Costa Rica Blog #6 Montezuma

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Greetings everyone from sunny Costa Rica! Speaking of sunny, we've been so impressed with the perfect weather we have had on our trip. Other than a few cooler days in the mountains (which is to be expected) everyday is the same . . . . warm, sunny, calm and tropical!

Montezuma (not sure about the name!) as long as it doesn't come along with the revenge is a very interesting and special place. It is just a tiny litttle village at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula that attracts all kinds of tourists. There are only two main paved roads lined with restuarants, cafes, bakeries, tour offices, shops and definitely has a hippish vibe to it with quite a few organic and vegetarian options for eating. As well, the clothing stores are very trendy and offer more brand name fashion rather than the usual souvenir stuff.

The town and streets come alive at night with turkish dancing, fire dancing, musicians, and live music at the restuarants in particularly Mississippi blues which we can hear from our hotel patio. Almost like being in New Orleans! As well, local artisians and others from around the world display their hand made jewellery and art work. The jewellery is quite unique and I bought a very nice woven necklace.

We decided to splurge and stay at a posh hotel during our week in Montezuma. I guess you could say we're celebrating our 40th anniversay a little early! El jardin is built on a hillside overlooking the town with about 15 different luxurious cabinas that all have ocean views. The grounds are spectacular with landscaped tropical flowers and lush palms. As well, there are two levels of pools and a jacuzzi. Our cabina is a beautiful gold concrete with rich wood interior and a large patio with chairs and hammocks. It's pure heavan! The pools are a welcome reprieve from the hot weather and we spend a good portion of the day cooling off in the water.

There are lots of beaches close by most with big surf. They don't really offer any services or beach chairs so we mostly walk the beach enjoying the scenery and beauty of the ocean. There is a great costal path that goes north for a long ways in and out of the beach and rain forest. I think you could walk forever! It's a fairly rugged hike so provides a good workout.

We're amazed how we can fill out day without doing much at all! A person is forced to relax and enjoy the moment. Our morning consists of getting up whenever we wake up (not really knowing the time) and enjoy breakfast and coffee on the patio. Next some time to check e-mails, facebook, read, do cross word puzzles and then to the pool to cool off. Before we know it it's time to head to town for lunch. Our favourite place is a quaint little restaurant overlooking the ocean where the food is excellent and varied.

We reserve the afternoon for activities as it seems a little cooler and sometimes there is a slight breeze. Some days we hike, walk on the beach, shop, visit other beaches, snorkel etc. One day we hiked up to the Montezuma Waterfalls. It wasn't exactly an easy walk but we made it and enjoyed a cool dip under the falls. I must admit Warren is very skilled at walking along jutted rocks, shallow water and tree roots. He just seems to skim along with ease whereas I am a little less co-ordinated crawling on my hands and feet at times!!

The ATM machine was out of money for 3 days in a row (c'est la vie in Montezuma) so we decided to take the local bus to the next town of Cabona to retrieve some cash. It was an interesting trip 7 km. there and back watching the ticos go about their day. The mountain road was very steep and rugged and we were amazed at how the driver skillfully handled the big bus and all its gears. We weren't exactly sure what time the bus would return but we gradually figured it out after conversing with the driver who only spoke Spanish. Sign language and a knowledge of some basic words in spanish usually does the trick!

Being the thrill seekers we are we decided to take another canopy tour (zip line) in Montezuma. While it wasn't as long and fast as in Monteverde it stilll was a lot of fun. We zipped above and in and out of the trees, over the waterfalls and had some great ocean views. Part of the tour was a stop at the top of the waterfalls where we got to plunge into one of the pools and cool off which was right up my alley. Warren was the official photographer!

Late afternoon we are back at our cabina and pool and enjoy a cocktail hour and head out to dinner around 7:30. We are still amazed at the excellent meals we have had in Costa Rica and Montezuma did not disappoint! Home made pasta, asian noodles, fresh fish, octopus, clams, tacos and sishkabobs are a few examples of what we have been enjoying here. Usually before bed we play a game of crib or dominoes and that's a day!!

We continue to be amused by the monkeys. Most of the ones around Montezuma are the white faced capuchin monkeys. Often they are right next door to our patio around supper time. One day while hiking along the north road a whole family zipped across the power line. They kind of stopped, stared at us for a moment and then went on their way. Luckily I got a few pictures.

Tomorrow we head back to San Jose and fly to Belize for our last two weeks. Thanks for reading. I wish I could send some hot weather back home, we have heard it is god awful in Saskatchewan!

Mallory and Warren

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Comments

[Chad]

Daaaamn
Looks beautiful.

[Deb]

Fantastic!
Oh, my goodness! Fantastic, absolutely fantastic! We are so envious : )