Jose , Safety:
9/10

The traffic is dangerous. Cars don't stop for pedestrians, and they generally drive fast. The area around the Coca Cola Bus Terminal is not safe at night, and you should watch your belongings at all times in the city. If you have a flat tire on the main highway to the airport, don't accept help except from an established service station, and never accept help from a person who offers to help on the highway. It may become a car-jacking. If you travel by bus, never put your luggage into the storage space, even if the driver wants you to at the beginning of the travel. Crime is a serious problem, so be constantly on the alert. Also, police may stop you and take you to jail for not carrying your passport, or a photocopy of the main page and the entry stamp.