On Tuesday, October 20, Hayley, Cass, Braulio, and I left San Jose to meet up with Federico Grant (The walking discovery channel as he was described to me). Federico lives outside of Cartago in a small town called Birtisito, and so we left the hotel to find and catch a bus. We had a map…to the wrong bus station! We thought we needed to catch a bus to Cartago, when we actually needed the bus to Turillalba, duh! After walking around downtown aimlessly, we began to ask directions. Little to our knowledge it is a Costa Rican custom to never tell a foreigner you don’t know the answer to a questions, instead they just give you direction to where ever they feel like! YAY! After circling around the city again and again, we were running out of time. (Ding) the light comes on… why don’t we ask a cab driver? They also know where they are going. Sure enough, it was just around the corner and soon we had out tickets in hand, and were on our way to Birrisito.
After an hour and a half bus ride, we got off the bus at Birrisito. Federico was awaiting our arrival at Captain Morgan’s market on the main drag. We meet Morgan, a super nice older man, who was excited to show off his English skills…or lack thereof, but it was fun and endearing. At the market we picked up food for the next few days’ meals including, Spaghetti, Huevos Rancheros, Chicken Tacos, and more!
Next we drove a few minutes through the country past some dairy farms to Federico’s home, overlooking a beautiful rural Costa Rican valley. We spent the rest of the day relaxing around the house, playing cards (NERTS! It’s making a comeback, and Oh Hell), brushing up on our Foosball skills, lounging in hammocks, blasting all kinds of music, and soaking in the hot tub.
We awoke early Wednesday and the girls made us their signature chocolate chip banana pancakes…So good! We then hurried to get ready, and left for day in the country side with Federico as our guide. We started the tour at a scenic view area. It was actually closed, but Federico is quite persuasive and the presence of two cute girls didn’t seem to hurt. The view was great and the ants were plentiful. I did my best to avoid the ant piles, but eventually I got lost in the moment taking photos. I must have been standing on the fire ant pile for only a few seconds, but that’s all it took. I didn’t realize it until my foot and shin were covered and the biting had begun, and those quick tiny sons of blanks are very resilient. After I was done hopping around trying to rid my foot of the remaining ants, we moved ahead to the next stop.
Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s top cash crop exports, and we got to see and try it firsthand. Coffee plantations were everywhere in Cartago and the surrounding area, Federico even has a few plants on his property he sells to a local organic coffee maker (Café Christina). So, along the way we stop and tried on bean off the plant. You don’t really eat them (we found out the hard way), you just suck on them, and there is only a hint of coffee flavor. It isn’t until the beans are dried multiple times that the gourmet coffee flavor emerges.
Next, we stop in the small town of Orosi, and visited one of, if not the, oldest church still in use in Costa Rica. It was a simple building with great architecture and amazing hand carved wooden altar covered in with gold leaf. The church was cool, but across the road, was a soccer field! A few local kids were playing and it wasn’t long before we had a Costa Rica – USA match. We played for about an hour and had a great time. I of course got schooled by even the youngest of locals, but Hayley and Cass held their own and surprised everyone with their skills.
When we were all totally out of breath we decided to call it quits, and headed up the mountain. We pulled off the road near el Rio Macho, and followed Federico up a small trail. The trail wound through some small coffee plantations, along the river, and through some jungle until it open up to a small natural hot springs! I was so relaxing after our soccer match.
After the hot springs we ate lunch and a small local restaurant overlooking a river gorge. We ordered the mixed rice and beans plate (Marlin, Shrimp, and Chicken!)…So good!
The tour continued with a taste of fresh sock poured coffee and café flan at a nice restaurant in the valley and a walk around a small lagoon and though an oriental garden. On the way back to Federico's, we stopped at one last scenic observatory (that was again closed for renovations, but we somehow got in) A few last pictures of the valley and Lake Cachi and we were on our way.
P.S. At dinner one night we are discussing something, and I said “Whatever floats your boat,” you know like different strokes for different folks, and I guess Federico had never heard that, he thought it was pretty funny and replied laughing… “What did you say? Whatever blows your hole?” HAHAHA we all started laughing and it has become an ongoing joke!
Pictures!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
19 October, 2009| You Don’t Need Your Luggage to Have a Good Time
I arrived in San Jose on time with the sun beaming at 12:20 pm, and proceeded to customs where I met the passengers from the other four planes that also decided 12:20 was a good time to land. Fortunately the stampede of foreigners seemed to make the process easier, as the customs agents rushed us through as fast as possible. It went kind of like this:
Custom’s Agent: “Hola, welcome to Costa Rica, how long will you be staying?”
Exchange of documents…
Me: “About two weeks until crossing the border to Nicaragua. Then returning sometime in December and I fly out of San Jose the 17th.”
STAMP
Custom’s Agent: “Gracias”
Me: “Hey wait, don’t you need these [declarations and heath forms]”
Custom’s Agent: “No, Next (Ding)”
Okay then…so Pure Vida (Costa Rican Motto) means… Live Pure and… bring whatever you want into the country we don’t care!
Anyways, onto baggage claim where I find out it actually means bring whatever you want into the country… except you… your bags aren’t allowed; we’ll leave them in Atlanta!!!
To make matters even better “wink” the sun was chased away by a torrential downpour, and the shuttle that was supposed to be waiting to take me to my hotel was nowhere to be found. As I searched luggage-less for the shuttle I was hounded by many a friend taxi drivers who each promised me the cheapest rate (thinking back now, it seems that I probably could have gotten a taxi for free, I just needed to start an auction… “I need a taxi to Hotel Pangea, going to the lowest bidder!”... “Treinta…” “Veinte…” minutes later… “Sold to Victor for, yup, for free.”) I quickly realized the shuttle was a no go and got a good deal (not free, but good) from Victor who confidently proceeded to scare the shit out of me as we weaved in and out of speeding traffic through the pouring rain with the windows completely fogged over (defrost out of service?)
As we made over way about 10 miles to downtown San Jose, the sun began to shine rays of hope through the broken clouds above. “Were here,” Said Victor, as we pulled up to a steel orange door amidst tall cement walls and razor wire. I must have looked puzzled, for Victor quickly assured me this was the right place and I would have a great stay. I paid Victor and kindly thanked him for the ride and conversation. As I hesitantly approached the threatening facade, the door swung open, and I was kindly greeted and welcome inside. As I checked in, I heard a familiar voice call out my name. I turned to see Hayley smiling, and happily received a much needed hug. We spent the rest of the day exploring San Jose (where we found it is quite difficult to accomplish much of anything at a bank), picking up the necessities to get by until my luggage arrived, relaxing at the hostel, catching up, and reminiscing of old times.
Before bed, I took full advantage of the Hostel free WI-FI to quickly chat with friends and family, and read the comments and messages left for me (which by the way are awesome and you should write more).
Yes, I know my first day didn’t go as planned, but I found that you don’t need your luggage to have a good time.
have faith, be happy
Custom’s Agent: “Hola, welcome to Costa Rica, how long will you be staying?”
Exchange of documents…
Me: “About two weeks until crossing the border to Nicaragua. Then returning sometime in December and I fly out of San Jose the 17th.”
STAMP
Custom’s Agent: “Gracias”
Me: “Hey wait, don’t you need these [declarations and heath forms]”
Custom’s Agent: “No, Next (Ding)”
Okay then…so Pure Vida (Costa Rican Motto) means… Live Pure and… bring whatever you want into the country we don’t care!
Anyways, onto baggage claim where I find out it actually means bring whatever you want into the country… except you… your bags aren’t allowed; we’ll leave them in Atlanta!!!
To make matters even better “wink” the sun was chased away by a torrential downpour, and the shuttle that was supposed to be waiting to take me to my hotel was nowhere to be found. As I searched luggage-less for the shuttle I was hounded by many a friend taxi drivers who each promised me the cheapest rate (thinking back now, it seems that I probably could have gotten a taxi for free, I just needed to start an auction… “I need a taxi to Hotel Pangea, going to the lowest bidder!”... “Treinta…” “Veinte…” minutes later… “Sold to Victor for, yup, for free.”) I quickly realized the shuttle was a no go and got a good deal (not free, but good) from Victor who confidently proceeded to scare the shit out of me as we weaved in and out of speeding traffic through the pouring rain with the windows completely fogged over (defrost out of service?)
As we made over way about 10 miles to downtown San Jose, the sun began to shine rays of hope through the broken clouds above. “Were here,” Said Victor, as we pulled up to a steel orange door amidst tall cement walls and razor wire. I must have looked puzzled, for Victor quickly assured me this was the right place and I would have a great stay. I paid Victor and kindly thanked him for the ride and conversation. As I hesitantly approached the threatening facade, the door swung open, and I was kindly greeted and welcome inside. As I checked in, I heard a familiar voice call out my name. I turned to see Hayley smiling, and happily received a much needed hug. We spent the rest of the day exploring San Jose (where we found it is quite difficult to accomplish much of anything at a bank), picking up the necessities to get by until my luggage arrived, relaxing at the hostel, catching up, and reminiscing of old times.
Before bed, I took full advantage of the Hostel free WI-FI to quickly chat with friends and family, and read the comments and messages left for me (which by the way are awesome and you should write more).
Yes, I know my first day didn’t go as planned, but I found that you don’t need your luggage to have a good time.
have faith, be happy
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 18, 2009| Gate 2: Adventure Lies Ahead
As I fly from Seattle to Atlanta, my journey has begun and I bring you my thoughts. My mind races, my pulse rises, I’m excited but incredibly scared. I left home sweet home, dearest friends and loving family, only hours ago. Incredibly stressed, I packed all day; rushing from store to store making sure every item on my unorganized list had been accounted for. As I sat in the in the back seat of the car on the way to the airport, I was able to take a breath and relax, but only for a minute before panic set in. I didn’t have a watch, my guide book, the name of the hostel where I booked my first night, or to be honest any clue of what I was/am about to do. A few phone calls to dear friends and texts from others took off the edge. It was like every airport visit before, but like none at the same time. I did my best to hide my fear and anxiety; which I pulled off quite well until it was time to say goodbye. There was only airport security between me and my adventure, and as I sought a few more seconds of home, I wished for the first time that I had been randomly selected for an intensive search. I put my shoes back on, waved goodbye, and crossed the threshold; Gate 2, adventure lies ahead.
Though these thoughts are quite sad, you must know that I am quite looking forward to my adventure. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
As I reflect on the days past and those soon to come, I would like to thank…
Mom- for whom without I would not have been ready to leave on time. Today alone, she accompanied me around town reassuring my every purchased, hand crafted a laptop sleeve and camera case from an old wet suit, checked and double checked my lists, gear, and itinerary. She was always there when I had a question or needed a favor. Thanks for keeping it together, when I couldn’t.
Dad- for your encouragement and love. For driving all around town at the last minute looking for the watch I forgot to get, and when it was nowhere to be found for giving me the watch from your wrist as we met at the airport. For always making it known that if ever I need anything you are there.
Glen- for your inspiration, knowledge, and friendship.
Friends- for late night video games, short and long talks, fun/encouraging phone calls, never ending texts, and cherished skypes.
Family- for your never-ending love and support.
As tears (happy and sad, excited and afraid) dance down my face, I will miss you all. Keep in touch.
have faith, be happy
Though these thoughts are quite sad, you must know that I am quite looking forward to my adventure. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.
As I reflect on the days past and those soon to come, I would like to thank…
Mom- for whom without I would not have been ready to leave on time. Today alone, she accompanied me around town reassuring my every purchased, hand crafted a laptop sleeve and camera case from an old wet suit, checked and double checked my lists, gear, and itinerary. She was always there when I had a question or needed a favor. Thanks for keeping it together, when I couldn’t.
Dad- for your encouragement and love. For driving all around town at the last minute looking for the watch I forgot to get, and when it was nowhere to be found for giving me the watch from your wrist as we met at the airport. For always making it known that if ever I need anything you are there.
Glen- for your inspiration, knowledge, and friendship.
Friends- for late night video games, short and long talks, fun/encouraging phone calls, never ending texts, and cherished skypes.
Family- for your never-ending love and support.
As tears (happy and sad, excited and afraid) dance down my face, I will miss you all. Keep in touch.
have faith, be happy
October 18, 2009| The Plan
For those who don’t know, here is my plan:
I left today for San Jose, Costa Rica. I will arrive mid-afternoon on the 19th and will meet up with an old friend (Hayley McCoy, who has been volunteering at a marine conservation project for sea turtles in Costa Rica for the summer). I will explore San Jose and the surrounding area with her for a few days, while I pick here brain for suggestions on where to go, what and to see and do, and the things I should avoid. I then have 12 days to get Nicaragua, where I will be working at Crater’s Edge (A backpacker’s hostel and day resort the shores of La Laguna De Apoyo, owned and operated one of Glen’s long time friends Ann Thorne) I don’t know exactly what I will be doing other than helping run the place, but will be sure to let you know soon enough. I will work through November, and then have 17 days in December to explore Nicaragua and Costa Rica as I work my way back to San Jose to fly home. I hope to hike volcanoes, make new friends, learn to surf, think about my life, and most of all come home safe and full of stories.
I will attempt to post updates and upload pictures every now and then, but make no promises. If you haven’t heard anything feel free to contact my mom for she will probably know the most about my status (I promised to e-mail every couple of days if possible even if just to say “Hey mom, I’m still alive.”
I will be on Skype for time to time, so sign up and check in, and feel free to e-mail me (hewy313@gmail.com) or even better post comments on this blog so others can enjoy your thoughts.
Please, send this blog to anyone you think might want to know :)
Wish me the best!
have faith, be happy
I left today for San Jose, Costa Rica. I will arrive mid-afternoon on the 19th and will meet up with an old friend (Hayley McCoy, who has been volunteering at a marine conservation project for sea turtles in Costa Rica for the summer). I will explore San Jose and the surrounding area with her for a few days, while I pick here brain for suggestions on where to go, what and to see and do, and the things I should avoid. I then have 12 days to get Nicaragua, where I will be working at Crater’s Edge (A backpacker’s hostel and day resort the shores of La Laguna De Apoyo, owned and operated one of Glen’s long time friends Ann Thorne) I don’t know exactly what I will be doing other than helping run the place, but will be sure to let you know soon enough. I will work through November, and then have 17 days in December to explore Nicaragua and Costa Rica as I work my way back to San Jose to fly home. I hope to hike volcanoes, make new friends, learn to surf, think about my life, and most of all come home safe and full of stories.
I will attempt to post updates and upload pictures every now and then, but make no promises. If you haven’t heard anything feel free to contact my mom for she will probably know the most about my status (I promised to e-mail every couple of days if possible even if just to say “Hey mom, I’m still alive.”
I will be on Skype for time to time, so sign up and check in, and feel free to e-mail me (hewy313@gmail.com) or even better post comments on this blog so others can enjoy your thoughts.
Please, send this blog to anyone you think might want to know :)
Wish me the best!
have faith, be happy
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