Costa Rica – NEVER STOP MOVING

February 25 to March 6, 2017

The first 7 nights in Tambor was at a private home in a very quiet neighborhood. It was centrally located though and we saw so much and remained very active. From quiet walks on the beach to zipline – we did it all. The photos below show just some of the highlights. It has been hot… around 85 degrees with a nice breeze most of the time. The pool was very refreshing.

My son and his wife invited us to share this home with them for 7 nights. It was very relaxing and we also enjoyed the company of Annette’s daughter, Emily with her partner James. Three generations!

Written by Bob about our day to Tortuga Island: Monday (2.27) we took a panga skippered by Tavo and his wife Veronica to Tortuga Island. We spent an hour or so relaxing on the beach under coconut trees. Then Tavo took us to two different dive spots for snorkeling. The fish were plentiful and it was beautiful. Then back to the beach where Veronica prepared a wonderful meal of shrimp, chicken and papas fritas. After another couple of hours enjoying the ambience, Annette’s daughter Emily, and her guy James, took a guided walk up the hill above the beach. We motored back to Tambor and back to our vacation home. Tuesday Marla and I went to town for some provisions and gelato and then just spent an afternoon of nothingness while the rest of the gang motored to Montezuma which is the “hippy” center of the area and where we will spend Saturday and Sunday. We are having the best of times.

02-27-tavo-tortuga-island-14 — Annette and Will on Tortuga Is.

02-27-tavo-tortuga-island-31 — Miss Lauren, Tavo’s boat

02-27-tavo-tortuga-island-33 — Fishing Village of Tambor

Zipline in Montezuma with Sun Trails

This was my third time on a Zipline. First was in the Caribbean, second was in Whistler. The third time is the charm, so they say! It was awesome-best yet. 8 zips with a waterfall break half way through.

The swim break

Annette and Emily

The waterfall

View from the Zipline

Suspension Bridge

Happy Zippers

February 23-25, 2017

We are finally here! We have one full day in the area of Alajuela which is near the International Airport for Costa Rica. As soon as we checked into the hotel at 10pm, I asked about tours the next day to a volcano or a nature preserve to observe some wildlife. Kenneth, at the front desk, told us to just ask the next morning as there were many choices and the nearest volcano was just 30 minutes away. So we slept in and went to the desk about 11am. The desk clerk told us we were too late for any tours. BUT she could arrange a private tour in a taxi wherever we wanted to go. We climbed into Leonardo’s taxi and off we went to Volcano Poas which was about a 1 hour drive. It was a wonderful day and Leonardo was a delight. He told us his entire life story along with some bits about Costa Rica. He was born in Costa Rica but lived in the Los Angeles area for 30 years. He came back here to retire 5 years ago and now drives a taxi until he can start drawing his social security from his United States income.

005-poas-volvano-1 — Bob and Marla at the Volcano

006-volcano-2 — The volcano below – last eruption was in 2011

007-volcano-clouds — The clouds arrived just as we were leaving

Next Leonardo drove us by his favorite cheese vendor on the side of the road where he bought some fresh tortillas and cheese for his wife. He then stopped at a local restaurant and filled a thermos with a hot beverage. It seemed a little strange that he would do his shopping while taking us on a tour. But this was all for us, we learned a bit later.

A little further down the road Leonardo drove into a beautiful park like area with ponds, benches and various activities. Some people were just admiring the flowers and others were on the Zipline. He said it is very crowded on the weekends but for us it was a special day because there were no crowds. So we sat on a bench and he brought out the picnic for us. Fresh cheese and warm tortillas. The special beverage was hot agua dulce. It is a favorite beverage in Costa Rica and I plan to find it again. Very good. Like a sweet warm tea.

Farmers Market and Alajuela Town Square

Our final stop was the town square with farmers market, central park and a large church which is so typical of villages. Leonardo knows everyone in town and this was the highlight of our day. He smiled and chatted with shop keepers, people on the street and waved from his car window as we drove through the crazy traffic. Such a lively fun area. The local people are happy and friendly back to us also.

009-farmers-market — Leonardo buying from friend

So this is the end of our first full day in Costa Rica. Tomorrow we take a short flight over to the Nicoya Peninsula and the town of Tambor. Follow along!

Category: Costa Rica

Tambor and Montezuma, Costa Rica

Costa Rica!