Playas Del Coco

Well, we arrived in Playas Del Coco on Sunday - after about a 3.5 hr drive. Great spot - sunny, hot (less humid) and surrounded by beached - many with blue flag status. We checked into our place - Villas Del Sol - a combination B&B and Small hotel. We are staying in the B&B section. They are about 1 block form the beach and have a great pool right outside the door.

We settled in and then headed to town - about a 15 minute walk to the main street - but we are lazy so we drive - besides - it's too freaking HOT! A nice drag - many restaurants, shops, large grocery store up the road - nice place. I understand this was the first coastal town on the peninsula (perhaps the west coast - not too sure). Dinner that night was at Papagayo Seafood - fish of the day was MahiMahi (of course) - MMM, very tasty.

The next day, we decided to check out some of the other beaches so off we went. Our first stop was Playas Ocotal - a small but nice beach with blue flag status (ours doesn't have this status but it's still good). A short stop, then off we go again - this time to Playas Conchal - a beach covered in shells - beautiful - and warm pacific water. Stripped down behind a tree to change and into the water I went - AHHHHH so refreshing. Lunch at Outback Jack's - a funky little restaurant across the road from the beach - great food - greater decor - everything from old cameras to kangaroo crossing signs (can you tell he's an Aussie?)

A few more beaches and then home we went. Dinner that night at another seafood restaurant right on the beach - again, good food.

The next day (Tuesday), was a lazy day by the pool, with one exception for Michale and I - condo hunting. We met our agent Bruce and off we went to see condos in Playas Ocotal and Del Coco. Met up with another agent and looked at a few more - nice units, some too close together, some with a little work needed - and then there was THE ONE!!!!! Perfectly finished inside, beautiful view of the mountains (perched on the side of a hill), INFINITY POOL!!!!! - yes... INFINITY POOL!!!! less than a KM to the Ocatal Beach and 2.5 KMS to Playas Del Coco where the shopping and restaurants are - we are looking at it again on Thursday! No plans yet - but it is NICE!!!!

the rest of the day was lounging by the pool and then a great pizza place down the road for dinner.

Toady (yeah - finally caught up) we went hiking at Rincon Volcano National Park - about an hour away. Great hike - boiling mud pots, fumaroles, howler monkeys and extremes in landscape - amazing hike. This was about 3 hrs of walking, and well worth it.

After this, we went to a Spa - Michael and I had a mud bath, then used the hot spring and finished it off with a dip in the cold pool - very nice way to finish the day. Back to the hotel we went and dinner at another seafood place - funny thing it though - none of us had seafood!

Stay tuned for our final days - heading back to San Jose on Friday and home on Sunday.

Guess I have some catching up to do!

Well, Friday we headed back to San Jose - made it in record time (to the Ferry that is) now that we knew how to travel on the roads. An amazing sunny clear day for a ferry ride across the gulf - beautiful mountains in the background with huge billowing clouds covering the tops.

Off the Ferry and on our way - totally forgetting how much "up hill" driving we had to do. Yikes! Seldom got the car out of first gear and got stuck being several big rigs who barely chugged their way up the mountain side - oh well - we finally arrived.

After checking into the hotel (Hotel Aranjuez again), we all headed out for a big dinner at Cafe Mundo - a great spot for big food. MMMM - stuffed by the end of it.

Saturday morning, mom and dad headed off to the airport :(, while the rest of us hopped onto a local bus for a 1.5 hr ride to Sarchi - a small town north of the city in the mountains known for it's artisan work. Once we arrived, it was time to shop!!!!

Our first (and best stop) was at the rocking chair factory - Costa Rica makes the most amazing wooden rocking chairs with leather backing and seats - Michael and I have always loved them and wanted one - luckily for us they were very nicely prices here - so we bought 2!!! They are being shipped this week UPS - can't wait!!!!!

A little more shopping then back to San Jose (via 2 buses this time). Dinner at Pizza Hut - yes Pizza Hut - you read that correctly (Larissa's choice) then to bed, well for 3 of us - Lisa and Larissa stayed up late and watched a movie.

The next morning, we all shared a van to the car rental for me, Michael and Cheryl, while Lisa and Larissa headed to the airport for their journey home - Good bye Lisa and Larissa - had a great time!!!!!

Michael, Cheryl and I hopped into our rental and off we went to the North Pacific Coast town of Playas Del Coco. Stay tuned!!!

Another great day - with baby monkeys

Today we headed to Montezuma and Caybano for a tour of the Rainsong Rescur Centre. Here we saw an injured White-faced Capuchin names Tarzan - he lost part of his arm after being attacked by another male monkey. As such, he was rescued and will now spend his life at this sanctuary - he was sooo cute - reaching out and touching us gently - so amazing.

They also had 3 baby Howler Monkeys - 6 and 7 months old, all still being bottle fed 4 times daily. We were able to hold them and let them climb on us - their best spot is the top of your head! They had such tiny faces and hands - amazing opportunity to see them.

Other animals included rescued Toucans, Parrots, squirrels, etc. A great place to visit and only a donation is requested.

After a bumpy ride to town, we had a nice lunch in Montezuma - Mahi Mahi and burritos - mmm

Another hour long ride along a bumpy road back to Frank's Place for a quick swim, rest and now a beer while updating the blog. Soon another dip in the Pacific before happy hour (2/1 drinks) then dinner.

Tomorrow, we head back to San Jose as mom and dad head back to Florida on Saturday. Sunday, Lisa and Larissa head back to Toronto while Michael, Cheryl and I head to Playas Coco for more touring, rest and some condo looking.

Chat again soon!

Lesson Learned .....

You know when you travel and people and guide books tell you not to leave any personal belongings in your car? Well, believe it! Yes, we got broken into. My and Cheryl's backpacks, my camera, swimsuit, towel, etc - all gone! Oh well.... at least our money and passports were not in the car and no one got held up! Lesson learned? Don't leave things in the car unattended!!!

Now for the day - a drive around the coast to sight see.... saw some amazing beaches and scenery. Stopped at one beach (got robbed) then headed back to town.

A light lunch at a salad place (similar to Lettuce up home) and then a dip in the pool before heading to the beach to dive the waves!! I still can't believe how warm the ocean waters are. So amazing!!

Tonight a visit to the local bar to watch the Canada/Russia game, then dinner.

Tomorrow is a hike through the Cano Blanco Natural Reserve to do some sight seeing and swim some beautiful beaches. Should be a great day!

To the Coast We Go....

Early to rise, a quick breakfast and on the road again - heading to the Pacific Coast to Mal Pais on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.

After an hour or more bumpy ride on the infamous road to/from Monteverde, and another hour on paved roads, we headed for the town of Punteranas to catch our ferry. We arrived about 2 hrs early, so lined up our vehicles and strolled around the small port town until it was time to board.

We boarded the ferry for a one and a half hour trip across the Gulf of Nicoya. We arrived in Parque, unloaded, boarded our cars and headed for a 2 hour trek through the country side.

We arrived in Mal Pais, a small surfing town and settled into our hotel - Frank's Place.

What a cool little town - many surf shops for lessons, rentals, etc (I'm actually thinking of a lesson - thinking about it, but no decisions yet). Our hotel is about a 2 minute walk to the Pacific Ocean - miles of beach.... absolutely beautiful!!!!

Dinner last night at the restaurant on site, run by a lady and her husband (french and Cuban) was great - lives up to all the reviews on Trip Advisor.

This morning we all decided to spend the day relaxing. Some walked around town, some sat by the pool, siesta and then a swim in the ocean (yet to come shortly). Dinner tonight at a little pizza joint down the road right on the ocean - life doesn't get better than this!!!!! (oh yeah - lots of properties for sale :)))

Chat again soon!

Survived Zip-Lining

Well, Lisa and Larissa survived their very first zip-lining experience. They returned covered in mud, but with beaming smiles from ear to ear!! Good for them. Michael and I did the zip-lining on our first trip here and it is fun!!!

The next morning, Michael, Lisa, Larissa, Cheryl and I rose early for a great guided hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It only took 3 trips for Michael and I to Costa Rica but we finally had an opportunity to see the amazing Quetzel - in fact we were privileged enough to see a pair of them! What beautiful birds - many colours with long flowing tails... Wow - well worth the early morning rise!.

Beautiful hike we had - howler monkeys, many species of birds and of course plants, trees, et al.

After a 3 hour hike, we headed back to the cabins for a rest, before Larissa and I went for a 2.5 hour horseback riding trek. We were picked up for a short drive to the farm then saddled up for an amazing trek through the country side - . Up hills and down hills we went - what amazing scenery of beautiful rolling hills, pastures - it truly was a great trip - well worth the bruises on my arms from my camera and the sore butt the next morning.

Dinner that night was at a little tapas restaurant down the road, back to pack and early to bed for an early morning rise before our trip to the coast.

Good bye Monteverde - thanks for another amazing time!

No Tabacon Springs this time

Well.... the rain never let up so instead of the hot springs, we went to Don Rufinos again for another amazing dinner!!! Steak, Mahi Mahi, Seafood in a coconut... mmmmmm what an amazing restaurant.

Thursday we left Arenal Green as they made a mistake with our reservation. We went to Chalet Nicholas, about half way around Lake Arenal in Neuvo Arenal. Beautiful 3 room B&B owned by John and Catherine Nichols, originally from NYC but moved here 19 years ago. They have 3 Great Danes - who like to sit upon your lap while you are relaxing watching the birds.

Many many types of birds including Toucans that come for fresh bananas - Larissa even fed a wild Toucan with her hands.

For dinner that night, we went down the road to Lucky Bug - German owned hotel, art gallery and restaurant. Very nice meal of Schnitzel.

Friday we were on our way to Monteverde. Known for it's amazing cloud forests and bumpy roads, we finally made it after about 3 hrs of driving. One minor slide sideways on the mud into the ditch and we were on our way!!! (at least it wasn't a cliff!!)

We finally drove out of the rain and into the sunshine upon our arrival - with a continuous mist of course for the clouds that swooped down upon us.

Our cabins at Cabinas Los Pinos are just as we remembered them - in fact Lisa and Cheryl have the cabin Michael and I had 4 yrs ago!

Some grocery shopping in town and tapas and pizza for dinner - another mmmm meal!!!

Early this morning we headed for Salvatura Park for a hike through the cloud forest, a tour of the butterfly and reptile exhibits and some hummingbirds. We did not see much due to the low laying clouds but it was still a remarkable sight.

Larissa and Lisa went Zip-lining, but they are not back yet so cannot update you on their adventures at this time.

Now, Michael and I are in an Internet cafe having a tea and cervesa (for me!!)

Tomorrow a few of us are planning an early morning adventure to the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a guide. Stay tuned for more updates!

Catching up on the blog - Day 4

Hi all - sorry haven't updated anything yet - we've been busy busy busy!!

We all arrived safely Saturday and on time - our accommodations in San Jose are quite nice - it's 4 joined homes turned into one big "hostel". Nice place with the most amazing breakfast you could imagine!!!!!

Saturday night was dinner at a quaint local place - typical Tico food - very tasty!!!

Sunday we wandered around town and toured the Gold Museum - amazing history of their monetary system and some great gold pieces.

Saturday night was a great dinner at Tin Jo - named the best PanAsian restaurant in the country - and I believe it!n It was amazing - lost of great Chinese food was had in celebration of Chinese New Year. We'll be going back again towards the end of our stay for some Indian food - which also smelled amazing!

Monday morning was early to rise and a lengthy ride to the car rental (rush hour!). We picked up our two SUV's and headed out for our adventure.

Our first stop was Volcan Poas - a huge volcano that you can drive to the top of and look into the crater. Lots of bubbling liquid and steam with a fairly strong odour of rotten eggs! Lots of pictures then a great hike through the park to look at the birds and vegetation.

Following this we began our journey to where we are now - however upon reaching a certain point in the road (after driving for about 45 minutes) a we were met by a HUGE sign starting "extreme danger of landslides due to earthquake damage!!) Hmmmmm... now what??

Back we went (45 minutes) then we had to take the long trek - about 4 hours as opposed to 2. Oh well - better then being thrown off a mountain side by a landslide.

We finally arrived - tired and hungry at Arenal Green only to find out they had made an error with our reservation - 3 nights instead of 4 (decided to deal with that issue in the morning!)

In the morning we got up early and headed to the La Fortuna Waterfall - what an amazing hike and site! After a 30 minute walk down very steep and wet stone steps, we finally reached the bottom - to see a huge, beautiful waterfall plummeting from about 300 feet above into a huge pool.

We wandered down stream a bit, took off our shoes and socks and walked through - how refreshing it was. Larissa decided walking wasn't enough for her so in she went - clothes and all - but had a great time.

After about an hour, we began the long and sweaty walk up. A bite to eat at our place and then into town we went for some sight-seeing and shopping.

Dinner last night was at Don Rufino - a great meal!!! What a find from Frommer's - I had the most amazing grilled Mahi Mahi, we shared some cevechie - mmmm. Definitely a great recommendation.

Today was an early start - 6:00 for a quick shower before our tour guide picked us up for a journey to Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve. A great trip - howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys and birds, birds, birds! A great trip for all of us.

Tonight - if the rain lets up a bit, we are off to the Tabacon Hot Springs for relaxation and dinner.

Stay tuned for more!

Our Itinerary

Saturday February 13, 2010 - (Steven, Michael, Larissa, Lisa, Cheryl)

Depart Toronto 9:45AM – Flight TA 7621

Arriving San Salvador, El Salvador 2:00PM

Depart San Salvador, El Salvador 2:42PM – Flight TA7621

Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica 4:02PM

Accommodations:

February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010:

Hotel Aranjuez: (www.hotelaranjuez.com)

Telephone (011–506 –2256–1825)

February 15, 2010 to February 19, 2010:

Hotel Arenal Green: (http://www.arenalgreen.com)

Telephone: (011-506-2479-8383)

February 19, 2010 to February 22, 2010

Los Pinos Cabanas (http://www.lospinos.net)

Telephone : (011– 506–2645-5252

February 22, 2010 to February 26, 2010

Franks Place (http://www.franksplacecr.com)

Telephone: (011-506-2640-0096)

February 26, 2010 to February 28, 2010

Hotel Aranjuez: (www.hotelaranjuez.com)

Telephone (011 – 506 – 2256 – 1825)

Saturday February 27, 2010

Mom and Dad will fly back to Orlando.

Sunday February 28, 2010 - Lisa and Larissa will fly back to Toronto as follows:

Depart San Jose Costa Rica 12:27PM – Flight TA 7620

Arrive San Salvador, El Salvador 1:47PM

Depart San Salvador, El Salvador 2:50PM - Flight TA 7620

Arrive Toronto 8:45PM

Michael, Steven and Cheryl will continue travelling for an additional week as follows:

February 28, 2010 to March 5, 2010

Villa Del Sol (http://www.villadelsol.com/hotel.htm)

Telephone (011-506-8301-8848)

March 5, 2010 to March 7, 2010

Hotel Aranjuez: (www.hotelaranjuez.com)

Telephone (011–506–2256-1825)

Sunday March 7, 2010 - Steven, Michael and Cheryl fly back to Toronto

Depart San Jose Costa Rica 12:27PM – Flight TA 7620

Arrive San Salvador, El Salvador 1:47PM

Depart San Salvador, El Salvador 2:50PM - Flight TA 7620

Arrive Toronto 8:45PM

2 SUV’s are booked from February 15, 2010 to February 26, 2010 to be picked up across from the airport.

1 mid-sized car is booked from February 28, 2010 to March 5, 2010 (Steven, Michael and Cheryl) to be picked up across from the airport.