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Published: February 1st 2006
Since you've last heard from us we've traveled to the other side of Costa Rica, changed hotels three times (all in one day) and sent the Brown-O-Meter well on its way.
We are in Samara and after having a few down days are back on our feet and raring to go. Well, maybe we're medium-raring to go, but getting there.
The rains of Cahuita, and possibly something else, twisted my stomach into some pretty intense knots that are still trying to untwist themselves.... on the bright side I've got my appetite back.
AND, as an added bonus, now that the abdominal pains have ceded I've welcomed a new sympton... let's just say a different Brown-O-Meter might be introduced. Enough about that, I don't want to go "blue" with the blog.
Back to Samara:
Samara
We arrived here on Sunday afternoon and our hotel had screwed up our reservation causing us to go elsewhere (always fun to strap a 30 pound backpack to your back when your front feels like exploding). The second place was fine (for a while) until Elise left me to explore and came back to find me in a sweaty heap, so we moved on to a place that offered air conditioning for the same price.... Hotel Marbella
A few notes on Hotel Marbella:
- It is run by a Frenchman named Joel (pronounced Jo-el) who spends the bulk of his day watching tv, smoking cigarettes and speaking a mangled version of Spanish, French and an occasional English word tossed in.... despite his perpetual butt in his mouth, I think ol' Joel knows what he's doing. Not much stress in his life.
- Joel either has enough money to live, or just doesn't care because it seems like Elise and I are the only inhabitants of the hotel. We sit out by our own little pool for much of the day without anyone bothering us, only occasionally leaving for a beach visit or some food and drink.
- The Geckos are back. We have made some new gecko friends in our room, but when we asked the little lizards they were no relation to the ones we met in Cahuita.
- Beyond the Geckos, we've seen some big ass iguanas hanging around the hotel that are either native of the region, or born from Joel's cigarettes.
- Despite most people's disbelief, this hotel has been the site of several Big Teeth Productions Board Meetings. Just because you're wearing a bathing suit and lying in a hammock, doesn't mean you're not working.
Samara Food
In a deviously ironic twist, the food in Samara has been amazing. Nearly every meal we've eaten here has been outstanding. From the El Dorado Italian Restaurant to El Lagarto the BBQ surf and turf place.... So while none of the food stays in the body too long, it is quite a thrill putting it in.
To the Elise people, you must find this all hilariously thrilling to hear ME complain about my stomach while she gallavants around town eating peanutbutter and bananas as if she were Elvis himself. Sweet bitter irony!
Notes from a Developing Country
- Being a van driver for Interbus must be a cushy job because about every 2 hours we stopped for a 40 minute break, making a 20 mile drive actually take 9 hours. Hmmm...
- Why do countries that cause tourists so much diarrhea insist upon putting toilet paper in the trash can? Can't we share our flushing technology?
that should bring you up to date to this point, hope all are well at home and that your stomachs are not hurting.
A few more days in Samara and then off to Manuel Antonio.
Brown-O-Meter
finally some time in the real sun brings some freckles and more to our travelers:
Elise = 3.5
Gregg = 5.5
Adios
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worried in glencoe
non-member comment
gregg stomach
Did you hear of imodium? Start with two and then take one. You must have caught a bug and stop eating so much. Only blttled water! And for sure no beans in your nose. Glad Elise and Elvis have something in common besides their singing. Enjoy and love to you both.