Frank and Leona

Ever see a red frog or iguanas and spider monkeys climbing trees? Tortuguero lies on the north coast of Costa Rica and is only accessible by plane or boat. We did the van and boat trip which involved a couple of hours on paved road, a couple of hours on gravel road and couple hours by river boat. The trip was interesting in that you go through a National park, vast stretches of banana farms owned by Dole and Del Monte and the ride through the canals to Turtle Beach lodge. We stopped at one of the banana processing facilities and learned a little about the bananas. In Costa Rica, Nicaraguans provide the labor on the farms. It is readily apparent that by the workers lodging at these remote banana farms that they are being taken ... read more

Costa Rica seems worlds apart from its neighbors to the north. It readily obvious that the standard of living is much higher as well as a lack of indigenous people influence in the culture. What it lacks in that cultural diversity, it makes up for it in that it has one of the most gorgeous landscapes in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It also has some adrenalin pumping features that would make any Kiwi proud! It was a little tough (again) getting here from Granada. We took TICA bus to Liberia which required 4 hours to get through immigration. This was the most disorganized hot frustrating (got any other non 4 letter word adjectives?) time on the trip. People were butting in and there was a total lack of control . Maybe there is still some third ... read more

We took Hedman Alas bus from Antigua to Copan Ruinas in Honduras after a one night stay in Antigua. So long Antigua, we will not see you again after passing this way three times! The seats on Hedman Alas were pure luxury! When we got to Honduras, the immigration officer was a joker imitating a lion for “Leona” and me as poquino for “jr.” Everyone is a comedian! Arrived in Copan Ruinas which is a funky little town of 6000 people two miles from the Mayan Ruins. Took a tuk-tuk to our hotel. We were staying on the edge of “town” four blocks from the center of town. The hills around town are full of birds and Casa Del Café B&B is great place to stay. Great people in a quiet area. We went to the ... read more

We took a mini van shuttle to Coban. It was about a six hour ride and along the way were several small mountain villages. Every area has their specific style of dress. The woman wear brightly colored long skirts and a very unique style top. In this area, it is primarily a solid colored lacy blouse. We came here to go to Semuc Champey and to visit a Finca or coffee plantation. In lieu of staying in Lanquin, which is closer to Semuc Champey but also much more rustic with a lack of hot showers and the other basic necessities of life, we decided on Coban. We took a 12 hour tour with Maya ch Expeditions. The ride is pretty rough as it takes about 2 hours to go 30 miles. Approx 15 miles is curvy ... read more

Ever climb an active volcano? Leona said “that’s got to be the craziest thing I have ever done!!” We spent four nights in Antigua. The city is approximately 45 minutes from Guatemala City and use to be the Capital City. It has cobblestone streets and sits in the shadow of two volcanoes of which Agua Volcano is always visible from anywhere in the city. It has several beautiful churches from the 15th century of which La Merced is absolutely gorgeous. So why did Leona say that about hiking Volcano Pacaya? The hike starts innocently enough at approximately 5000ft with kids selling walking sticks for 5 Q (60cents). You soon realize that this will be like walking up a 250 story building to within 200 meters of 2500 meter peak where 40 mph winds, and blowing volcanic ... read more