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Published: November 29th 2004
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Hey everyone! Right now I am in Turrialba, Costa Rica (which is inbetween San Jose and Limon) and it is basically a kayaking and whitewater rafting base camp. But I will give you a quick review from where I left off. Actually first let me make a few random comments.
(1) As everyone knows, I basically know no spanish what so ever. but occasionally I am able to piece a phrase together and ask a local a simple question (such as ¨Donde esta la autobus para Turrialba¨). And on those rara occasions when I do get it right...boy o boy I feel like such the savy internation traveller (reguardless of the fact that I have know idea what they say in reply). On top of that, I am EXCELENTE with spanglish sign language. I have gotten everything from directions to a coffee plantation, to contact lens cleaner with my surrades (sp) skills alone!
(2) I think I am going to start adding a ¨random observation¨to every post. Todays is the following, every girl between the ages of 16 and 19 is either pregnate or has a baby, there are babys everywhere.
(3) I really believe that traveling is
Huge Plant
Huge Plant an addition. The more places I see...the more places I want to see, it is like an endless loop.
Ok so sunday I was still in San Jose and instead of hanging around the city I decided to check out a volcano (Paoz..or something like that). There where organized tours for around $30 but i decided to take a local bus ($2) and do my own thing (and I convinced two people from my hostel to join me). It was a good time and I have some cool pics which I will try to post soon. This wasnt a volcano like we would think. it was more like a crater on the top of a mountain. Although it was filled with some really funky turquose green water. But the best part was that the whole area was a 'cloud forest'. which basically means that your at the same level as the clouds. so this lead to some great picture ops.
that same night I caught another local bus (look at me!) to the town of Turrialba (1.5 hours...$1.50). Here I am playing $10 a night for a private room (bunk bed). But there is no AC and no hot water..but the place is aight. My time tables have changed pretty dramatically, I have been going to be around 10, and waking up at 530 (not by choice). In this area they have something called howler monkeys which basically serve the purpase of roosters (they have those too). So just as the sun starts to rise...things get EXTREMELY noisy...you have no idea how loud these monkeys are. But the one good thing is that some of these towns look pretty shady, but I have no problem exploring them at 6 in the morning. Today I went on a 6 mile hike to some tree-flower farm, ate breakfast (twice) walked around town, took a bunch of pics and was back at the hostel before 9 am. (side note, I am getting really good at this seista thing!!).
Today I am going to meet up with the old singles group (or something like that) and practice my mooching skills. hopefully my next blog will be about my free whitewater rafting trip.
A few more side notes.
beers are $1
meals are $2.50
everyone is really friendly and honest (thank god).
i am never ever going to be able to 'blend in' hah
I have not come across as many other travellers as I had hoped...costa rica is definitely not what I had imagined..but then again, I haven't been to the beach areas yet (that is next).
(jason wins the trail name contest).
AND when you add a comment, please add your name, the website doesnt automatically do that.
AND if there is anything that you want to know just let me know.
Chris
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anonymous
non-member comment
Hi Chris, its Lisa
Hey big brother! It's great to hear that you're having a good time and already picking up on local customs (siestas). Hope you meet some more locals at the beach and had a great time white water rafting! I miss you!!