Here I am in sunny, hot Quepos - located in the south west side of the country. My last entry was from La Fortuna, we left there a few days ago (sorry, don't even know what day it is now). Our van drove us to a boat, where we travelled around the bottom of the volcano, and then met our next "vehicle" - horses! We rode for 2.5 hours in the rain forest on the most beautiful creatures. Well most of them. Martin's horse (our French Canadian) kept biting all of our horses, but it was quite comical and fortunately he was able to contain the rascal. It was raining, so we were all in ponchos and helmeted and looking like we were ready for action, but really raining in the rain forest is quite acceptable! After riding, we were all complaining of horse butt (as compared to squash butt!- nonsquashers: that is when your butt kills after not having played squash for a few days).
We arrived in Mondeverde, a small town in the cloud forest - and they are not kidding. The ride up the mountain was about 1 hour of driving at 20 - 30 km per hour. This was a dirt road with many, many potholes. So one gravol later and we are off the races. When we arrived, whew, we all were commenting that this was a trip being "jiggled about" (a Louise expression pronunced with the best Leeds accent). We were in an area of 100% humidity, and when we were there, although not typical, very strong winds. We took a tour in the cloud forest, looking at adaptation of plants and some animals. The difference between a cloud and a rain forest is that the cloud forest has a great altitude and therefore what would be rain, is now clouds, the rain falls on the surrounding lower areas.
The next day, some of us decided to walk on the canopy bridges, giving us a different perspective of the forest, but really the same species were seen. The real excitement, and I mean real excitement came when we went ziplining.
I have never had such adreline highs. Imagine that you are harnassed in, attached to a line that is 100 m above the forest floor, and runs for 400 m. Oh, I forgot to mention, that before you take off for the trip, the guide is yelling something at you in spanish (probably, "alright you crazy gringo, you asked for it, here you go, hang on!") and then he sends you away. The view is positively nothing that I have seen, and the high from being so free up the sky is incredible. You are whisked from line to line, like clothes out to dry on the clothesline. Zipping across the cloud forest like you are an eagle. Wonderful.
At one platform, I was too light and the guide was yelling at me for breaking, but I hadn't. Really! Well, then he whisked me around and says turn around. I do (not wanting to get in trouble). That is when I swore! And most of you know that I don't really do that. Oh my god, I dropped down a 15ft rapelle. Like a free fall, but not knowing that that was what you were going to do. (I would like to report that I was not the only one who swore). My heart was pounding out of my chest and across the forest. Ten minutes of recovery and we were off again. That was the biggest rush of my life!
We then left Mondeverde, which incidently is a coffee growing region of Costa Rica. Some of us, all the Canadians, left early in the morning and headed for the beach. I have spent the last two days like a two toed sloth - hanging out on the beach with little movement. Decided not to sign up for a single activity but to enjoy the sounds of the palms rustling in the breeze, and the waves crushing on the shore. This is my down town after a fab trip.
Tomorrow I am heading for Manual Antonio National Park for a day of hiking - pleasure hiking (i.e. no hills) and taking photos of the abundance of monkeys. The rest of the day I will spend snorkelling and slothing. We are having our last night dinner together on the beach- a local is cooking us a barbeque right on the beach.
But now, it is hot and I am off to the pool. We (the Canadians) just came from dinner and we are about to have a late night swim before retiring for the day. Most days we are in bed by 10 p.m. It is exhausting having so much fun you know!
This is probably my last entry before I head back to San Jose where I will be for one night and then off to the big land of snow. This continues to be a wonderful trip- can't wait to share it in person with all of you!
Brenda
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The adventures just get better and better!
It seems like a long time since I have written, and indeed it has been almost a week.
We left Puerto Viejo to head up to Tortuguero. Our transportation included a minivan to Limon for breakfast and quick shopping for long socks that we would need in our rubber boots! Yep, more on that later. Then we jumped into an open air type passenger boat that transported us up the coast in a canal which runs parallel to the Caribbean Sea. Tortuguero is accessible only by boat. This is where many different species of turtles come, a little later in the spring, to lay their eggs.
Our boat ride was about 4 hours along a river system. It really reminded me of the Otonabee (river that the cottage is on), tree lined, no signs of humans (except in passing boats), and wildlife galore. The waters are murky, and I can tell you that we were thankful for that. This waterway is absolutely filled with crocs! Yep, croc sightings everywhere. That was very cool, I have never seen a croc in its natural environment, we even saw two of them jump up a bit out of the water to catch something or maybe they were just showing off for us.
We saw many species of birds. In fact, this would be excellent birding territory since many of the birds are coming down to the water's edge to feed, or to nest. There was also a large number of monkeys, who would shake the branches that they were standing on in an attempt to look big and scary, pretty funny considering they probably weigh about 20 pounds. Howler monkeys and Kapuchin monkeys were the more common sightings. We also saw iguanos, including the Jesus Iguana which can walk on water, otters, turtles, and lots of two and three toed sloths. This ride was very enjoyable and a lovely means of transportation.
We stayed in Tortuguero only for one night. It was really a stop over for our more interesting stop- Rara Avis! We left Tortuguero early in the morning, by boat. A 2 hour ride, which included entering Nicaragua. Paid the nice border man the $9U.S., used the outhouse, got a stamp in our passports and away we went!
After the boat ride, we headed by minivan to the office of Rara Avis, Rara Avis is a lodge/biological station in the northwestern inland region of Costa Rica. To get to the lodge, we had to travel 15 km from the office. This took 4 hours! Yes, I am serious. The road was filled with huge potholes, stones, bolders and small pond like flooded regions. First we rode for about 1 hour in an army vehicle, then we were transferred to a tractor for 1.5 hours, we then hiked through the forest for 1.5h, finally reaching our lodge where dinner was waiting- Ahh! The Rara Avis was set up as a for profit research station and a way to preserve some of the rain forest. It is working, they have managed to convince the Costa Rican government of the importance of the rain forest and have not been de-foresting the area since its inception.
Rara Avis is right smack in the middle of a rain forest. It is so very dense with plants that when you look through the forest, you can see vines (many different types) hanging in front of your view, many epiphytes hanging onto branches and tree trunks of moss lined trees. It is the greenest sight that you can imagine. As you are walking, if you close your eyes and just listen you can hear frogs calling, cicadas singing, birds calling and often a waterfall cascading over the rocks in the distance. It is almost a religious experience - simply beautiful. Sometimes during our hiking I would just grin to myself and sigh a great big sigh of satisfaction.
During one of our hikes, we went to a the bottom of a waterfall swimming. We all loved it. Our hike had been about 2 hours through the very humid, muky rain forest, when we hit an open area the sun would be shining down on us as if to try and dry off our moist, sweat-laden bodies. But it was far to humid for the sweat to be evaporated. Imagine how absolutely wonderful it felt to dive off a boulder sitting 7 feet above the surface of the water into a pool of cool, fresh spring/river water. We were all elated to new levels - if that is even possible on such a great adventure.
We stayed for two nights at Rara Avis.
Our trek out was as it was heading in, but a few of us decided that we should just walk down the road and avoid the motion sickness that came along with the tractor ride. After walking about 1.5 hours through the forest, we then came to the road where some people waited for the tractor to reach them. But not the Canadians! Yep, team Canadian was like the native trooping through the muk, ruts, jumping over boulders heading to the town. Team Canada is Tania, now living in Mississauga, Elaine and Martin from just west of Montreal, and me. During our hike down from Rara Avis we passed a cow on the road. The poor girl looked pregnant (although who can say really?) and was laying in the full sun quite obviously not in good shape. We gave her some of our valuable water, which she lapped up and seemed like she was so greatful she almost smiled. We walked along farther to find some farmers. So here we are, none of us can speak spanish, in the country side where the population is probably 20, trying to explain to this farmer that there was a cow laying on the road. Elaine is trying to motion pregnancy and the following birth of the calf, I am laying on the ground panting, and Tania is trying to figure out the spanish word for cow. It was quite funny, but we thought that we were quite clear - until the fellow, in very quick spanish says something about a car and Limon (a city about 200 km away). What the heck? Doesn't he understand body language and Spenglish? We found out later that the farmer did actually understand - the others who were on the tractor, saw a farmer heading towards the cow armed with a syringe in hand. Yes, victory for the Canadians!
Now we are in La Fortuna, leaving tomorrow morning. La Fortuna has become a bustling town known for the active volcano Arenal, an abundance of hot springs, and many adventure tours. The first day, we took a hike up the side of the Arenal to view the lava flowing out of the volcano. You would be very lucky to see any lava, but not us. However, we did hear the very loud rumbling of the volcano. It sounded almost like thunder but was very deep sounding and localized to the volcano. That was worth the visit.
We then headed to Baldi Hot Springs. This was a wonderful treat after all of our hiking and roughing it during our travels to and from Rara Avis. There were 20 pools of varying temperatures. We tried as many as we could, what a completely luxious thing to do.
Enough resting for the Canadians, the next day we rented bicycles and went for a gruelling, and I mean gruelling ride outside of town. There was NO relief from the sun, and it was a very hot out. After riding for 2.5 hours, we found out jackpot - a swimming hole. We all changed at the side of the river and jumped in - boy did that feel great. The ride was worth the stunning views of Arenal and its surrounding country side.
That was not quite enough action for Tania and I - nope, need more adrenaline please! So we went Canyoneering/Rapelling. We were rapelling down Canyons that had a waterfall, or just rocks. It was so exhilerating! Imagine standing 60m above a waterfall and being told that you are going to jump off the platform and head on down. It was so exciting, I was laughing, screaming and grinning ear to ear all the way down each and every canyon. We all thought that we would make great Tarzans for an action film!
That brings me to today. We had a quiet relaxing day filled with strolling in the town, reading and having lunches that were overfilled with calories. It was a much needed rest after all the activities of the past days. Besides tomorrow we are heading to Mondeverde where the Canadians will be Ziplining throught the canopy of a cloud forest!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
We left Puerto Viejo to head up to Tortuguero. Our transportation included a minivan to Limon for breakfast and quick shopping for long socks that we would need in our rubber boots! Yep, more on that later. Then we jumped into an open air type passenger boat that transported us up the coast in a canal which runs parallel to the Caribbean Sea. Tortuguero is accessible only by boat. This is where many different species of turtles come, a little later in the spring, to lay their eggs.
Our boat ride was about 4 hours along a river system. It really reminded me of the Otonabee (river that the cottage is on), tree lined, no signs of humans (except in passing boats), and wildlife galore. The waters are murky, and I can tell you that we were thankful for that. This waterway is absolutely filled with crocs! Yep, croc sightings everywhere. That was very cool, I have never seen a croc in its natural environment, we even saw two of them jump up a bit out of the water to catch something or maybe they were just showing off for us.
We saw many species of birds. In fact, this would be excellent birding territory since many of the birds are coming down to the water's edge to feed, or to nest. There was also a large number of monkeys, who would shake the branches that they were standing on in an attempt to look big and scary, pretty funny considering they probably weigh about 20 pounds. Howler monkeys and Kapuchin monkeys were the more common sightings. We also saw iguanos, including the Jesus Iguana which can walk on water, otters, turtles, and lots of two and three toed sloths. This ride was very enjoyable and a lovely means of transportation.
We stayed in Tortuguero only for one night. It was really a stop over for our more interesting stop- Rara Avis! We left Tortuguero early in the morning, by boat. A 2 hour ride, which included entering Nicaragua. Paid the nice border man the $9U.S., used the outhouse, got a stamp in our passports and away we went!
After the boat ride, we headed by minivan to the office of Rara Avis, Rara Avis is a lodge/biological station in the northwestern inland region of Costa Rica. To get to the lodge, we had to travel 15 km from the office. This took 4 hours! Yes, I am serious. The road was filled with huge potholes, stones, bolders and small pond like flooded regions. First we rode for about 1 hour in an army vehicle, then we were transferred to a tractor for 1.5 hours, we then hiked through the forest for 1.5h, finally reaching our lodge where dinner was waiting- Ahh! The Rara Avis was set up as a for profit research station and a way to preserve some of the rain forest. It is working, they have managed to convince the Costa Rican government of the importance of the rain forest and have not been de-foresting the area since its inception.
Rara Avis is right smack in the middle of a rain forest. It is so very dense with plants that when you look through the forest, you can see vines (many different types) hanging in front of your view, many epiphytes hanging onto branches and tree trunks of moss lined trees. It is the greenest sight that you can imagine. As you are walking, if you close your eyes and just listen you can hear frogs calling, cicadas singing, birds calling and often a waterfall cascading over the rocks in the distance. It is almost a religious experience - simply beautiful. Sometimes during our hiking I would just grin to myself and sigh a great big sigh of satisfaction.
During one of our hikes, we went to a the bottom of a waterfall swimming. We all loved it. Our hike had been about 2 hours through the very humid, muky rain forest, when we hit an open area the sun would be shining down on us as if to try and dry off our moist, sweat-laden bodies. But it was far to humid for the sweat to be evaporated. Imagine how absolutely wonderful it felt to dive off a boulder sitting 7 feet above the surface of the water into a pool of cool, fresh spring/river water. We were all elated to new levels - if that is even possible on such a great adventure.
We stayed for two nights at Rara Avis.
Our trek out was as it was heading in, but a few of us decided that we should just walk down the road and avoid the motion sickness that came along with the tractor ride. After walking about 1.5 hours through the forest, we then came to the road where some people waited for the tractor to reach them. But not the Canadians! Yep, team Canadian was like the native trooping through the muk, ruts, jumping over boulders heading to the town. Team Canada is Tania, now living in Mississauga, Elaine and Martin from just west of Montreal, and me. During our hike down from Rara Avis we passed a cow on the road. The poor girl looked pregnant (although who can say really?) and was laying in the full sun quite obviously not in good shape. We gave her some of our valuable water, which she lapped up and seemed like she was so greatful she almost smiled. We walked along farther to find some farmers. So here we are, none of us can speak spanish, in the country side where the population is probably 20, trying to explain to this farmer that there was a cow laying on the road. Elaine is trying to motion pregnancy and the following birth of the calf, I am laying on the ground panting, and Tania is trying to figure out the spanish word for cow. It was quite funny, but we thought that we were quite clear - until the fellow, in very quick spanish says something about a car and Limon (a city about 200 km away). What the heck? Doesn't he understand body language and Spenglish? We found out later that the farmer did actually understand - the others who were on the tractor, saw a farmer heading towards the cow armed with a syringe in hand. Yes, victory for the Canadians!
Now we are in La Fortuna, leaving tomorrow morning. La Fortuna has become a bustling town known for the active volcano Arenal, an abundance of hot springs, and many adventure tours. The first day, we took a hike up the side of the Arenal to view the lava flowing out of the volcano. You would be very lucky to see any lava, but not us. However, we did hear the very loud rumbling of the volcano. It sounded almost like thunder but was very deep sounding and localized to the volcano. That was worth the visit.
We then headed to Baldi Hot Springs. This was a wonderful treat after all of our hiking and roughing it during our travels to and from Rara Avis. There were 20 pools of varying temperatures. We tried as many as we could, what a completely luxious thing to do.
Enough resting for the Canadians, the next day we rented bicycles and went for a gruelling, and I mean gruelling ride outside of town. There was NO relief from the sun, and it was a very hot out. After riding for 2.5 hours, we found out jackpot - a swimming hole. We all changed at the side of the river and jumped in - boy did that feel great. The ride was worth the stunning views of Arenal and its surrounding country side.
That was not quite enough action for Tania and I - nope, need more adrenaline please! So we went Canyoneering/Rapelling. We were rapelling down Canyons that had a waterfall, or just rocks. It was so exhilerating! Imagine standing 60m above a waterfall and being told that you are going to jump off the platform and head on down. It was so exciting, I was laughing, screaming and grinning ear to ear all the way down each and every canyon. We all thought that we would make great Tarzans for an action film!
That brings me to today. We had a quiet relaxing day filled with strolling in the town, reading and having lunches that were overfilled with calories. It was a much needed rest after all the activities of the past days. Besides tomorrow we are heading to Mondeverde where the Canadians will be Ziplining throught the canopy of a cloud forest!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Green, green, green in Puerto Viejo
I am now in the lovely caribbean town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca! It is green, hilly and sits alongside the caribbean coast. It is in the south-eastern portion of the country.
After arriving from a 4 hour bus ride, I headed straight to the beach - I deserved it afterall that sitting. Sat on the beach and just watched the waves and the salty mist roll ashore. The beach is tree lined with palms and other species and has some coral protruding from the sand her and there. I was with Tania, another Canadian on my trip. We chatted and then walked back to our hotel. Dinner was in town, but not until we got completely drenched by a rain storm. And I mean drenched, I had to ring out my cotton skirt before coming in because the floors were hardwood and it was too slippery when wet. Our restaurant was a fusion of Caribbean, Thai, Costa Rican - if you can imagine that! I had a chipolte chicken dish - yummy. While eating we listened to some expats play jazz - it was quite lovely, although most of us were wet the entire dinner! But that is part of the adventure, it is a GAP adventure tour afterall.
Today was a biologists dream! We had a 6 hour hike with Ricki - a local guy who is definitely in the know about the region. Our hike was through Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo. Otherwise known as Manzanillo Park. The park is very densley populated with vegetation, and lots and lots of birds. Today we saw three species of monkeys - and there are only four in all of Costa Rica - that tells you how diverse this park really is. The monkeys put on quite a show for us, breaking branches and behaving like wild chimps! It was pretty entertaining. We also saw two venomous snakes, the yellow eyelash viper! One was very yellow - like that colour of a dandelion. After Ricki let us all take a picture, he then told us how fatal its bite would be - whew! We also watched lots of different species of ants working away to bring leaves, or flowers to their colony. It was really amazing - until I started feeling little bites on my feet - Ooch!
The park was made a national park in 1985 and extends from Manzanillo (the town south of here) all the way to Panama - some 5000 hectares. The Costa Rican government is really making an effort to give back to what they now know was a mistake in farming their forests.
The hike seemed really long because we were told it would only be 3-4 hours, so we didn't really have any food. And most of us went through our water pretty quickly. It was a hot, and very humid day. If you closed your eyes and just listened you could hear the ocean in the distance, cicads buzzing away, red frogs calling for hopeful mates, and howler monkeys reminding us of their territorial bounds. It was a dream hike for any biology graduate! And I am pleased to report that most of what the guide said, I already knew -- and most others didn't, being our first hike. Sort of like when others talk business, and I get all glossy eyed! I was in my element.
Tomorrow we are heading north to Tortuguero - it will be a 8 hour journey. We have one night there and then we are off to a reserve called Rare Avis. This reserve is so remote that we have to take a 4 hour tractor ride to get there. Once we are there, there is no electricity for two days! Just nature, nature, and nature! I am really excited about this part of my trip.
My group is great. There are two couples, one from England, the other from Montreal. Then the girls! Yep, mostly women. We have 2 Canadians, 1 Brit, 1 Aussie and 3 Americans! There are two trip leaders because one of them is in training (one male- lucky fellow-Chimi, and a female- Leah). So far, it seems that everyone is jelling quite nicely. Outside of a few mishaps - one girl can't get any money from her bank card, and another girl just got her luggage tonight - we are off to the races!
Won't be updating until I reached Monderverde or La Forunta - where I will be ziplinning! I must remember to bring my usb/photo card for the next blog update.
Signing off and meeting up with my group...
Brenda
After arriving from a 4 hour bus ride, I headed straight to the beach - I deserved it afterall that sitting. Sat on the beach and just watched the waves and the salty mist roll ashore. The beach is tree lined with palms and other species and has some coral protruding from the sand her and there. I was with Tania, another Canadian on my trip. We chatted and then walked back to our hotel. Dinner was in town, but not until we got completely drenched by a rain storm. And I mean drenched, I had to ring out my cotton skirt before coming in because the floors were hardwood and it was too slippery when wet. Our restaurant was a fusion of Caribbean, Thai, Costa Rican - if you can imagine that! I had a chipolte chicken dish - yummy. While eating we listened to some expats play jazz - it was quite lovely, although most of us were wet the entire dinner! But that is part of the adventure, it is a GAP adventure tour afterall.
Today was a biologists dream! We had a 6 hour hike with Ricki - a local guy who is definitely in the know about the region. Our hike was through Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Gandoca-Manzanillo. Otherwise known as Manzanillo Park. The park is very densley populated with vegetation, and lots and lots of birds. Today we saw three species of monkeys - and there are only four in all of Costa Rica - that tells you how diverse this park really is. The monkeys put on quite a show for us, breaking branches and behaving like wild chimps! It was pretty entertaining. We also saw two venomous snakes, the yellow eyelash viper! One was very yellow - like that colour of a dandelion. After Ricki let us all take a picture, he then told us how fatal its bite would be - whew! We also watched lots of different species of ants working away to bring leaves, or flowers to their colony. It was really amazing - until I started feeling little bites on my feet - Ooch!
The park was made a national park in 1985 and extends from Manzanillo (the town south of here) all the way to Panama - some 5000 hectares. The Costa Rican government is really making an effort to give back to what they now know was a mistake in farming their forests.
The hike seemed really long because we were told it would only be 3-4 hours, so we didn't really have any food. And most of us went through our water pretty quickly. It was a hot, and very humid day. If you closed your eyes and just listened you could hear the ocean in the distance, cicads buzzing away, red frogs calling for hopeful mates, and howler monkeys reminding us of their territorial bounds. It was a dream hike for any biology graduate! And I am pleased to report that most of what the guide said, I already knew -- and most others didn't, being our first hike. Sort of like when others talk business, and I get all glossy eyed! I was in my element.
Tomorrow we are heading north to Tortuguero - it will be a 8 hour journey. We have one night there and then we are off to a reserve called Rare Avis. This reserve is so remote that we have to take a 4 hour tractor ride to get there. Once we are there, there is no electricity for two days! Just nature, nature, and nature! I am really excited about this part of my trip.
My group is great. There are two couples, one from England, the other from Montreal. Then the girls! Yep, mostly women. We have 2 Canadians, 1 Brit, 1 Aussie and 3 Americans! There are two trip leaders because one of them is in training (one male- lucky fellow-Chimi, and a female- Leah). So far, it seems that everyone is jelling quite nicely. Outside of a few mishaps - one girl can't get any money from her bank card, and another girl just got her luggage tonight - we are off to the races!
Won't be updating until I reached Monderverde or La Forunta - where I will be ziplinning! I must remember to bring my usb/photo card for the next blog update.
Signing off and meeting up with my group...
Brenda
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Do you know the way to San Jose
Well, if you don't know the way to San Jose - then I am your girl!
Arrived quite late on Thursday evening, hustled my way through the crowd and managed to be the first one out of the airport - how's that for experience? My hotel was quite lovely, gardens thoughout the grounds, our breakfast area was filled with different coloured birds that would sing sweetly as I immersed myself in my new environment. Friday was spent walking around the town, well they would probably call it a city, but it doesn't feel that big compared to our big smoke.
The downtown area has some lovely old buildings, but most of them are newer. The pedestrian only street is filled with shops, many of them advertising with paint-or soap- on the windows "descounte" - or something similar. Prices are remarkedly close to north american prices, a bit cheaper, I assume they have a high standard of living. Once on the streets, you are constantly bombarded with folks trying to pass on their advertisement - quarter or half sheets of photocopied "deals to be had" - even children are helping their parents in trying to get the tourists to accept the papers. Now, what would I really do with a dry cleaning service, or a free car wash?
After hours of walking the pavement, I headed back for a well deserved nap. Almost felt like my regular afternoon nap - except that my timing was off. For dinner, I decided that I would venture to a restaurant nearby that served tapas, then I would go to another for a beer at the bar in the restaurant - of course, all lonely planet recommendations. Well, the streets are a bit less friendly in the evenings, there are men everywhere holding cane-like sticks - who are they ready to beat? My map mislead me, I ended up on the railway tracks where two guys were busily chatting... until I arrived. Oops, don't think this was the right way - the lonely planet wouldn't send me here! Back to the main street, take the map out of the napsack - I usually try to avoid this, that way they will never know that I am a tourist with lots of money in my pocket and a camera that's worth would feed a Costa Rican family for a month! So back to try to find the restaurant from another angle- there it was, right beside those two chatting guys! In I went, and had a lovely Italian dinner! Yep, italian, yummy creamy pasta and bread with olive oil for dipping.
Walked back to the hotel a little faster than before, and decided that it was a-ok to be in my room by 9p.m. Watched a bit of tv and read and lights out for me - I'll save my socializing for my new friends.
Today, Saturday, I spent most of the day walking around an art and music festival. That was pretty neat, of course I can't understand ANYTHING anyone is saying to me, but what the heck. And, the worst of it - you can't tell if the person is Costa Rican or not. Just a half hour ago, I found a very cool place. It is kind of like a legion hall, but they had a live band and dancing. I know that I personally do not have the latin groove anywhere in my blood, but boy do these people have it. You can't help but tap your toes as you are watching - many people were dancing, all ages and shapes grooving away to the beat. As I sat there, alone, an older, grey haired woman asked if she could join me - well, that's what I imagined she said. I could have sworn that she was english speaking, but nope! all spanish - so I just smiled and gestured that she should sit beside me.
It's not that I am not trying. In fact, I am perfectly fluent in a combo of spanish-italian-french-english. How's that. So when I attempted to ask the fellow how much a hammock was, he just smiled at me - but still proceeded to answer in spanish like I should know what he said. I have discovered that if you try to say something, anything really, but follow it with por va vour - they will smile and bring you something. Today, I had no idea what I ordered for lunch - but the server just smiled asked me another question, -- my response "Sure!" - it worked, food and juice arrived. And it wasn't cat or dog!
So generally things are working out. I have my first meeting tonight with our group, which from the list, is primarily women. Forgot to bring p.j.s, but those of you who have shared a room with me know that this is nothing new. You will be glad to know that I purchased a pair today, so my future roommate is safe!
We are off to the Caribbean coast at 8a.m. tomorrow. I am already sunburnt, as is Lorcan - he emailed me - the sun is much stronger than in Thailand. So, camera and sunscreen in hand and I am off! Hope that it is not snowing too much there!
Arrived quite late on Thursday evening, hustled my way through the crowd and managed to be the first one out of the airport - how's that for experience? My hotel was quite lovely, gardens thoughout the grounds, our breakfast area was filled with different coloured birds that would sing sweetly as I immersed myself in my new environment. Friday was spent walking around the town, well they would probably call it a city, but it doesn't feel that big compared to our big smoke.
The downtown area has some lovely old buildings, but most of them are newer. The pedestrian only street is filled with shops, many of them advertising with paint-or soap- on the windows "descounte" - or something similar. Prices are remarkedly close to north american prices, a bit cheaper, I assume they have a high standard of living. Once on the streets, you are constantly bombarded with folks trying to pass on their advertisement - quarter or half sheets of photocopied "deals to be had" - even children are helping their parents in trying to get the tourists to accept the papers. Now, what would I really do with a dry cleaning service, or a free car wash?
After hours of walking the pavement, I headed back for a well deserved nap. Almost felt like my regular afternoon nap - except that my timing was off. For dinner, I decided that I would venture to a restaurant nearby that served tapas, then I would go to another for a beer at the bar in the restaurant - of course, all lonely planet recommendations. Well, the streets are a bit less friendly in the evenings, there are men everywhere holding cane-like sticks - who are they ready to beat? My map mislead me, I ended up on the railway tracks where two guys were busily chatting... until I arrived. Oops, don't think this was the right way - the lonely planet wouldn't send me here! Back to the main street, take the map out of the napsack - I usually try to avoid this, that way they will never know that I am a tourist with lots of money in my pocket and a camera that's worth would feed a Costa Rican family for a month! So back to try to find the restaurant from another angle- there it was, right beside those two chatting guys! In I went, and had a lovely Italian dinner! Yep, italian, yummy creamy pasta and bread with olive oil for dipping.
Walked back to the hotel a little faster than before, and decided that it was a-ok to be in my room by 9p.m. Watched a bit of tv and read and lights out for me - I'll save my socializing for my new friends.
Today, Saturday, I spent most of the day walking around an art and music festival. That was pretty neat, of course I can't understand ANYTHING anyone is saying to me, but what the heck. And, the worst of it - you can't tell if the person is Costa Rican or not. Just a half hour ago, I found a very cool place. It is kind of like a legion hall, but they had a live band and dancing. I know that I personally do not have the latin groove anywhere in my blood, but boy do these people have it. You can't help but tap your toes as you are watching - many people were dancing, all ages and shapes grooving away to the beat. As I sat there, alone, an older, grey haired woman asked if she could join me - well, that's what I imagined she said. I could have sworn that she was english speaking, but nope! all spanish - so I just smiled and gestured that she should sit beside me.
It's not that I am not trying. In fact, I am perfectly fluent in a combo of spanish-italian-french-english. How's that. So when I attempted to ask the fellow how much a hammock was, he just smiled at me - but still proceeded to answer in spanish like I should know what he said. I have discovered that if you try to say something, anything really, but follow it with por va vour - they will smile and bring you something. Today, I had no idea what I ordered for lunch - but the server just smiled asked me another question, -- my response "Sure!" - it worked, food and juice arrived. And it wasn't cat or dog!
So generally things are working out. I have my first meeting tonight with our group, which from the list, is primarily women. Forgot to bring p.j.s, but those of you who have shared a room with me know that this is nothing new. You will be glad to know that I purchased a pair today, so my future roommate is safe!
We are off to the Caribbean coast at 8a.m. tomorrow. I am already sunburnt, as is Lorcan - he emailed me - the sun is much stronger than in Thailand. So, camera and sunscreen in hand and I am off! Hope that it is not snowing too much there!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The Biodiversity of Costa Rica Awaits
Not wanting to venture out on my own yet, I am heading off to Costa Rica with Gap Adventures. I will be climbing hills, horseback riding, and investigating the biodiversity that one learns about in a second year botany or zoology course. I can't wait!
If you are interested, my schedule is posted at www.gapadventures.ca , trip code: CRA. I leave Thursday March 8.
See you on the blog!
If you are interested, my schedule is posted at www.gapadventures.ca , trip code: CRA. I leave Thursday March 8.
See you on the blog!
In the north, Chaing Mai
I did make it up north to Chaing Mai, a lovely smaller version of Bangkok. It was quite pleasant here. The town is surrounded by a moat so that navigating is always easy. Night markets are the way to go in the evening, but there is also a live music crowd.
I met some lovely people here including Heddy, a swiss woman who is taking a year travelling around - and I thought my 9 weeks was long. Sarah, a brit also travelling on her own. On a one day Thai Cooking Class held at an organic farm, I met a Canadian couple from PEI and two Aussies. Martin and Scott, from Australia had been to Vietnam already - seems like a great place to travel in. For now, that part of my trip remains a plan for the future - not to be forgotten, but something to look forward to.
Being in the comfort of my home now, the past weeks seem to blur together. My father's passing has offered me a time of reflection. It has been an important time for me to gather my thoughts of both of my parents, Audrey and Ralph, now gone from my life. I have learned the value and strength that can be gained from your own inner peace. The fondest of memories of both my mother and my father will be mine forever.
I am grateful to all of my friends and family - I am fortunate to have all of you in my life.
I met some lovely people here including Heddy, a swiss woman who is taking a year travelling around - and I thought my 9 weeks was long. Sarah, a brit also travelling on her own. On a one day Thai Cooking Class held at an organic farm, I met a Canadian couple from PEI and two Aussies. Martin and Scott, from Australia had been to Vietnam already - seems like a great place to travel in. For now, that part of my trip remains a plan for the future - not to be forgotten, but something to look forward to.
Being in the comfort of my home now, the past weeks seem to blur together. My father's passing has offered me a time of reflection. It has been an important time for me to gather my thoughts of both of my parents, Audrey and Ralph, now gone from my life. I have learned the value and strength that can be gained from your own inner peace. The fondest of memories of both my mother and my father will be mine forever.
I am grateful to all of my friends and family - I am fortunate to have all of you in my life.
The Boys arrive in Bangkok
I thought that the least I could do was publish a picture of my one evening shared with buddies! Yes, Vaios and Angelo did not give up a one hour search through the very busy, polluted region of the Patpong Night Market.
We met at 7, one hour after our intended meeting time. It was a significant challenge trying to find each other on this busy street - it was unbelievable how many guys look like Vaios and Ang - I know it sounds crazy! We did meet, had a beer in the touristy, upsetting red-light district of Patpong Market. Decided that it was definitely not a place to have dinner, we continued onward in search of a restaurant that would feed three starving Canadians!
After some time of catching up and story telling, we headed, by tuk-tuk to the Khao San Road region - just steps from my hotel. Boy was I in good hands with these lads - it was so nice to see them. We staggered around the night market a while, all the time Vaios was negotiating prices for jeans - just practising and doing research for his big purchases at the end of their trip.
As we sat and had some fruit, they planned a ride back to their hotel in Sukumvit. Bargaining hard with a very suave (if there is such an individual) tuk-tuk driver, they got the deal they wanted. The driver waited patiently, sending us nods and smiles as we sat enjoying fruit tossed in spices.
Eventually we hugged good night, they are off to Koh Chang (a small island on the east side of Thailand) and I am off to Chaing Mai. My last sight of them was their tuk-tuk driver "popping a wheelie" as they scouted off into the traffic!
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