Lunes 13 de julio - Malpais
This morning the rest of the group, apart from me and Julie, make plans to head to Monteverde and in doing so get packed ready for their 8am bus. Today I will be heading to Malpais to stay with family, Julie and Phillip, my Dad's cousin and husband with whom I used to see each Christmas until I was around 12.. so quite a few years have since past. Before the group head off I sell my guitar to Jared having first spoken about the possibility back in Mastatal. I say my goodbyes to the group..although I will be seeing them again in Montezuma at the end of the week.. also on the Nicoya Peninsular.
An hour later I take the bus to San Ramon with Julie, we chat about our experiences this year. Julie, 19, from Germany, has spent the majority of her year in the Dominican Republic as a teaching assisant in a local school.. her spanish is extremely good, helped by living with a local lady throughout that time. Quite the experience for a 19 year old. . A year when I was undertaking my first year at Goldsmiths, oblivious to much of the outside world..
In San Ramon, after a hot and stuffy bus ride, we walk to the bus terminal where soon after Julie is boarding her bus to San José. My bus arrives soon after.. I pack my bag in the hold underneath and then return to the rather long queue.. I have previously seeked assurance that there is enough room before loading my main bag but it looks questionable as to whether there will be enough space.. It seems that no one has departed from the bus here.
In front of me are a family.. I'm unsure as to whether they are Dutch or German..they squeeze on in front of me.. The bus full with people standing down the aisle.. As I approach the steps onto the bus the driver tells me to step back.. There is literally no more room.. ! I tell him that my bag is loaded on and attempt to squeeze on behind the family. . I am even tempted to say I am with the family! Forcefully I am the last on board!
It is another hot and humid bus ride.. Standing with little space.. I now chat with the family, who I find out are from Belgium. I hadn't registered Flemish when trying to put my finger on their language spoken.
Eventually we arrive in Puntarenas..but not at the ferry terminal.. Together we all squeeze (4 in the back+a few bags) into a taxi for the short ride there, just making the 2pm ferry. Me and the parents enjoy a refreshing beer on the deck as we slowly pull away.. the weather is already much more promising than in La Fortuna. On route I chat with one of the daughters, who speaks perfect English. The father, after moving onto drinking his cartoon wine during the journey, tells me more about his eventful life. Once again, my path has crossed with new interesting people, the joys of travelling.
After departing the ferry we board a bus, crammed full of people. I make contact with Julie and Phillip, who will pick me up in Cóbano. I learn some new Dutch phrases on route from the girls. In Cóbano, I say my farewells to the family who switch buses and head onto Santa Teresa. I sit at the bus stop, open my journal and write about my days travel.
With no one having yet picked me up, I have a short walk around the area. As I return back to the bus stop I see Phillip speaking with a local and shout out to mark my presence! We make contact and are soon loading my luggage into the back of his jeep and on route to Malpais and their home.. a bumpy ride.. We chat on route.. I am in a state of philosophical thinking and unsure as to where my future lies.. Or on what path I want it to..
The home.. is incredible.. I am in paradise.. this is certainly the life.. A far cry from my usual surroundings and accomodation. Just as my travels are coming to an end this new and unique experience comes about. Phillip hands me a beer after Julie has shown me to my stunning room, and ensuite. We chat into the night, enjoying some delicious food.
This morning the rest of the group, apart from me and Julie, make plans to head to Monteverde and in doing so get packed ready for their 8am bus. Today I will be heading to Malpais to stay with family, Julie and Phillip, my Dad's cousin and husband with whom I used to see each Christmas until I was around 12.. so quite a few years have since past. Before the group head off I sell my guitar to Jared having first spoken about the possibility back in Mastatal. I say my goodbyes to the group..although I will be seeing them again in Montezuma at the end of the week.. also on the Nicoya Peninsular.
An hour later I take the bus to San Ramon with Julie, we chat about our experiences this year. Julie, 19, from Germany, has spent the majority of her year in the Dominican Republic as a teaching assisant in a local school.. her spanish is extremely good, helped by living with a local lady throughout that time. Quite the experience for a 19 year old. . A year when I was undertaking my first year at Goldsmiths, oblivious to much of the outside world..
In San Ramon, after a hot and stuffy bus ride, we walk to the bus terminal where soon after Julie is boarding her bus to San José. My bus arrives soon after.. I pack my bag in the hold underneath and then return to the rather long queue.. I have previously seeked assurance that there is enough room before loading my main bag but it looks questionable as to whether there will be enough space.. It seems that no one has departed from the bus here.
In front of me are a family.. I'm unsure as to whether they are Dutch or German..they squeeze on in front of me.. The bus full with people standing down the aisle.. As I approach the steps onto the bus the driver tells me to step back.. There is literally no more room.. ! I tell him that my bag is loaded on and attempt to squeeze on behind the family. . I am even tempted to say I am with the family! Forcefully I am the last on board!
It is another hot and humid bus ride.. Standing with little space.. I now chat with the family, who I find out are from Belgium. I hadn't registered Flemish when trying to put my finger on their language spoken.
Eventually we arrive in Puntarenas..but not at the ferry terminal.. Together we all squeeze (4 in the back+a few bags) into a taxi for the short ride there, just making the 2pm ferry. Me and the parents enjoy a refreshing beer on the deck as we slowly pull away.. the weather is already much more promising than in La Fortuna. On route I chat with one of the daughters, who speaks perfect English. The father, after moving onto drinking his cartoon wine during the journey, tells me more about his eventful life. Once again, my path has crossed with new interesting people, the joys of travelling.
After departing the ferry we board a bus, crammed full of people. I make contact with Julie and Phillip, who will pick me up in Cóbano. I learn some new Dutch phrases on route from the girls. In Cóbano, I say my farewells to the family who switch buses and head onto Santa Teresa. I sit at the bus stop, open my journal and write about my days travel.
With no one having yet picked me up, I have a short walk around the area. As I return back to the bus stop I see Phillip speaking with a local and shout out to mark my presence! We make contact and are soon loading my luggage into the back of his jeep and on route to Malpais and their home.. a bumpy ride.. We chat on route.. I am in a state of philosophical thinking and unsure as to where my future lies.. Or on what path I want it to..
The home.. is incredible.. I am in paradise.. this is certainly the life.. A far cry from my usual surroundings and accomodation. Just as my travels are coming to an end this new and unique experience comes about. Phillip hands me a beer after Julie has shown me to my stunning room, and ensuite. We chat into the night, enjoying some delicious food.
Martes 14 de julio - Malpais
If heaven is a place on earth, maybe I am there.. After a cooked breaky, we jump into the jeep and head down to Malpais.. the long beach here continues into Santa Teresa. After seeing the beach, we drive down the bumpy, pot hole filled roads.. the jeep coping well. Another entrance to the beach is blocked, and the waters had looked very rough so we decide to stop for a coffee before heading back to the house where it is time for a swim..
Suddenly whilst in the pool, we spot a monkey in the trees nearby, we leave the pool to get a closer look. Soon there are 4 or 5 in amongst the trees.. Wow. Phillip gets the guests, Joey and Beth, who are staying in the casita so that they can too witness this. The monkeys are within touching distance, cheeky and mischievous! Joey and Beth stay for lunch and the conversation flows. It is refreshing and interesting to hear Joeys views and critics on the American culture and way of life.
Later in the afternoon another species of monkeys. . Howlers, appear in the same trees. Another breathtaking experience here, which is proving to be beyond any expectations I previously had. In the evening we get engaged into more conversations, with more substance, about the state of the education system, along with management and leadership (topics which Phillip has run courses on for the past 20 years through his own leadership building business)..here we make comparisons and differences between the corporate world and education. Our conversation continues whilst enjoying a beer and an evening swim.
Suddenly whilst in the pool, we spot a monkey in the trees nearby, we leave the pool to get a closer look. Soon there are 4 or 5 in amongst the trees.. Wow. Phillip gets the guests, Joey and Beth, who are staying in the casita so that they can too witness this. The monkeys are within touching distance, cheeky and mischievous! Joey and Beth stay for lunch and the conversation flows. It is refreshing and interesting to hear Joeys views and critics on the American culture and way of life.
Later in the afternoon another species of monkeys. . Howlers, appear in the same trees. Another breathtaking experience here, which is proving to be beyond any expectations I previously had. In the evening we get engaged into more conversations, with more substance, about the state of the education system, along with management and leadership (topics which Phillip has run courses on for the past 20 years through his own leadership building business)..here we make comparisons and differences between the corporate world and education. Our conversation continues whilst enjoying a beer and an evening swim.
Miercoles 15 de julio - Malpais
The internet is down in the morning, putting a stop to any chance of face timing with my Auntie Bernice and Uncle Colin. Today we will be driving around the coast in ATV's!
Close to 8am, we get ready and head down into town on Phillip's ATV. At the rental shop, Phillip goes through the basics with me and I practice getting used to riding the vehicle in a small car park opposite. Joey and Beth, also meet us here and rent out an ATV. Soon we are off in convoy down the bumpy road running parallel with the coast line. The road begins to deteriorate even more, the ATV however, unlike most other vehicles, can cope and blast through.
We stop off to see the beach and views on route, from which point on I manage to secure my go pro in front of me between the bungee rope keeping the helmets held down, and begin filming parts of the journey. After following Joey into a private property, we turn back around and follow Phillip onto the beach. The low tide allowing us to a chance to go full throttle. . We slow down in order to continue across a bumpy stoney section, the air filled with beautiful white and yellow butterflies. As we turn the corner and return onto the beach the coastal line appears in the distance, a stunning view, heightened by todays weather.. Crystal clear blue skies.
From here we head back inland and travel to Montezuma.. At times crossing low level rivers and again being treated to fantastic views of the mainland. Crossing the rivers allows the opportunity of cleaning the vehicle from mud and any salt water collected on the beach. After passing through Cóbano, helmets on in case of any police presence, we continue to Montezuma where I lead. A steep windy road takes us down to the hippie laidback town.. referred to as Montefuma by many.
We park up and have a brief walk around, I will be returning here tomorrow to stay for the weekend. We then jump back onto the ATVs and continue a short way further on to a secluded beautiful beach stop.. Time for a swim..in clear light blue water, much needed after becoming covered in a layer of dust and dirt from the ride. Next stop.. lunch.. A delicious fish sandwich followed by our final stretch of road back to Casa Brisa.. Driving through the road here (unfortunately I have no pictures or footage) is an adventure.. steep down and up hill sections, in amongst the jungle surroundings.
Back at Casa Brisa, I meet and chat with Serge the worker here, I have the chance to speak some spanish. After a dip in the pool it is time to return my ATV.. I first head to the gas station..enjoying a last prolonged ride. Phillip and Julie kindly pay for the rental after I return. We stop off for a few pre dinner drinks at Caracolas, beach side, the sun setting in the distance through the trees surrounding us. Our conversation again engaging and interesting. I have felt at ease, open and extremely settled here with Julie and Phillip. This certainly has been a unique time, I am extremely grateful for the hospitality they have shown me. Part of me doesn't want to leave!
With the alcohol a perfect start to the evening, we continue with more back at the pool, chatting into the evening.
Close to 8am, we get ready and head down into town on Phillip's ATV. At the rental shop, Phillip goes through the basics with me and I practice getting used to riding the vehicle in a small car park opposite. Joey and Beth, also meet us here and rent out an ATV. Soon we are off in convoy down the bumpy road running parallel with the coast line. The road begins to deteriorate even more, the ATV however, unlike most other vehicles, can cope and blast through.
We stop off to see the beach and views on route, from which point on I manage to secure my go pro in front of me between the bungee rope keeping the helmets held down, and begin filming parts of the journey. After following Joey into a private property, we turn back around and follow Phillip onto the beach. The low tide allowing us to a chance to go full throttle. . We slow down in order to continue across a bumpy stoney section, the air filled with beautiful white and yellow butterflies. As we turn the corner and return onto the beach the coastal line appears in the distance, a stunning view, heightened by todays weather.. Crystal clear blue skies.
From here we head back inland and travel to Montezuma.. At times crossing low level rivers and again being treated to fantastic views of the mainland. Crossing the rivers allows the opportunity of cleaning the vehicle from mud and any salt water collected on the beach. After passing through Cóbano, helmets on in case of any police presence, we continue to Montezuma where I lead. A steep windy road takes us down to the hippie laidback town.. referred to as Montefuma by many.
We park up and have a brief walk around, I will be returning here tomorrow to stay for the weekend. We then jump back onto the ATVs and continue a short way further on to a secluded beautiful beach stop.. Time for a swim..in clear light blue water, much needed after becoming covered in a layer of dust and dirt from the ride. Next stop.. lunch.. A delicious fish sandwich followed by our final stretch of road back to Casa Brisa.. Driving through the road here (unfortunately I have no pictures or footage) is an adventure.. steep down and up hill sections, in amongst the jungle surroundings.
Back at Casa Brisa, I meet and chat with Serge the worker here, I have the chance to speak some spanish. After a dip in the pool it is time to return my ATV.. I first head to the gas station..enjoying a last prolonged ride. Phillip and Julie kindly pay for the rental after I return. We stop off for a few pre dinner drinks at Caracolas, beach side, the sun setting in the distance through the trees surrounding us. Our conversation again engaging and interesting. I have felt at ease, open and extremely settled here with Julie and Phillip. This certainly has been a unique time, I am extremely grateful for the hospitality they have shown me. Part of me doesn't want to leave!
With the alcohol a perfect start to the evening, we continue with more back at the pool, chatting into the evening.
Jueves 16 de julio - Malpais/Montezuma
This morning Phillip leaves to take Joey and Beth to the small airport on the peninsular at Tambor. I relax, pool side, write up my diary and update my blog..enjoying my final few hours at this beautiful place. I swim and chat with Julie, who then shows the casita a short walk down from the casa. After some lunch, I pack up my belongings, load them into the jeep and then we depart for Montezuma, my time here now resigned to my memory.
We stop for coffee in Cóbano and soon after I am dropped off on Montezuma and saying my goodbyes and thanks to Julie and Phillip. I head to a bar where I have a beer and use the wifi to contact Jared, who meets me soon after. We catch up and I share with him my experience from Malpais. We spot Julie and her friend Clara walking in the street and catch up together. We had expected the rest of last weekends group to be arriving today but they have decided to stay in Santa Teresa and come tomorrow.
Julie and Clara have space in their room, so I take my luggage to their hostal and pay for the nights stay. I then meet back up with Jared for dinner before heading to a nearby bar/restaurant with the girls to watch Life of Pi, which is projected onto a pull down screen. Whilst cooking I see a whatsapp miss call from Steve and call back. We have a welcome, unexpected, enjoyable conversation. .it won't be too long until I'll be seeing all my friends back in U.K.
Tonight it is Reggae night in Montezuma (although I am pretty sure every day and night here is reggae). We make dodgy tasting Piña Colada with a premade mix and alcohol given to Jared left by people from his hostel who had checked out this morning. The reggae night is a disappointment but the fire show on the street beforehand (which gets shut down by the police) is very entertaining and impressive.
Viernes 17 de julio - Montezuma
I awake early and struggle to fall back asleep. I decide to get up and find Jared in his hostel, we have breaky together. Julie and Clara head off on their Tortuga day trip. Me and Jared have decided to wait for the rest of the group to arrive if we go on it as well.
With tiredness overwhelming me, I head back for a mid morning nap whilst Jared decides he'll go and meet the girls when they arrive by bus. When I return to his hostel they have arrived and we all catch up. We find a 5 bed dorm, so I collect my luggage and move hostels. Everyone heads off to the beach whilst I write up more of my blog and enjoy the beachside breeze from the second floor decking. After making contact with Iris about attempting a skype session later today I head to the beach as well, where I chill and briefly swim in the choppy waters.
After a tasty lunch prepared by Jared and Lisa, a message pops up from Iris and we chat.. the Internet connection is mostly unstable, cutting out at times, which is slightly frustrating! It is still great to speak with her, however short. My excitement grows for seeing her again in Italy this summer.
After chilling by the beach, we again make Piña Coladas, but this time they are a lot better, fresher.. although rather strong. After a tasty dinner, cooked by the girls whilst me, Jared and Carson (Catherines boyfriend who has arrived to Montezuma today) head off to play pool. After some more beers, my tiredness hits me and I crash early.
Sabado 18 de julio - Montezuma
This morning we all head to the beach where we find Melissa (a volunteer from Villasmastal) and her friend. We relax here and swim. . getting the full force of the strong waves.. which are not always so fun. Me and Jared create our own chess board back on the beach in the sand, using twigs and fakkeb fruits etc for the pieces.
Back in the kitchen we have lunch, taking longer than expected.. Florence, who has also arrived today with volunteers from another project, waits for us with her new friends so that we can all head to the waterfall together..Jared leading the way, having been once already on Wednesday morning.
At times, on route to the waterfall, it is slippery on the wet smooth flat rocks. At the first waterfall we see a local climbing the rocky side and diving in.. chico loco! We then continue to the next two waterfalls, to get there we have to climb up a vertical incline and later make our way down a vertical section using a rope as a means to not falling. Here there are two waterfalls, including a large one from which an older man had jumped into when Jared last came. I, at first, decide that I'll do it.. But then back down when I'm at the edge... I lose the urge to do it.
The next hour is spent hearing Jared and a young American girl talking themselves in and out of jumping. . Jared, when it looks like he will finally jumps also backs away! After enjoying a swim by the smaller waterfall, I get dry and content with the idea of heading back.. No big jump for me. As I put my shoes on, the sun set looming, the American girl has a new found wave of confidence to jump.. and does it! Jared spurred on follows suit. We then make our way back to our hostel. . Once again climbing up and down the steep hill back to the original waterfall and then again down the stream.
In the evening Nina and Rachel cook a delicious meal.. we get some drinks in.. Cubre Libre (rum and coke) in a can, beers, and later Piña Colada in a can.. Classy. We end up at Chicos where we enjoy our final night together, with some questionable dance moves! My time in Costa Rica is nearly over, next stop and my final country to visit during this year's adventure will be Nicaragua, before returning to San Jose for my flight home. Just over two weeks to go!
