The morning dawned hot and sunny so we lounged around the pool for a couple of hours and then walked down the road into the middle of one of the Tico neighbourhoods where Anthony our hotel owner had suggested we eat as they have the BEST food. We walked to Garra-Pata only to find the gate closed but a couple of people inside. Not knowing what to do, Curtis went up and asked, "Abierto?". Si, Si was the answer and they welcomed us inside. Hose was busily donning his crisp white chef's shirt and his cap. It is so amazing how language barriers are overcome. He did not speak one word of English, nor did his wife, and my Spanish is shaky and basic but still we were able to get across to him that we ... read more

On our last full day in Montezuma, we hopped on the bus and headed for town to pick up those last minute souvenirs. We went to Organico for a smoothie since most of the stores were just beginning to open. We wandered in and out of shops where I picked up yet another dress and Curtis a couple more shirts! We also bought a very fresh baguette as we were having dinner later with our neighbours. As we got to the bus stop people had started to gather under the tree. Several were looking above and then we noticed that there were a couple of large iguanas up in the tree. Suddenly, one jumped up a branch and the two started to fight. Someone said it was for ownership of the tree. Not sure why they ... read more

After our exciting excursion to Isla Tortuga we decided a couple of quiet days were in order! Friday found us catching up on our emails, reading, and tidying up. We hit the beach around 11:30 for a couple of hours then decided to start the walk into Montezuma where we would spend the afternoon and have our first dinner out. We began walking on the dusty road and as the dilapidated bus rounded the bend behind us, we opted to flag it down. We wandered into a few shops and then followed the road that runs parallel to the beach. Along this road was a vast array of homes, from beautiful, large casitas that were immaculately groomed, to shacks that looked like they would collapse in the wind. We continued on until we reached the turtle ... read more

Ok we are Canadians. We know what it is like to endure intense winters but down here it is very difficult for us to reconcile how much snow there is at home and the frigid temperatures that have been gripping our area. Here everything, and anything you do, leaves you drenched in perspiration! The intense heat in Costa Rica is unlike anything we have had the pleasure of experiencing in all of our travels. You walk and sweat, eat and sweat, cook and sweat, you just sweat!! We are definitely receiving a cleansing of any and all toxins in our bodies!! Today was our day to travel to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve that is located 2km south of Cabuya, so 5km from where we are staying! We walked down to catch the 8:20 bus which ... read more

Well, here in Montezuma the Howler Monkeys rise early in order to attend their Sunday morning Evangelical service. They sing, worship, and praise for much longer time and more forcefully on the Sabbath! Finally, after what seemed forever, they said their good-byes to fellow congregational members and made their way off through the trees. Peace at last! The sun sets early in Costa Rica like at home and it is dark by 6:00pm however it is also light quite early in the morning. The sun streams through the myriad of palm fronds beside our window and by 6:30 am we are awake and glued to our books. Our plan for today was to take the advice of our neighbours, Michael and Laura, and visit the small waterfalls that is just down the road from our place. ... read more