San Jose, Manuel Antonio, San Isidro and Boquete
Trip Start
Mar 20, 2009
1
8
12
Trip End
Jun 03, 2009
Boquete, Panama
Thursday, May 7, 2009
To start off, I officially left Monteverde, finished my practicum, and finished university!!! Yeah!! Now it is time to enjoy my vacation!
The last few days in Monteverde were a bit stressful. I was trying to finish up a whole lot of curriculum while the school was experiencing some difficulties. Everything's finished now though! There was some good things that happened too. I went to my cooperating teacher, Dolly´s, house for dinner one night, and the school provided dinner for my group and all of our cooperating teachers our last evening in Monteverde. It was delicious!
For my last day I spent the morning with my family where we exchanged gifts (my host mom gave me one of her pastel paintings) and I hung out with Fabricio and Sofia playing cards and marbles. I then said my goodbyes and headed off to the bus depot where I met Curtis and Annie. We then took the bus to San Jose and met up with everyone (except Matt) for one last evening as the full group.
The next day we slowly said our goodbyes as people left for their various destinations. Kate, Annie, Curtis and I then waited at the airport for our new arrivals. Kate, Annie, and I were then joined by Ryan, Eric, and my cousin Dan and Curtis was joined by his wife Devon. We said goodbye to Curtis and Devon and then headed off once again to the bus depot. Although it took some time, we eventually boarded a bus bound for Manuel Antonio.
Upon arrival, we booked into the Manuel Antonio Backpackers and found some dinner. There was a brief allergy scare as we realized that Ryan was served fish (even though we told them he was allergic) but he was perfectly fine.
The next day we all got up early to head to the Manuel Antonio National Park. It took a bit longer than expected but we hopped on with a tour. The guide did a good job and we saw a lot of animals but the group was way too big (14 people). We got to see sloths, white-faced capuchins, squirrel moneys, howler monkeys, JC lizards, iguanas and posionous crabs. The tour ended off at a beach where the boys sawm and the girls watched (we forgot our bathing suits and it was SO HOT!). Afterwards, we hiked around the peninsula before heading back into town for lunch. Prices were super expensive around town but we eventually found something reasonable (or we just got too hungry). Then it was off to the pool for drinks and a cool down before heading back out for a sunset drink at Barba Rojo. Apparently they have the best sunset location and I'd believe it! The sunset was spectacular (and the prices pricey)! After dinner we went out for another drink at El Avion, a Cold War cargo plane. Super neat to have a drink and take a few photos in the cockpit! We then headed to a sportsbar for the hockey game before heading to bed.
The next morning we said a quick goodbye to Kate before she headed off. She decided it was time for her to head home but wanted to see a few more sights in Costa Rica first. She should be back to Winnipeg in couple days though!
The rest of us went to the beach for the morning for some relaxing and boggie-boarding. In the afternoon we hopped on a bus and headed to San Isidro. the drive there was a little crammed and there was a torrential downpour but we made it there safe and sound and checked into Hotel Chirripo. There was a few interesting characters there (also a bit creepy) who were very enthusiastic about us staying there and read my palm. We also gained a companion to bunk with us for a night. A really nice Californian named Natalia. We ran into a bit of a snag when the ATM ate Dan's debit (but we eventually got it sorted).
The next day was Panama day! We hopped on a bus to David, Panama that was extremely comfortable. We got to the border in no time. Crossing into Panama was fairly easy (with the help of a nice boy whose made his own business helping tourists figure out how to cross. We definitely appreciated his help and rewarded his entreprenuership).
From there it was a quick jump to David and a very loud and crammed bus ride to Boquete (complete with loud music, flashing lights, and feathered boas). We were greeted by Pancho who just happened to be the owner of the hostel that we wanted to stay at. He very enthusiasticly showed us his hostel and gave us advice on how to get around and what to do while we were here.
Boquete is a great little town and not quite trouisty yet (we had difficulty finding postcards). Our first full day here was spent walking the Sendro de los Quetzals. It was an absolutely spectacular walk and we were very lucky to spot a snake and a Quetzal! I'd been waiting to see one this whole trip and it was even more beautiful than I had imagined! Pictures do not give it justice whatsoever. In the afternoon we headed to a local hot springs. It was tricky to get to and definitely was far from being overrun with tourists (and development). It was so nice and so hot! We spent most of the time at the river where it was a bit cooler and where the springs connected to the river. The group then created their own bath by creating a small dam (helps to have an engineer in the group!). The day was finished off with a pizza dinner.
Today's been a lazy day of dinking coffee and interneting. We should be heading to Panama City tonight!
Comments
update
How nice to get an update. Surprised Kate left early after all the planning. Hope Winnipeg warms up or it could be a shock to her system. Had my gloves on again for the dog walk. I could see the ATM eating your debit card, but I would guess Dan actually has money in his account! Just kidding. So I have known Matt's dad for quite awhile - he is a teacher at PJ. Winnipeg is small.
Love,
Mom
You!
I went for education orientation today at U of W, and the woman who was hosting the session mentioned your Costa Rica group and what fun you were having!
People smiled when they heard about what an exciting adventure you've had.
Just thought you should know!
Hearts,
C