The volcano is only half visible now as it ascends upward into the circling clouds. However, the image is too vividly painted in my mind, for I can see it in all it’s glory, towering over the small town of Antigua. And not just one, but two volcanic giants; sturdy, intimidating…yet inviting. They act as reminders of how powerful Mother Nature can be as they watch over a town filled with ruins amidst a growing tourism. Cobble stone roads and broken sidewalks guide you through town. Not a single window is missing its iron bars, however visual compensation is often represented by flora and vines intertwined with iron. Various shops, stores and restaurants frame the roads. The road itself is a shopping extravaganza. Jewelry, blankets, accessories, grub, tours, you name it and it’s being sold on ... read more

“You want pineapple!?” Before I can even answer he jerks the car off the road into an earthy driveway and the beautiful scenery is now blocked by a cloud of dust and dirt. Juan Carlos, my overly friendly taxi-cab driver, slides open the door of the van, insisting (in a mix of English and Spanish) that I get out and follow him. Mind you, it’s my first day in this foreign country, somewhere between San Jose (the capital) and the Caribbean coastline. I turn and look at my friend, shrug my shoulders and say oh-so-encouragingly, “We‘re on vacation! C’mon!” Having a native pick fresh wild pineapple and slice it open on the side of the road was just the first taste of my tropical trek through Costa Rica. After about a 5-hour drive through the heart ... read more