Rain - How to Keep Busy!

Okay, so Sunday was the start of almost a week of rain and some heavy downpours at times. But, we found new ways to amuse ourselves by playing card games including a slightly dangerous one with spoons. Let me tell you the competition comes out even more when a group of backpackers are stuck inside on a usually beautiful sunny island. We had some fun with our new friends. Vara's Backpackers is a pretty nice place, especially the beach we are situated on right in Muri Lagoon.

We met some Kiwi's (New Zealanders) who are here for a big outrigger canoe week of races. So we got our first experience viewing the shorter race on Monday with some semi-crappy weather. Looks like EXTREMELY hard work and evidently daily training. And, I thought our dance rehearsal schedules could be bad! A great group of people involved in this team (and I definitely mean the great women - the better halves!) So we have a few connections for when we arrive in New Zealand now! Went back out to RSA for some socializing and drinking, fun night. Oh, the stars here are so visible, so many, and so gorgeous!

Had a yummy steak dinner at Whatever Bar in town (Carrie was especially excited!) but we (well I've) been trying to cook most of our meals to save money. Basic but good enough to satisfy! Of course we have supplemented with some local restaurants here and there. A good toasty (grilled cheese) at Paulina's and drinks at Trader Jacks to watch a swimming race on Thursday. My swim coach Dad would be proud of me for watching and our friend Guy won the race too! Not sure how far but the water was very choppy and it looked far to me! Let's just say they all looked really tired!

Wednesday they had sprint canoe races right here in our lagoon which would have been more fun if the weather hadn't been trying to become a cyclone! I made us a good chicken stir fry for dinner with rice that warmed up our bodies from being soaked most of the day. And a bit of wine to warm us as well!

We rented bikes with our friend Heikki (from Finland) and road around the island (32 km) in a few hours. We got a bit of rain but it was a fun time and good to be so active after being stuck in the rain.

Our new friend Sara (living in Singapore but originally from England) came out with us for a GREAT dinner at the Flame Tree restaurant by our lodging. mmmm, island veggie soup and fish satay (with some taste of the beef curry) turned out to be our Thanksgiving dinner. Yummy! I must say it's the first time probably ever that I haven't baked a good cherry or apple pie for Thanksgiving!

We did some sunning and swimming Friday because it finally cleared up! YEAH! This Friday we were up for going out for the party night of the week. Met up with some of our new Kiwi friends and I got some dancing in at Banana Court (fun). Oh, a popular beer to drink here is Steinlager and it comes in this monster size they call the Big Kahuna. Carrie and I shared the sucker or we would get way too drunk.

It's a beautiful day again and we are off to Aitutaki (another Cook Island) for five days before returning and then heading to New Zealand on Dec. 3. I can't believe it's almost December! I'll keep you posted when I can (probably when we return here for our last two days in the Cook Islands. We are enjoying ourselves and taking care of each other!

Cook Islands - Rarotonga w/Carrie

So one thing that all three of the places I've traveled so far have something odd in common - lots of stray dogs! They are all pretty friendly, but I guess I would be too if I was trying to get food from tourists. I met up with Carrie at the LAX airport, she was attempting to sleep. Our flight was pretty uneventful despite me thinking I lost my passport when we had to disembark in Tahiti before going on to Rarotonga. Phew, luckily I left it at the security station when we went through.

We arrived to a sunny day in the morning on Nov. 17 and as luck would have it they put us in a private 2 person room because they filled the dorm. But, since we had reservations we only had to pay the dorm rate! Had most of the day to laze on the sand, although I had a run in with a dog or rather he ran over my head. The water is so clear and warm and it was nice to have Carrie's company. We ended up having a yummy dinner nearby where I tried the Tuna Ika Mata (kind of like ceviche with a coconut/lime flavor) and it was awesome!

We headed from Vara's Beach House (our accommodations) to Island Night at the Staircase Bar in town (Avarua) for a local dance/singing show. It was great and cute because the dancers were all students and a few were obviously just learning! The focus is to get the kids to learn about their heritage. Very fun, and we had some dancing after with locals and fellow tourists. Fun night! Friday we ended up going snorkeling and saw some pretty cool fish. Went out to see the blessing of the canoes for a big race going on this week. Crews come from New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, etc. to compete in the outrigger canoe races with one person and six-person races. Actually had a good steak dinner too, yummy. Wow was I full though.

Went to the local market on Saturday and had the most freakin incredible banana muffin with cream, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Went ahead and booked a trip to another itsland called Aitutaki which is supposed to have an incredible lagoon. Oh, did I mention there are quite a lot of men who dress like women here on the island? I know there was a particular name for them in Tonga but my friend Jen will have to remind me.

So, I made us some dinner at home last night - nice veggie pasta dish with lots of garlic. The big night was heading to the Staircase again but this time for Raro Idol (yes, same idea as American Idol). It was the finals so we only had five contestants but they did two songs each, one in English and the other in Cook Islands Maori. More dancing too but our group ended up missing the bus so we had to pay for a taxi.

Waking up this morning to pouring rain made us decide not to go to church this morning. A few brave souls from Vara's went out and said it was pretty cool! So this is a lazy day here and we are all checking the weather and hoping it's wrong. Cross your fingers for us!

Miss you all!

So Long Belize, Hello LA for about 24 Hours

Thanks to Lee for her great conversation at Coco Loco Cafe & Art Gallery, mmmm that mint tea with red hibiscus juice is to kill for! And the artwork is beautiful, too bad I'm saving my money and trying not to buy much so early in the trip. No Belizean artwork for now but she has a web site too so....maybe when I return (www.caribbean-colors.com).

I found many things interesting about Belize:

• 3-wheeled bikes used to carry stuff around or sell things on the street
• Caye Caulker bakery - the smell drifting alone the street enticing me again and again to come in and buy a yummy sweet bread
• Rasta guys hanging out on the street obviously looking to pick up some women (hmmm, do you think they have a job because they always seemed to be at the same place just hangin)
• Local restaurants on side streets with great food but not a lot of people (well, tourist season doesn't really kick off for a week or two)
• Golf carts instead of cars everywhere on the island (along with bicycles too)
• Small graveyard next to my hotel - The Tropical Paradise (similar to in Tonga where cement caskets are above ground)
• The deserted looking south end of the island with some fancy houses but not many people yet
• The main street names: Front, Middle, Back
• People crowding around when marine taxis come in to try to get you to stay at a particular hotel
• Transplants/Expatriots who live there from all over the world
• Great tour guides who seem to really appreciate the nature and what they do (Thanks to Carlos Eco Tours and Anwar Tours)
• Much, much, more

Ahhh, I left my laid back life in Belize for the past week behind me to head to Miami and then LA. Hmmm, yeah that doesn't make much sense but I guess that's why it was cheaper! So, I really enjoyed my week of mostly solitude on Caye Caulker although I met some interesting people (transplants, locals, and travelers passing through). I was worried about having a week to chill so much by myself but I have to say that I enjoyed the time to myself. I still missed my new friends in Costa Rica but it was good to have some time to reflect and chill before meeting up with Carrie for the rest of our adventures.

Oh, and I'm already hoping to extend my trip to be at least a full six months so I would come home May 1 or so. That of course depends on my money situation at the end of my trip. But, I can't resist meeting my new friends in Germany and France. Heck, you only do this once right? Don't worry Dad, I'm sure I won't stay away forever! :)

River Boat Ride To Altun Ha

So, after lots of indecision I decided to go ahead and stay in Caye Caulker instead of trying to head back to the mainland. My goal was to see a Mayan ruin and I thought about heading to San Ignacio via a bus from Belize City. But, to be honest my daring to travel there alone was not strong enough. I wish I could say there is another reason but I think that is honestly why I decided against it. My friend Johnette's friend who is Belizean told me not to stay in Belize City and when I found out I could go from Caye Caulker on a tour to Altun Ha that made my decision for me. I have to admit that I feel like a bit of a chicken and I can justify not going for many reasons. Hell, they speak English here!

Well, the river boat ride through the mangroves was pretty interesting. I went with Anwar Tours and Rico was our main guide. He pointed out so many birds and of course I couldn't write them down so just take my word for it there were some amazing birds! :) Also, the vegetation in the mangroves was so interesting. The white orchid, devil's bite (can't remember the other name), and huge termites nests, not to forget the roots of the mangroves sprouting down into the water. We stopped at Bomba Village before getting on a bus to head to Altun Ha. They had some beautiful wood carvings in the village, sorry friends but all were too big to take alone with me right now! I tell you the Northern Highway is a much better road then any I saw in Costa Rica! These bus drivers have it easy! :)

The site of Altun Ha is still pretty amazing despite being a small one. The main part of the site is about 54 feet high and the site would have had a population of 8-10,000 people. I tell you that just standing on that "small" site made me realize how powerful that must have been for the priests to speak to the main population. And, the acoustics didn't hurt them either! Evidently, the poor population ended up revolting and destroying the educated population. This ended up being a great downfall to the continuation of the civilization. But, heck I would have revolted too if they kept raising my taxes! I have to say that part of what was special on this tour was the excitement and interest of our two tour guides.

So, now I have to come back to Belize to see some more ruins! Who wants to join me? :) Okay, it won't be for awhile though! :) Heck, I might have to add Guatemala too! If I can figure out how to add some photos I'll try to put some on to past postings or share my photo albums from snapfish.com. I am now reading a book my friend Amy gave me, Seven Years in Tibet (yes the book not the movie) and I'm finding it an interesting read while traveling. I have traded my other book for Life of Pi as I've heard it's a great book too.

So, for all my friends - keep in mind that when you comment on the blog I can't respond to the comment when it comes into my email. This whole blog thing is still new to me too. I hope that I'm sharing some things of interest to all of you but if you have suggestions just let me know. I'm open to feedback (constructive only please!).

XOXO!

Petting Sharks & Stingrays

Okay, I decided to go ahead and try snorkeling again - hoping this time I could figure out the breathing and not hyperventilate. I went with a guy who was recommended through my friend Marie's contacts. Carlos Ayolo is his name and the snorkeling trip was INCREDIBLE! I was a bit nervous but they were very cool and told me just to take deep breaths. Okay, so the first bit I used the little floaty thing because I was nervous but I soon took it off and felt comfortable. I've always loved the water and marine life has intrigued me since I was young, I even remember thinking of becoming an oceanographer way back. The fish we saw were just so varied and beautiful, including so many that I can't remember the names but we did see an octopus, lobster (so cool how they zip along backwards and fast as can go!), nurse shark and stingray (both of which I touched!), and wow just too many. The nurse shark was course like a light sand paper on top but softer underneath and the stingray was very smooth - and huge too!

After snorkeling in Hol Chan and Shark Alley we were on our way back when Carlos spotted some manattees so we stopped and actually found them. There were two and they were so big and just beautiful to me. It's strange because they are big and oddly shaped and they are mottled looking BUT when you see them together swimming in the ocean it is an experience I will never forget. I felt so honored to be so close and share just a moment or so before they left us on our own. All in all the trip was great and I'm considering doing another one on Monday.

After sitting on the beach a bit and coming down from my snorkeling high I decided to clean up and try this cute little rooftop restaurant right by my hotel between Front and Middle Streets. Did I mention the main streets are Front, Middle, and Back? Love it! I was the only customer at Marin's Restaurant and I had some great Garlic Fish, yummy! The I & I Reggae bar is right next door but I didn't visit since I had to get up early to go on the tour to Altun Ha, a small Mayan site not too far away on the mainland. I think that tour will have to be another posting! Oh, I forgot that I walked down to the Lazy Lizard bar at the split to catch the sunset and a Belikin beer (local Belizean beer, not bad).

I have been enjoying the sun, still not used to it coming from Costa Rica! Don't worry I'm using protection, no skin cancer for me! :) There is a lot more to Belize that I would like to discover too, this trip will probably give me a great idea of where I have to go back and spend more time!

I still miss Costa Rica, but again I think it's partly because of the people I met there. I vow to go back and see more of the country, one week is definitely not enough time. Especially, considering the road system/public transportation! :) So to my new friends there (Alex, I now have it in writing you said I could crash with you), expect me to return, but probably not until I finish the planned itinerary.

Pura Vida (as they say in Costa Rica)!

Sunning Myself in Belize

Welcome to Belize everyone! The big thing for me to get used to is NO RAIN! Crazy I know. Just wanted to mention a few quick things on my 2nd day here in Caye Caulker. Driving through Belize City to the marine terminal for the water taxi was an eye opener, very poor areas. Thanks to Johnette's friend Sheryl for warning me not to stay there on my own. A local guy tried to sell me on staying at 1788 hotel or whatever and I'm so glad I didn't. I saw it on a walk in the afternoon yesterday and it looked like a dump. I'm staying at Tropical Paradise, one place recommended by a friend of my friend Marie's cousin. It's not as cheap here as in Costa Rica so right now I'm in a room by myself. I found a hostel on the beach that is only $5 cheaper but since I lost the lock for my pack I'm not keen on switching unless I find a new one. It doesn't have any security options for passports, etc. It does have a kitchen and looks like a fun atmosphere but I'm contemplating a week of more solitude right now.

Oh, did I forget to mention that the hotel has a little mini graveyard next to it? Hmmm, kind of interesting if you ask me. I also like that the main streets are Front, Middle, and Back Streets. I was so tired from staying up so late with my new friends in San Jose (Costa Rica) before heading to the airport that I slept like a log last night and for HOURS! I went in the water by my hotel and got a little sting on the ankle.

Well, my hour is up so, later!

Last Night in Costa Rica - Off to Belize

The shuttle bus was definitely the right decision because even with that I had a little headache going on! At one point the small bridge we were crossing was so bad they had a person guiding cars. Gulp! A funny thing at the end of my ride back to San Jose was that the others on the shuttle were dropped off at these ritzy hotels like the Intercontinental and Palma Real. Definitely not my class of travel these days. But, I went back to Kabata Hostel and they were really nice again and agreed to drive me WAY TOO EARLY to the airport the next day, 4am - UGH! I went to Drew and Lorena's house to have dinner with them and their lovely daughters Maria, Melina, and Carolina (and the cat Manuela too!). Mmmm, pasta with garlic, fresh herbs, and broccoli! Yumm, thanks for the food and great company - what a warm family.

Drew's friend Alex invited us over to hangout at his place with some friends. For a last night in Costa Rica, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and didn't really stop laughing the whole night for more then a second or two. Thibaut and Alex tried to convince me to stay in Costa Rica and forget about Belize and they almost did it too! I was definitely thinking I may have made the wrong decision. I miss Costa Rica and my new friends. So, who wants to come to Belize for a few days! I could use the company. :-)

Took a taxi from the airport and then a marine taxi to Caye Caulker. Right now I'm staying at Tropical Paradise, mainly because they had a pretty nice room with a fan and I was so HOT walking around looking at possible places to throw my pack down. I might check out a hostel to switch to if it's a lot cheaper. I have room with two beds right now so it's a big waste of money - but worth the fan, private bath, and deck.

I think I'll partake of the yummy dinner at the Tropical's restaurant tonight (including some drink) and crash hard in my bed. I hope to do a snorkeling trip, let's hope I can breath properly this time (I think I started hyperventilating the last time I tried). And, of course lay out on the beach!

Oh, if you want to email me directly instead of posting comments on the blog feel free to send to riversjenn@gmail.com

Waterfall & Hellish Hike with New Friends

Loic, Stefanie, and Suzanne decided to stick around for another night and so did I. We took a taxi to the Waterfall because we decided to do a hike that some people mentioned to the crater where you can see the lake. The waterfall was just beautiful, got some great photos. We went over to the swimming area and Loic of course just got right in while the three of us girls were just thinking of wetting our legs. Well, I couldn´t resist the water so I also got in and did some swimming. We saw, believe it or not, some blue sky and sun. INCREDIBLE!

So, the hike to the crater started out with a false start because it seemed like we went the wrong way (sorry guys, I think the restart was mostly my fault). We went back to the desk at the waterfall and they described it better, turns out we were on the right path. UGH! The path was not like anything we might find in the U.S., okay well maybe we would but you would know in advance that it wasn´t an easy trail to follow. A few slightly wrong turns trying to stay on the path and then...let´s just say that it took us about 2 1-2 hours to get up. Well, it took Loic a bit less because he practically ran up the difficult path. I didn´t know ski instructors have such great hiking skills. We were so exhausted and once we lost Loic because we were much slower then him, we wanted to give up a few times. It truly felt like there was going to be no end and we were hungry, sweaty and tired. Loic ended up coming back to find us and turns out the lake view from the top was not as exceptional as we hoped. In fact, we think it was water we saw through the trees but who knows for sure. Luckily, the girls kept me going when I just felt like crap and then on the way down it seemed a bit easier. Maybe took us two hours instead.

Loic said later that he was pretty worried about us getting back down, of course he had to take some beautiful photos of us at the top though (please don´t share them Loic!). Let´s just say we were happy to have completed the journey and felt like we must have built our character some more. We were starving but first stop was back to Gringo Pete´s to clean ourselves up. Believe me it was necessary. Our treat was a dinner out in town and it tasted incredible. I feel lucky to have met some wonderful people to share my time in here in La Fortuna. Early to bed for us exhausted people.

The next day (Sunday) we decided to go to the swimming hole and along the way we stopped in town and I tried to make a phone call to reconfirm my flight with TACA airlines Tuesday morning. UGH! The frustration of trying to figure out the phone card and then no one answering the number made me want to scream. My new friends were very patient waiting for me and Loic tried to help but still no answer. Ah well, time to leave that and just hope my flight is okay when I arrive.

At the swimming hole there were mostly Tico´s (Costa Ricans) and it turned out to be a bit sunny again. On the way there Loic found a local baseball training game to watch for a bit, of course he was talking with the locals along with Stefanie. So the non-Spanish speakers went along to the swimming hole but we all caught up. The girls found some ROCK loung chairs to cool off and then Loic went to try the rope swing. The locals were crazy, doing twists and dives off the rope. Loic made lots of friends by taking little movies on his digital camera to show the guys.

The day was relaxing and fun, but of course it had to be with such company! We made a group meal and although it didn´t turn out exactly as we planned it was just fun to cook together and drink a bit of wine. I hope to try to meet them all again while I´m in France if possible. I was going to take one shuttle but have to take a different one because it was full, which means I pay a bit more money but it will take me directly to my hostel. I hope to meet Drew and his family again for my last night in Costa Rica. I decided against the public bus because I just didn´t want to get in so late and switch buses (I know that is lame but I promise to do the buses in other countries).

So, basically I had a wonderful time in La Fortuna mainly because of the wonderful friends I found.

So Much to Say & Time to Say It

Ahhh, well I left you last when I arrived at Monteverde/Santa Elena. I met my dormmates, two Australia guys and a Swedish guy. I had an unventful first night stay but went to the Sky Trek-Sky Walk canopy tour and bridges walk outside Santa Elena. I met two nice guys also traveling alone but they were only doing the walkways-bridges part. So, turns out I was the only one on my tour so I had the guides to myself and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Seriously, if I did nothing else while in Costa Rica I would be happy with that experience. Evidently they have some of the highest and longest zip lines of the tours (although no Tarzan swing like some). The exhiliration of being so high up (can´t remember exactly how high) and going through the tops of the rain forest with the misty sky. It wasn´t a clear day but there aren´t many of them here in Costa Rica, especially during the end of the rainy season. Too bad but it was still such a thing to feel like you are flying through the sky, you barely notice the harness/equipment. Then the walkways is a self-guided tour over six different bridges hanging from the trees. Sorry to say I didn´t see any animals, well except a crab which was weird. It was almost like a baby blue crab but more brown-black.

I caught up with Scott (American) and Moti (Israeli) at the end of their walk as it started raining harder so I wasn´t taking my time with the walk. We were starving so we tried a restaurant back in town and I had Casado which is basically a traditional meal with rice and beans and your choice of seafood, beef, or veggies. I love the Batido drinks, like a fruit drink (Mango yummy) blended a bit with ice or water somehow. They also make it with leche (milk) instead of agua. We talked about traveling alone and how it´s nice to meet people along the way and sometimes to be alone. Scott has been traveling for awhile, in Dec. it will be a year I think. He plans to do 2 years, and you guys thought I was crazy. He heee. I really felt better having met some people that I could talk to about traveling, life, etc. Thanks guys, you lifted my spirits.

We hung out for our last night there and I decided to forget the beach since I´ll be at the beach in Belize and the Cook Islands the following three weeks. Instead, I went to La Fortuna to see Volcan Arenal. I stayed at a place called Gringo Pete´s that the guys had recommended. What a fun hostel, the vibe here is really nice and I met some incredible people along the way here and when I arrived. I took a jeep-boat-jeep to La Fortuna because it cut a lot of time out of the public bus and because I love boats. It felt great to feel the wind as we traveled but there was not a great view of the Volcano because of the clouds. Ebony (from CA) took the last jeep with me back to Gringo Pete´s and we ended up sharing a 2-person room instead of doing the dorm because it was only $2 bucks more. It was funny because I have stayed here three nights and had different roommates each night. Friends I met just decided that they would come share my room instead of staying in the dorm. A bit more privacy and quiet, well as private as this place can be.

Ayesha (British), Stefanie & Suzanne (German), and Loic (French) all went on the same tour with us to the Volcano (as close as you can get anyway) and then to Baldi Hot Springs (the budget springs not the fancy one at Tabacon). It was a very wet hike through the rain forest to get to a viewing point for Volcan Arenal and although it was cloudy we were able to see some lava flow at both viewing points. Not too much but it was still incredible. And, the hot springs felt great after being wet for a few hours.

On the Way to Monteverde/Santa Elena

So, I just made it on the public bus to Monteverde this afternoon and arrived in Santa Elena nearby. I'm staying at Penson Santa Elena in a sparse dorm, only lower bunks available and I already hit my head when I dropped off my bags. Okay, the bus was an experience especially considering I don't use buses at home. It was five hours, the last 1 1/2 very bumpy and slow.

I noticed a few things about the bus: 1) I don't know how they drive them on the roads here but there is a lot of horn blowing and waving; 2) People come to a bus stop to drop off a package and pay the driver to deliver it somewhere; 3) There are a lot of near misses; 4) My head still hurts but not as bad as it could (I overdosed with motion sickness pills but they are natural so probably not as effective, he hee). Oh, and they don't stop for a pee break until 3 1/2 hours into the trip. Yeah, let's just say I had to go about when I got on so that was tough on the body!

My room is really sparse and evidently I'm sharing the dorm with three guys from Australia but I haven't seen them yet. Of course they already took the top bunks and the bottom is really close to the top. Kind of reminds me of when I had a loft in college where I had to slither up to go to sleep. I'm hoping I'll sleep well because I'm going on the canopy and walkway tour tomorrow morning. I have the name of someone to call but I thought it was too late to call him tonight so I figure I'll try him tomorrow when I return from the tours.

I figure I'll probably just stay one more night and then head to the beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. I think I'll try Montezuma after talking with a few people although there are so many other areas that look great. I have to say it's strange traveling alone, I had a really lonely moment or so on the bus ride. But, it sure gives me a lot of time to think. Yikes, that could be scary. I'm also very glad that Carrie decided to join me because I don't know if I would truly enjoy almost six months on my own. YEAH for Carrie! :)

Well, I kind of missed dinner but I forgot to tell you about the other thing about the bus I found interesting. People would get on at one stop and sell food and get off at the next. So, I bought these little pastry type things that have something a little sweet in the center. I have no idea what they really are though! But, I think that might be my dinner tonight and I'll have to get a more substantial breakfast tomorrow before the tour. I do have 3 CLIFF bars left for emergencies.

I'm going to have to leave the common area of the Pension because someone is cooking and it's going to drive me crazy! Tomorrow I'll have to go to the store. I could splurge considering my room is only $5. (Oh, looks like the shower is cold - what fun).

Take care everyone, dont' know when my next blog will happen but stay tuned.

First Stop - San Jose, Costa Rica

Well, I arrived safely after a sleepless (unless you count 30-40 minutes) night before my departure from VA to National Airport. Thanks again to Doug for dropping me off so damn early! Again, it has shown me that I'm STILL not a morning person.

So the hostel I picked yesterday off the Internet, Kabata, is in a good area of San Pedro that is pretty safe and the owners are a really nice young Tico couple with a new baby, 3 months! I had the dorm room to myself when I first arrived and I don't see anymore bags or anything in my room. So, I might have it all to myself. Looks like they have about 3 or 4 dorm rooms. Breakfast is included so I'll experience it tomorrow.

Johnette's contact Drew met me here late afternoon and it was so nice to have someone to connect with upon arrival. I think I would have felt a bit alone without his and his family's graciousness. His wife has a cute flower shop in the area and I met two of their daughters at different times during the day. It truly was a lovely day and I appreciate his willingness to hang out with a complete stranger. The entire family was so warm and gave me all sorts of information to help me plan the rest of my time here. And, when I return to San Pedro on Monday they invited me to come over for dinner (or go out). Of course, I have a freakin early flight again to Belize (6:50 a.m.).

It amazes me to find people like this family and others when I'm so alone. There are people you meet who are so open and warm that it pretty much shocks yo. But at the same time it just allows you to take a deep breath, exhale, and relax. These are probably the experiences that change you the most, not what you see of the country but the actual people you meet.

I plan to go to Monteverde Cloud Forest tomorrow afternoon and stay at Pension Santa Elena for at least two days. Then probably take a bus to Puntarenas and ferry to Montezuma but I plan to get some advice from Drew's friend in Monteverde/Santa Elena before making a final decision. I just heard the weather isn't great in Monteverde but I think I'll just stick with my initial idea and see what happens.

I think I have to sleep now. Pura Vida!