Cloudy in Costa Rica

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Hiya folks

The dog days of January are over. I´m sure you are all pleased to get that out of the way and move towards the lighter nights and the warmer weather. Regarding news from home, I felt a great disturbance in the Force last Saturday. A few days later, I discovered what it was. The last ever episode of Grandstand has aired. I probably missed a great last edition with loads of clips and all the old presenters coming back to the studio for a big party. If anyone recorded it, save it for me. What am I gonna do on Saturdays back in England now?

Anyway, you didn´t click the link to read that sort of gubbins - you want to know where I am. The day after the robbery, I was booked on a very early morning bus to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is often referred to as the Switzerland of central America. It does not have a history littered with civil wars, revolutions and border disputes like most of its neighbours. It was a long journey, once again punctuated by great scenery. I have to say I am happy as Larry on some of these bus journeys. I could look out of the window all day in some of the countries and, when you are travelling on central American buses, you have little choice unless you want to watch another Steven Seagal movie on the in-bus video.

One consequence of the robbery was that I was now without a guide book. I had looked at the San Jose hotels and remembered that one of the ones I had circled was next to a Holiday Inn. When I got off the bus, I reckoned the best option was to grab a cab to the Holiday Inn and see if I could remember what the hotel was called. The cab dropped me off right outside the Holiday Inn. It looked nice inside. There was air conditioning. There was a bar with people laughing and drinking their favourite adult beverages. It was getting dark and it wouldn´t hurt to go and look at the prices, would it? The prices were high but I decided to live with it. I didn´t fancy wandering the streets of a strange city with my bags as it was getting dark. So, I cheated and opted for a night of luxury.

That evening, I dined at the restaurant on the top floor (the 17th) of the hotel. As it was now dark, the view was spectacular with lights twinkling everywhere stretching right up into the surrounding mountains. There seem to be mountains everywhere in this part of the world. I had a magnificent feast - lobster bisque followed by pork chops in blueberry sauce, accompanied by what the waiter assured me was the finest beer in Costa Rica. There was an attractive female pianist. We seemed to develop a connection as I nodded my head in approval as she played a Billy Joel number. San Jose has relatively few historic sights. As I was sitting on the 17th floor was probably not a good time to remember why. The city lies directly on a major eartquake fault line. And here I was sitting at one of the highest points in the city. Luckily, there was no earthquake that night. I slept very soundly. I know staying and eating at the Holiday Inn was cheating but it was nice to have a night of luxury. And it´s my trip so I make the rules.

I spent a couple of days in San Jose buying new guide books and making onward travel plans. I found the hotel I had originally been looking for - a former home of one of the Presidents of Costa Rica. I wonder if he had to crush cockroaches himself or if he had someone to that for him. I only stayed one night.

I then took a short trip to the town of La Fortuna. Again, this town was right next to a volcano. Arenal is central America´s most active volcano. On clear nights, lava can be seen spewing out of the top. Sadly, there are very few clear nights due to the climate in this part of the country. The days were mostly cloudy although still unfeasibly hot. I still can´t really get used to it being hot in January. My sense of seasons is going to be messed up for years.

All in all, I had a relatively quiet time in Costa Rica. There seemed to be fewer backpackers around. I was more than happy to spend the days in La Fortuna in the garden of the hotel reading, chatting to the other guests and watching the odd hummingbird go by. There were birds of many colours and shapes and sizes but, as for naming different species, please remember it´s me writing this. My knowledge of nature fits on the back of a stamp.

Coming next time - will I make it to Panama in time for my next flight, I´ll tell you about the Meat Oscars and I have simply GOT to get myself a haircut.

Take care all

Joff

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Comments

[Nick]

living the high life
lobster bisque and pork chops? not the standard fare of a crusty backpacker!

[the Umberger's]

How are things?
Hope you are still enjoying your trip!!! :) We're continually praying for your safety! :) Can't wait for the next blog entry! :) The Umberger Clan :)