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Published: August 19th 2008
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Sloth 18 secs
We left our 'home away from home´ i.e. Canada and began our transition of a local back to being a tourist. It felt a bit weird leaving Canada after being there for so long. Despite everyone warning us about the Greyhound buses we had a free ticket and so we wanted to take advantage of it plus we knew it would be nothing like the buses that were about to come. In Seattle we enjoyed the Pike Place Markets and for once it wasn´t raining in Seattle. We only planned on a night stop over but due to some planning problems...i.e. none! The bus south was full so we were forced to stay an extra night.
Another bus ride and we were in San Fransisco. What a place! It was all of what we had been told plus more of what we had been told- we loved it. We stayed there 2 nights. There was plenty to see and do and we really enjoyed hanging around Fishermans Wharf soaking up the sunshine, watching the sea lions, eating clam chowder and all the usual touristy things. We unfortunately missed out on Alcatraz as we didn´t realise you have to book weeks
Pike Place Markets
soooo many flowers and so many stalls selling them for crazy cheap prices, so beautiful.in advance. We will let the photos tell the rest of the story.
On the bus again and you won´t believe it but we had ANOTHER break-down disaster. A small fire under the dash left us stranded on the side of the highway in blazing hot weather with nothing for miles. Luckily we were only stuck this time for 2 or so hours so we thankfully made it to LA for our flight out...phew!
COSTA RICA
We flew overnight to San Jose, Costa Rica. After getting off the plane we walked outside to warm humid weather and the taxi scrum (taxi drivers swarm from every where to get the gringos business), all a bit much when you have had barely an hours sleep on the plane. We stayed in San Jose for one night and did some wandering around absorbing the locals and planning for the rest of our time in Costa Rica.
Bring on the beach.....
We couldn´t get out of the city quick enough and headed straight for the closest beach, Jaco. Ahhh....waves. We were in bliss, particularly Karl who had been suffering major withdrawal symptoms. We ended up staying 3 nights just enjoying
Tram
Riding the trams in San Fran, so much fun! the beach and cheap food and drinks. We then thought we should probably go see some other parts of Costa Rica so we went to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Wow... beautiful place and we got to see loads of wild life. We weren´t sure what to expect if we would see anything but as soon as we got into the national park we saw a sloth really close up. Amazing creatures!! We also saw hummingbirds, scorpion, loads of monkeys, racoons, and iguanas. The beaches were something else, and almost to ourselves ( a little slice of heaven).
Back to Jaco for a night, then we hired a car and drove to La Fortuna. The ride itself was quite the adventure with nearly being taken out by several trucks , overtaking on blind corners and up steep mountains. A test of the nerves for both driver and passenger!! We got a little lost but luckily a local offered for us to follow him which made it much easier and all up the scenery was worth the stress of the drive. We got to see the 'fireworks display´of Volcano Arenal. Pretty cool to see a active volcano. The next
Jaco Beach
Waves instead of snow, a nice change! day drove to Alejuela to be close to the airport, holy traffic....Karl did really well to navigate and get the car back in one piece. Such aggressive driving and the beat up cars and taxis tell the story!
We loved Costa Rica and wish we could have stayed much longer but other adventures were calling us. Easing our way south, next stop peru.
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Chris
non-member comment
WOW
Thanks for the update and photos all looks fanastic-Iam jealous as Iam still to see an active volcano-on my to do list.Glad you enjoyed San Fran one of my favourite places