Making new friends
Amy left this morning for her flight back to Canada but not before we had several amazing days exploring the Costa Rican countryside and its people. Last Friday we went to the San Ramon farmer’s market and stocked up on an array of fruits and vegetables – all locally grown. The area we are in has many small to medium sized farms especially in the valleys. We’ve cooked most of our meals at Gary’s house using local produce.
Fresh drink of Pipa
On Saturday we did a local drive looping through the mountains to Sarchi (an artisan village), then to Zarcero which is known for its topiary and we stopped at a view villages along the way.
There are some beautiful churches in the villages and towns and Costa Ricans are mostly Catholic due to the Spanish influence. However, Costa Rica was not a preferred colony compared to other Latin American countries and was therefore left alone for the most part.
Church in Cezario
The topiary is quite unique and fun to wander around in and out of the tunnels and shapes. There was a wedding going on in the church when we were there and a kids basketball game on the same property.
Sunday, we drove down the coast to Jaco which has a beautiful beach but also a reputation as a tourist trap. There were three reasons for this drive: 1. To swim in the ocean, 2. To visit some long lost friends and 3. Because Marilyn was going to sing with a group in a local bar called Outback Jacks.
Gary and Kelly riding in the back seat
Amy, Kelly and Gary went to the beach while Marilyn and I visited with Greg and Jan. Ten years ago they built a small hotel high up on a hill overlooking Jaco beach. We have not seen them since they moved to Costa Rica and it was nice to see them again. We had lunch at their new home close to the hotel.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to have Marilyn join the musicians. We had 90 minute drive ahead of us on the mountain roads and wanted to get back before dark. We also knew a lot of locals would be jamming up the roads as they headed back from the beaches.
Giant tree in the rain forest
On Monday, Albert picked us up at 7am and we started what turned out to be a very full day – arriving back in San Ramon after dark. The day started with a drive to the volcano area of Costa Rica to Volcan Tenorio where we hiked for about 90 minutes through the rain forest to Los Tenidores, a place where two rivers converge. At this point the water turns from brown to blue in the Rio Celeste which continues down the mountain.
From brown to blue
Hikers in the Rain Forest
Another path we took led us to Catarata de Rio Celeste, a milky blue waterfall that cascades 30 mtrs down the rocks.
Catarata de Rio Celeste
Our day ended with a trip to the hot springs below Volcan Arenal at La Foruna. This place reminded us somewhat of Banff with all its tourist shops, restaurants and bars. The hot springs were soothing after our long walk but even though Volcan Arenal is an active volcano we didn’t get to see it up close because it was already nightfall when we arrived.
A nice treat after a long hike
Monday was perhaps my most favourite day as it put us in touch with Costa Rican culture as well as history. We went to a place where traditional methods are used to make sugar and sugar products form sugar cane. It was made all the more interesting because it is not a tourist attraction but merely exists in the hills at a small farm not far from Gary’s.
Steers used to run the cane squeezer
Stirring to make toffee
There is so much to tell about the process and the lovely women maintaining this tradition including a visit with the owner’s mother who is 96 years old. She told us some stories about her difficult past so many years ago in Costa Rica when hardship forced people to try and survive.
Forming sugar blocks
Amy left yesterday (Wednesday) and is now back in Canada. Marilyn’s parents called to say hi to us and we celebrated Gary’s birthday with a lovely meal prepared by Marilyn and Kelly. A friend brought along a small accordion.
Saying goodbye after a great time together
Gary has some worker’s hired to lay patio stones (slate) and do some carpentry work. They are good workers and get a lot done each day. As far as I know, Gary is hoping to open for business on March 1st (Of course we have to get out of the rooms first .. ha ha.)
Gary's home where we are staying
Laying a new patio
As soon as the new patio is finished we will be moving the hot tub onto it. The nights are cool in the mountains and having a tub will be great under the Costa Rican Sky.
Gary's birthday celebration
