a Pacific paradise, but......

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Yes, I´ve found another paradise, this time on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica--on the Nicoya Peninsula, to be exact. It´s a beach and small town called Playa Carillo. It´s 8 kilometers south of Samara, which isn´t bad, either, but it´s more touristy and the beach at Carillo is much nicer (see photos). Unlike Samara, most of the beachcombers at Carillo are "Tico" families.
Only problem is, this paradise may disappear in the coming years. I had lunch yesterday at a local hotel with a lovely view of the bay and beach. Seated at the bar was an American --the same American who's constructing the 8-floor monstrosity appearing on the sign splashed with red paint. Amateur investigative journalist that I am, I asked this American ("Bob") all sorts of questions, pretending to be interested. I´t's going to take a year to build and he's already sold 4 units --3 to Americans and 1 to a European. Apparently, a Marriott is going to be built in 5 years on the Point you see in one of the photos I'm posting. Who knows who else will be building here soon! Have never liked developers, but I also find it very sad that Costa Ricans are selling off their land to these guys. Carillo may-- and probably will--become another Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Such a shame!
In the meantime, however, I'm enjoying myself immensely. Have been swimming about 6 times already. The water is just as warm as the Caribbean, and there isn´t a rip current. Decided to "splurge" on a lovely hotel run by a young Argentinian couple for my 3 nights here. There's enough room for 3 people, and it has a kitchen and its own patio (see photo). I´m the only single person here and got a bit of a special price. Surprisingly enough, a young Quebecois couple that was at the hostel in Monteverde is also staying at the same hotel! They´re very nice, and I may see them again in Quebec City when I go back there to catch my flight back to Paris March 30. Also hope to introduce them to Marc and Marlo.
Will take back a shuttle bus back to San Jose (Susan and Harry's) on Tuesday morning. Leave for Guatemala on Wednesday.
Hasta luego!

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Photos

My hotel room in Playa Carillo
The hotel is called Casa Colibri --hummingbird house

Comments

[Bernard]

Eden forever
A force de te balader d'un paradis à l'autre, tu vas trouver le reste du monde infernal, et ton retour à Paris va être un choc. Prépare toi au pire! Bises, Bernard

[Sanchia Scott]

Paradise
What truly beautiful places you have discovered - I loved the photo of the highly colourful bird attached to your last blog. You are one of the lucky ones to see all this natural beauty before it is lost. You will be sad that your time there is coming to an end. I expect Quebec will be freezing. I have actually just ordered Eric's CD - am very much looking forward to hearing all of it - I really loved the sample on his website. Stay safe - have fun.

[Ej]

Greed !
Enjoy it why you can and forget about all this greed. :-) It was nice talking to you on the phone....See you soon.

[sam]

Costa Rica Info
Hi. stumbled on your blog in my search for information on costa rica vacation. I ran across this link. I'd like to ask if you encountered anyhting like this on your stay? Is this what really happens? Thanks so much! BTW, Your photos look really pretty! Im excited for a vacation now!

[sam]

whoops
i didnt know the comments didnt support links. anyway the site is http://CostaRicaHq.org cheers!:)