Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
On our way home
We'll be leaving tomorrow. The last few weeks have flown by. We've had a great time.
We're currently in the city of Alejuela, just outside of San Jose, beside the airport. We got here yesterday and are staying at La Familia ByB.
On Saturday night, we stayed in the port city of Puntareneas. It is a popular destination for vacationing Costa Ricans. Our trip there took much longer than it was supposed to, as I made a wrong turn while Bethany and Aiden were asleep. We ended up having to wait several hours for a car ferry to Puntareneas instead of driving directly there. My bad.
This morning we went on a coffee tour at the Doka family coffee plantation. The tour was interesting, but they had no positive environmental or social aspects.
We're currently in the city of Alejuela, just outside of San Jose, beside the airport. We got here yesterday and are staying at La Familia ByB.
On Saturday night, we stayed in the port city of Puntareneas. It is a popular destination for vacationing Costa Ricans. Our trip there took much longer than it was supposed to, as I made a wrong turn while Bethany and Aiden were asleep. We ended up having to wait several hours for a car ferry to Puntareneas instead of driving directly there. My bad.
This morning we went on a coffee tour at the Doka family coffee plantation. The tour was interesting, but they had no positive environmental or social aspects.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
The Leatherback Sea Turtle
Last night we witnessed a becoming rare and natural event. Around 10 pm we heading down to the Las Baulas National Marine Park office to sign up for a turtle tour. We were advised to wear dark clothing, sandals, and not to bring cameras or flashlights. We waiting for 3 hours until a local tour guide found a turtle for us to observe. They are not many for they are quickly becoming endangered for the development in the area. We are so glad we waited. Our guide led us in the dark, close to the waters edge until we came upon the site. He turned on his flashlight...covered with red cellophane (so not to disturb the mother turtle). We huddled around to see this huge sea turtle, the oldest and largest reptile on the planet. It was easily the same length as Bethany, weighing even more. She was digging a hole with her hind flippers. One leg at a time removing sand to make a hole to lay her eggs out of danger. We watched the entire process taking another 2 hours. After she got the depth she wanted we watched her lay the eggs, which numbered a couple dozen. She carefully replaced the sand covering the eggs, this time using both front and back flippers. With each pile of sand, she then patted it down to secure the eggs. Unfortunetly we didn't get to see the end. We left right before she was finished so that she could return to the ocean in peace.
What an amazing event! We could only think of Chauncie and how much she would love it here. They do have a volunteer service during September - March, the time when the females come to Playa Grande to nest!
We had a great end to our four days in Playa Grande. We are now off to Santa Cruz, to go on a coffee tour, see a tortilla factory, and see a wonderful pottery district.
What an amazing event! We could only think of Chauncie and how much she would love it here. They do have a volunteer service during September - March, the time when the females come to Playa Grande to nest!
We had a great end to our four days in Playa Grande. We are now off to Santa Cruz, to go on a coffee tour, see a tortilla factory, and see a wonderful pottery district.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Playa Grande
We are now in Playa Grande. It is on the Central Pacific coast. It is the top 4 spots to see the leatherback turtle nesting sites! We hope to take the tour this evening. We're staying at the Hotel La Tortuga, a beautiful resort that is ecoconscious and respectful of their relationship with the turtles. We will be here for the next four nights and then make our way back to San Jose.
The last few days have been hectic and we've covered quite a bit of Costa Rica. After San Ramon, we drove to Volcan Arenas, an active volcanoe - the smoke can be seen bellowing out of the top. Near Volcan Arenas, we went to the La Catarata (waterfall) of La Fortuna, a 70 m waterfall. It was absolutely beautiful. The night we stayed in the small mountain town of Tilaran at the Hotel Gaudalupe.
The next day we drove to Canas and then north to Upala, passing between Volcan Miravalles and Volcan Tenorio. Volcan Miravelles is active. We then drove west near the Nicaraguan border to La Cruz. The road was gravel and bumpy most of the way, so the trip took a while. Along the way we passed mile after mile of citrus trees, Del Oro. Bethany decided to lay her chair down to rest while driving, but she couldn't get it to come back up. So she has had to lay down while driving for the last two days, until we got to Liberia today, when they fixed it at Thrifty.
Yesterday we went swimming in the Bahia Salinas, we had the entire beach to ourselves. Aiden had a great time. We were going to spend the night at a resort on the Bahia last night, but decided instead to stay in La Cruz. The resort wasn't open yet and just wasn't very convenient for us. But before we decided not to stay there, we had already taken all of our stuff in the room. So when we decided to stay in La Cruz on the spur of the moment, I forgot to grab the dirty clothes. So we'll be coming back to the U.S. minus a few items of clothes.
Anyway today we headed south to Liberia and then west to Playa Grande, where we will rest and enjoy ourselves the next few days.
The last few days have been hectic and we've covered quite a bit of Costa Rica. After San Ramon, we drove to Volcan Arenas, an active volcanoe - the smoke can be seen bellowing out of the top. Near Volcan Arenas, we went to the La Catarata (waterfall) of La Fortuna, a 70 m waterfall. It was absolutely beautiful. The night we stayed in the small mountain town of Tilaran at the Hotel Gaudalupe.
The next day we drove to Canas and then north to Upala, passing between Volcan Miravalles and Volcan Tenorio. Volcan Miravelles is active. We then drove west near the Nicaraguan border to La Cruz. The road was gravel and bumpy most of the way, so the trip took a while. Along the way we passed mile after mile of citrus trees, Del Oro. Bethany decided to lay her chair down to rest while driving, but she couldn't get it to come back up. So she has had to lay down while driving for the last two days, until we got to Liberia today, when they fixed it at Thrifty.
Yesterday we went swimming in the Bahia Salinas, we had the entire beach to ourselves. Aiden had a great time. We were going to spend the night at a resort on the Bahia last night, but decided instead to stay in La Cruz. The resort wasn't open yet and just wasn't very convenient for us. But before we decided not to stay there, we had already taken all of our stuff in the room. So when we decided to stay in La Cruz on the spur of the moment, I forgot to grab the dirty clothes. So we'll be coming back to the U.S. minus a few items of clothes.
Anyway today we headed south to Liberia and then west to Playa Grande, where we will rest and enjoy ourselves the next few days.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
San Ramon
We are in San Ramon, just northwest of San Jose by an hour. We have rented a car. Technically babies do not need a car seat, but we wanted one for Aiden just to be safe and so he can sleep. The only one they had was for an older toddler, at least 30lbs. We strapped Aiden in and drove to the next location to see if they had any car seats. They did! But only one...and it was an infant seat. haha! Poor Aiden...we chose the infant seat, because it tilts and looked the most comfortable. Aiden actually fell asleep in it, although he is getting used to not being in a seat and wanted to be held for majority of time he was awake!
Today we saw Poas Volcano. On the way we saw the famous plantation of Coffee Brit, as well as tons of other coffee and strawberry plantations.
We are staying in Hotel La Posada, small, but cheap, beautiful, FREE breakfast, and the internet works!
Today we saw Poas Volcano. On the way we saw the famous plantation of Coffee Brit, as well as tons of other coffee and strawberry plantations.
We are staying in Hotel La Posada, small, but cheap, beautiful, FREE breakfast, and the internet works!
Friday, November 30, 2007
San Jose
First...Aiden is back to 100%. He is constantly on the go...but taking naps again and sleeping through the night. AIDEN ABSOLUTELY LOVES THE BEACH! He cried when we had to leave. He loved playing in the sand...We believe he thinks he was cleaning it up...he would pick it up and throw it into a pile!
We are back in San Jose for the meantime. At Sabana B y B. We are here for at least 2 days until we figure out what we are doing. I believe we will travel to the Gulf coast next, there are some volcanoes and turtle nesting there. We are going to look at renting a car...it seems that´s what foreigners do here.
Yesturday I was in the shower and saw a sloth right outside the window...well they were screened windows...no glass. I´ve been searching for them the whole time here. I jumped out and got the camera and took tons of pictures, we´ll post them tonight. The internet is free and easy to use here.
We are back in San Jose for the meantime. At Sabana B y B. We are here for at least 2 days until we figure out what we are doing. I believe we will travel to the Gulf coast next, there are some volcanoes and turtle nesting there. We are going to look at renting a car...it seems that´s what foreigners do here.
Yesturday I was in the shower and saw a sloth right outside the window...well they were screened windows...no glass. I´ve been searching for them the whole time here. I jumped out and got the camera and took tons of pictures, we´ll post them tonight. The internet is free and easy to use here.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Trip to the Clinic
We're still in Playa Chiquita at the Playa Chiquita Lodge; we will be leaving tomorrow morning to go to San Jose. It has rained the majority of the time we have been here, so we really haven't been able to do much. We've just stayed around the lodge and rested, which has been nice because Aiden needed it. We've seen a few sloths and several monkeys as well as many butterflies and hummingbirds in the area. The flora and fauna of Costa Rica are amazing.
On Wednesday afternoon, Aiden started pulling on his ears like they were hurting. Rather than take any chances we thought we better take him to the doctor. He didn't have a temperature and his rash was almost gone, but we thought we better be safe than sorry. We had to take a taxi to Puerto Viejo, about six miles to the north. The clinic is open 24 hours with only one doctor per shift. The building wasn't much, just two examining rooms, a reception/waiting area, and a bathroom, but everything was very clean. The doctor took us right in, no long waits like in the U.S. Aiden did have a slight ear infection in both ears and the doctor believed that all of Aiden's problems were due to a bacteria. He didn't seemed too worried and prescribed some medicine which we got at the pharmacy next door. The medicine and visit cost us only about $60 - we needs insurance? Aiden's doing great now.
Last night we went back to Puerto Viejo to eat and shop. Puerto Viejo is nice but a bit touristy. However, the tourism enables it to offer several places to eat and shop. We were able to buy some very cool handmade crafts and decor from local people for very cheap. I think today we are going to rent bikes and just ride around for a while. We haven't been able to go on the tours as we would have liked due to Aiden's health, but we have still enjoyed ourselves and he is feeling much better - that's all that matters. We've changed our plane tickets, we will now return on Dec. 12.
On Wednesday afternoon, Aiden started pulling on his ears like they were hurting. Rather than take any chances we thought we better take him to the doctor. He didn't have a temperature and his rash was almost gone, but we thought we better be safe than sorry. We had to take a taxi to Puerto Viejo, about six miles to the north. The clinic is open 24 hours with only one doctor per shift. The building wasn't much, just two examining rooms, a reception/waiting area, and a bathroom, but everything was very clean. The doctor took us right in, no long waits like in the U.S. Aiden did have a slight ear infection in both ears and the doctor believed that all of Aiden's problems were due to a bacteria. He didn't seemed too worried and prescribed some medicine which we got at the pharmacy next door. The medicine and visit cost us only about $60 - we needs insurance? Aiden's doing great now.
Last night we went back to Puerto Viejo to eat and shop. Puerto Viejo is nice but a bit touristy. However, the tourism enables it to offer several places to eat and shop. We were able to buy some very cool handmade crafts and decor from local people for very cheap. I think today we are going to rent bikes and just ride around for a while. We haven't been able to go on the tours as we would have liked due to Aiden's health, but we have still enjoyed ourselves and he is feeling much better - that's all that matters. We've changed our plane tickets, we will now return on Dec. 12.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Last Few Days Recap
We are currently in Playa Chiquita, a small village south of Puerto Viejo on the Atlantic coast. Aiden is feeling much better and we're very comfortable here. Here is an update on what has occured so far, as we haven't been able to document much yet.
In the Miami airport on Thursday we had many difficulties. We missed our original flight because american airline jerked us around and were completely unorganized. They ended up making us pay for a ticket for Aiden to ride on our laps - a $100 ticket at that. However, we were able to catch the next flight and arrived in San Jose at 2:00pm.
In San Jose we were picked up by the owner of the Sabana BB, our accomodation. The Sabana BB was a very nice place and we really enjoyed ourselves. The hotel is a part of the Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica; we plan on staying there again as we make our way back to San Jose. That night though we had quite an adventure. We set out on a journey to find rubber boots, as Punta Mona said we needed them for our stay. We first went to a "market" the BB owner suggested, which didn't have what we needed. I don't think we're going to find rubber boots at a Benneton. We then caught a taxi and asked the driver to take us where we could buy them. After Bethany was finally able to explain to him what we needed, he thought he knew just the place. On the way, we all headbanged together to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Are we in Costa Rica? The taxi driver dropped us off at an EPA, a hardware store, Costa Rica's Lowe's. I don't think we're going to find boots here, that taxi driver screwed us over. But sure enough we find what we needed - sorry taxi driver, you knew what you were doing.
The next morning we took the bus to Manzanillo - a small town on the southeast Atlantic coast, our last stop before Punta Mona. The bus ride was 4 hours, but its a nice bus - we paid extra money so Aiden could have A/C and a car seat. Aiden did well on the trip except for the last half hour, he was ready to get out. In Manzanillo we stayed at the Congo Bongo, it sure looked nice on the Internet. And while the house we stayed in wasn't too bad, the mosquitos were horrible and it was very hot. We did have mosquito nets, but no screens on the windows and no fans. Bethany ended up sleeping that night in her rainjacket and pants as she was so paranoid of all the mosquitos. She lost a lot of water that night. That afternoon, though, on our walk into the town of Manzanillo, we saw several monkeys, a sloth, and on our return a tucan. We ate a wonderful place that night called Maxi's, its where all the locals gather. The food was incredible, a great experience.
The next day was our trip to Punta Mona. To get there we had to take a boat, and to catch the boat you ahve to talk to the captain of the boat, Bako. We met up with Bako early in the morning, around 8, and he said come back at 12, because there are others going to Punta Mona then. We got there at 12 and no Bako. Bako shows up at 12:15 and says at 12:30 we'll leave. 12:30 rolls around and no Bako. We didn't end up leaving till about 2:00pm. This is the Caribbean.
The boat ride was a blast and a bit scary. I had Aiden on my back and he loved it. We got into Punta Mona about 20 minutes later and everyone received us well, happy to see the baby. The farm is interesting but a little bit different than what we expected. Aiden woke up the next morning with a rash on his face and a fever. We got worried fast and started to second guess our decision. We decided to take the boat out the next morning as Aiden's health is not worth the risk. Punta Mona ended up being a bit of a dissappointment and not really a place for us right now in our lives. For one, the pot smoking and cursing was not appropriate for Aiden to be around. Secondly, I don't think sustainable is a synonym for dirty. You can live a sustainble life and eat organically, while still living in a nice, clean environment. Thirdly, they brought in many of their seeds and plants from out of the country, which disappointed me. Not very ecologically sound. The people there were all nice and friendly, we are just on different levels and have different priorities.
Anyway, we caught the boat out the next morning. It was a beautiful boat ride and we saw several dolphins swimming by the boat. And now we're in Playa Chiquita and plan on staying here a few days as there's much to do. We'll be going on a chocolate tour and a coffee tour with indigenous peoples in the next few days. Aiden is doing well and his rash is almost completely gone, and he has not fever. Punta Mona gave us a refund, so we're going to travel around for a little while but head back to the States early.
In the Miami airport on Thursday we had many difficulties. We missed our original flight because american airline jerked us around and were completely unorganized. They ended up making us pay for a ticket for Aiden to ride on our laps - a $100 ticket at that. However, we were able to catch the next flight and arrived in San Jose at 2:00pm.
In San Jose we were picked up by the owner of the Sabana BB, our accomodation. The Sabana BB was a very nice place and we really enjoyed ourselves. The hotel is a part of the Sustainable Tourism in Costa Rica; we plan on staying there again as we make our way back to San Jose. That night though we had quite an adventure. We set out on a journey to find rubber boots, as Punta Mona said we needed them for our stay. We first went to a "market" the BB owner suggested, which didn't have what we needed. I don't think we're going to find rubber boots at a Benneton. We then caught a taxi and asked the driver to take us where we could buy them. After Bethany was finally able to explain to him what we needed, he thought he knew just the place. On the way, we all headbanged together to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Are we in Costa Rica? The taxi driver dropped us off at an EPA, a hardware store, Costa Rica's Lowe's. I don't think we're going to find boots here, that taxi driver screwed us over. But sure enough we find what we needed - sorry taxi driver, you knew what you were doing.
The next morning we took the bus to Manzanillo - a small town on the southeast Atlantic coast, our last stop before Punta Mona. The bus ride was 4 hours, but its a nice bus - we paid extra money so Aiden could have A/C and a car seat. Aiden did well on the trip except for the last half hour, he was ready to get out. In Manzanillo we stayed at the Congo Bongo, it sure looked nice on the Internet. And while the house we stayed in wasn't too bad, the mosquitos were horrible and it was very hot. We did have mosquito nets, but no screens on the windows and no fans. Bethany ended up sleeping that night in her rainjacket and pants as she was so paranoid of all the mosquitos. She lost a lot of water that night. That afternoon, though, on our walk into the town of Manzanillo, we saw several monkeys, a sloth, and on our return a tucan. We ate a wonderful place that night called Maxi's, its where all the locals gather. The food was incredible, a great experience.
The next day was our trip to Punta Mona. To get there we had to take a boat, and to catch the boat you ahve to talk to the captain of the boat, Bako. We met up with Bako early in the morning, around 8, and he said come back at 12, because there are others going to Punta Mona then. We got there at 12 and no Bako. Bako shows up at 12:15 and says at 12:30 we'll leave. 12:30 rolls around and no Bako. We didn't end up leaving till about 2:00pm. This is the Caribbean.
The boat ride was a blast and a bit scary. I had Aiden on my back and he loved it. We got into Punta Mona about 20 minutes later and everyone received us well, happy to see the baby. The farm is interesting but a little bit different than what we expected. Aiden woke up the next morning with a rash on his face and a fever. We got worried fast and started to second guess our decision. We decided to take the boat out the next morning as Aiden's health is not worth the risk. Punta Mona ended up being a bit of a dissappointment and not really a place for us right now in our lives. For one, the pot smoking and cursing was not appropriate for Aiden to be around. Secondly, I don't think sustainable is a synonym for dirty. You can live a sustainble life and eat organically, while still living in a nice, clean environment. Thirdly, they brought in many of their seeds and plants from out of the country, which disappointed me. Not very ecologically sound. The people there were all nice and friendly, we are just on different levels and have different priorities.
Anyway, we caught the boat out the next morning. It was a beautiful boat ride and we saw several dolphins swimming by the boat. And now we're in Playa Chiquita and plan on staying here a few days as there's much to do. We'll be going on a chocolate tour and a coffee tour with indigenous peoples in the next few days. Aiden is doing well and his rash is almost completely gone, and he has not fever. Punta Mona gave us a refund, so we're going to travel around for a little while but head back to the States early.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Leaving Punta Mona
It has definetly been an experience since we got to Costa Rica. Not much time to write because the internet is on only a short time during the day. But we are leaving Punta Mona. Aiden has had a temperature off and on througout the whole trip. He has now developed a rash on both sides of his face and his eyes are swollen. He seems fine though, it could be just from the heat. He has lots of energy. He wants down to run around, but here it is either muddy or ants get you. There are wooded floors in most of the buildings so that is good. We have decided to leave Punta Mona tomorrow...Monday. The boat leaves at 7:15.
Our internet does not work in Costa Rica for some reason...there is satellite here.
We don't know what to do next....
Our internet does not work in Costa Rica for some reason...there is satellite here.
We don't know what to do next....
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Viaje de Costa Rica
Tomorrow we leave for Costa Rica! This will be our first time there. I cannot even fathom being in the pictures I've seen of the place! We set out at 8:30 am. Our friend Ashraf will be picking us up and taking us to Columbus. We will then head towards Ft. Lauderdale and spend the night there. On Thursday we will be off towards Costa Rica via Miami!
We'll write more when we get to San Jose!
Here are just a couple pictures that show a bit of what we are about to experience.
First....the reason we will be in Costa Rica is to visit Punta Mona. Read their website and it should be obvious why we are going. http://www.puntamona.org/ . Pay special attention of "How to get here." We are a little nervous about that part! Steven the guy who started Punta Mona has this video out...he seems like an amazing person. I hope he is there while we are!
First....the reason we will be in Costa Rica is to visit Punta Mona. Read their website and it should be obvious why we are going. http://www.puntamona.org/ . Pay special attention of "How to get here." We are a little nervous about that part! Steven the guy who started Punta Mona has this video out...he seems like an amazing person. I hope he is there while we are!
Our first stop in Costa Rica is the capital San Jose. We will be staying at Hotel Sabana B y B for one night. It is local owned. The website is http://www.costaricabb.com/ .
Friday we will travel to Manazanillo the last small town until Punta Mona. We will be staying the night at Congo Bongo. http://www.congo-bongo.com/. The upgraded us for free to the "big house" because the "small house" was already taken. Can you imagine?
Friday we will travel to Manazanillo the last small town until Punta Mona. We will be staying the night at Congo Bongo. http://www.congo-bongo.com/. The upgraded us for free to the "big house" because the "small house" was already taken. Can you imagine?
We'll write more when we get to San Jose!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
