Living in Costa Rica retirement relocation tours.

A Moving Visit to Costa Rica’s Main Prison

As a writer I am always seeking new experiences and material for my publications. When my girlfriend, who is a lawyer, invited me to visit one of her clients who is imprisoned in Costa Rica’s main prison, la Reforma, I jumped at the chance.

We arrived early in the morning two days before Christmas and had to stand in line for about an hour. At the entrance I had to give them my Costa Rican ID card and go through a body search. Once we got inside we proceeded to a roofed basketball court where all of the prisoners with visitors gathered.

I had to have my hand stamped so I wouldn’t be confused with one of the inmates when leaving.

It was moving to see all of the prisoners in the minimum security area sitting on blankets and picnicking with their family members. Their families brought them gifts and typical Costa Rican food like tamales.

A few prisoners man handicrafts which they were selling in one corner of the facility. I purchased a couple of things to to help the inmates.

After spending an hour there I realized how lucky I was to have my freedom.