We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on a dark and dreary afternoon but this white cemetery glowed like a beacon. On our last day we finally walked to it. The Cementerio General de San Jose – built in 1845.
Although there were some large and impressive family crypts, I was touched by these simple stacked crypts. Some of the markers were handwritten.
In memory of our dear: ‘Percy’. Those who forget die, but you will always live in our hearts. We love you. Your family.
The words touched me deeply, as did his smiling face. May he rest in peace.
The vivid Tai plants drew me to this large family grave.
The cemetery was an oasis of peace just a short distance from bustling city streets. It is a beautiful location to visit and be interred. Blue skies, green grass and mountains.
The groundskeepers were a friendly group, happily greeting us while they had their lunch. They should have been very proud of how well the Cementerio General was maintained.
Postcards from Kerry 
Cemeteries are more than final destinations for the dead, and I love visiting a few whenever I travel (and I think that most travellers are accidental taphophiles – if you’ve ever visited Père-Lachaise in Paris, Bonaventure in Savannah, Ga., or St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, you qualify). For me, it’s not just about a bunch of dead people. It’s art, architecture, stones from different eras, horticulture, flowers, trees and birdwatching. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have visited cemeteries in Savannah and New Orleans – very impressive and atmospheric. Thank you for your comment, Aiva! 💗
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I find Animal Cemeteries much easier to visit.
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I like animal cemeteries, too. There is a lovely one at Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West. They are all named after movie stars.
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There are many neglected cemeteries in the world. Vandalized ones too. It’s good to see one that’s in fine condition.
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It is sad to see neglected cemeteries, Neil. The last one that I thought was neglected was a Yellow Fever cemetery – there didn’t seem to be any recent graves. Thank you!
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It looks like the cemetery we visited in Cozumel, Mexico. It was well kept though and we got a chance to meet the gardener and chat with him
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Curiously, I haven’t visited any cemeteries in the Yucatan. The next time I visit, it will be on my list. Thank you for the tip! K x
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I think cemeteries are very peaceful. Especially when they’re so well-cared for.
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They are often a respite in a busy tourist destination. Thank you, Ann!
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There is nothing like a cemetery to make you feel peaceful. It’s like a walking the woods or by the see. Total hypnotists to all three. Those interred do not make a noise and if they do…run.
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Ha, ha! I always run when the interred make a noise. Thank you, Joseph! K x
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I often find that cemeteries are an interesting look into the customer of a culture. Maggie
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That’s so true, Maggie. I would love to see a cemetery from one of your exotic destinations.
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You did! Costa Rica is exotic!!
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LOL!
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Hi Kerry,
That is interesting, I never thought of visiting cemeteries when traveling. I did visit one in Jerusalem, as it was in the tour route.
I think it says a lot about a place the way they treat the dead.
Blessings to you!
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I think cemeteries reveal much about the culture of the place. Have a lovely weekend, Ana!
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I love visiting cemeteries because they usually are such wonderful oases of peace and tranquility. And often they are havens for birds as well.
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I love the silence and reverence. Thank you, Tanja!
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What a striking and unusual place – the white stone must be from a nearby and plentiful source. And it’s nice that the living exist comfortably alongside those who have gone before.
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It never occurred to me that there must be white rock locally but that’s a great point. I will ask my geologist husband! Thank you, Roy. K x
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An oasis of peace indeed!
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Thank you!
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De nada!
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Interesting… In Guatemala the graves look similar but are painted vivid colors! They fly kites on the Day of the Dead to release their spirits.
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The white cemetery was serene but I love the idea of a colorful graveyard with kites. A celebration of life and death.
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You might enjoy: https://ruthrosenfeld.com/2022/10/29/kites/
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Thank you!
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Cemeteries are so interesting
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I can spend hours walking around them. Thank you!
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