Daytrip to Volcán Poás

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This is probably the most beautiful place I have seen in my life. Although, those who traveled with me have heard that already a few times before.

On Saturday, after 3 hours of kick-butt dance classes, my roommate Carolina and I took the bus to Alajuela to spend the night at Manolo’s sister’s house (Cristiana). While climbing on to the bus and paying the fare I ask the bus driver to drop us off at a Mall Cariari.

The bus driver was an interesting senor. He was one of those old bachelors who honked at all the moving skirts and hills and knew every single tortilla maker and lottery ticket seller in the area. It was so much fun watching him that I didn’t even realized that we ended up in a wrong town.

-What about the Mall Cariari? I asked.

-Ay corazon, I completely forgot. Wait with me I will take you back.

And we waited.... finished a pack of dry apricots and he took us back.

Cristiana was the best host ever! We went to the mall to get food and some delicious CHURROS, rented a movie and wept and wailed watching the HELP. In the morning she made delicious eggs and coffee and sent us with peace to the volcano.

It was an hour ride from Alajuela. We stopped to get breakfast and then, before the national park, to get the tickets.

-Uno, por favor, I said to get a ticket.

-Nacional?

The difference between the national ticket and the tourist was about $9. I wish I could have lied but I said I wasn’t from there and paid the full price. We had about 4 hours at the park. That was enough to hike each of the two trails two times, to have homemade ham sandwiches, and to take a bunch of pictures.

It always amazes me how much satisfaction and peace you get from looking at the nature. It’s so powerful! Standing only a few kilometers away from an active volcano makes you realize how little and insignificant you are. It gets deeply into you.

Now I am back to the casual week. BTW: Cuba is confirmed for me! Three weeks in March.

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Comments

[colette]

Parapluie du pauvre
Pour Cécilia et Magali, même photo mais prise sous une pluie battante ... Donc, nous avons pu testé l'efficacité du "Parapluie du pauvre"...:)