We arrived in Costa Rica late afternoon Saturday, got the kids into bed and then de-stressed by demolishing a bottle of wine, in the meantime chatting to our new friend Herbert the barman (a native Costa Rican – odd name given that).
The next day we split up, Sarah taking the kids off to a volcano then San Jose zoo, and me disappearing early doors (0530) to go rafting on the Pacuare River for the day. Managed to hook up with some yanks, got a front seat in the boat and had a terrific day running the Pacuare’s grade III and IV rapids. Quite a trek – going anywhere in Costa Rica takes a while it seems, but well worth the trip. Returned to the hotel in time to go swimming in the rain with the team (much to the Costa Ricans’ bewilderment), dinner then bed.
Monday (Hugh)
Today our mission was to drive to Jaco, a town 2 hours away on the coast surrounded by decent surf beaches. We hired a car, against the advice of some, but hell, how can it be worse than driving in Italy?
Having now driven 150kms or so, I can assure you that it is far worse than driving in Italy. For those who wrestle with matters philosophical, witnessing Costa Ricans driving is as close as you’ll ever come to concrete proof that a higher being is watching over things, or at least watching over Costa Ricans driving. These guys are nuts and make the taxi drivers on the Bourg St. Maurice – Val D’Isere road look conservative. They will overtake at any opportunity, on blind corners, hidden summits, absolutely anywhere. I thought I was doing quite well joining in as the drive progressed, had the team gasping a few times, but lost all enthusiasm for this when overtaken by a fully laden coach, the driver gesticulating wildly at me, presumably for not taking the obvious opportunity to overtake that he had spotted. Quite fun, but not for the faint hearted.
Stopped short of Jaco to look at crocodiles. Big fellas these.
Monty likes the lorries.
And we are now ensconced in something called a condominium at the far end of Jaco beach. Great place, super set-up, nice waves, have already hired a board, and to boot good response times from the local ambulance. Here I think we have everything that we need for the next two days or so.
Hi there Monty, I agree those lorries are awesome!! Hope you didnt get nipped by those crocs they look very hungry!! Lol Julie and Andy
ReplyDeleteBlimey, you are posting more column inches than I can cope with; although I can see in the case of the airport stories this must act as a catharsis for you. I suppose as a counter balance to your airport adventures must be the luck you have in stumbling across such wonderful surfing locations time after time. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI note that here is no comment on the quality of the local wine? Is this intentional? I think that the suggestion that you drank just one bottle is a little far fetched given the improbable division of labour the next day with Sarah tasked with both a volcano to climb and a trip to a zoo - with the kids - whilst you went for a boat ride on your tod. Please explain??