An elderly woman who for years made one of the doors of the central market her lottery-selling corner. Perhaps she arrived there before many other vendors, managing to nestle herself in a high-traffic area with guaranteed sales. I imagine her daily ritual

For a couple of years, Paquito the rooster and his owner wandered the streets of San José. His owner allowed tourists and passersby to take photos and pet Paquito. It has been a long time since I last saw them in San José or at the Central Market, where they had been familiar figures for years

I suppose this is partly due to the fact that there are fewer and fewer regular customers, since the city of San José—especially the area where the market is located—virtually lacks residential housing and has become more of a transit zone and workplace than a place to live

Next to the Central Bank of Costa Rica stands the Coffee Monument. I admit that I have never really paid much attention to this fountain; I know its name and whenever I pass by it, I see people sitting there. However, I do not know its history or origin.

This is Victor, farmer and salesman at Zapote Farmers Market. He knew me. Before I was able to know him. For as long as I can remember he has been a recurring face at the Zapote Farmer’s Market.

For a short time, this man was a very recurring face in San José. He was always with his dog and his cat. He used to ask for money and let people pet his companions in return.