costarica2008

* * Costa Rica 2008 * *

Don, Joy, Candler, and Alberto's (and more) - BIG SUMMER ADVENTURE

We had a great time. Now we just have to figure out a way to live there... (plans are abound)

August 12th - OUR LAST MOMENTS IN COSTA RICA

Got up early - for the free breakfast at the hotel - and - it was good. Packed everything up for the last time, loaded up the car, and off to return it, get the shuttle to airport.

August 11th

Pickup the car in the morning, and we are off to Alajulea.

August 10th

We goto the Rain Forest Tram after brunch, we do the combo package (since its a better deal). We do the air tram, zipline, and a brief walk on the trails. Our taxi guy, that took us - and picked us up from there - is great. He has tons of info and advice about Costa Rica, Jaco, and more. He moved here from San Jose California. So give him a call if you're ever in Jaco - 8878-0645. We had dinner at Jaco Taco (where he recommended) and it was great!

August 9th

The beach for a couple hours, then the pool for many more. Trying to savor the last remaining days we have left here...

August 8th

We went for a walk around town, looking in all the shops and stores around. Its surprising - all the mass produced tourist souvenirs. Where is the culture? Why do most of the stores seem to have the same things? So if you were expecting me to bring you a souvenir - I guess its probably not gonna happen. Anyone for duty-free liquor? We did goto Pops for the 2nd time - and found a new favorite flavor of ice cream: Pasión Queque (Passion Cake). And Im betting they dont have it in the states, but I will search far and wide. Oh, and did I mention that today was the first day that I was chatted up by a local "working woman"?

August 7th

We went for a big walk today. Up to the Whispering Palms Restaurant (which looks like its being rebuilt). There were 3 structures up on the hillside - all with amazing views. The 1st was a lookout aread (that was being built). The 2nd looked to be a run down classy restaurant (possibly being rebuilt) - with bats in the bathrooms on the lower levels! And the 3rd we saw that the workers were actually living there (along with 3 friendly dogs) - during construction. We walked back on the beach, and got home just before the big downpour, showered, and got ready for our dentist appt. The quality was just like America, but only $40 for adults, $30 for children.

August 6th

Yes, just 6 days away from our return, and I have be warned about the hot and humid ATL. Inflation here is double what it was a year ago, and the drop in the dollar effects the currency here even more. Whats funny is - I was reading that inflation is on the rise in the U.S. - without a raise in pay. I just hope that we can pull out of this semi-recession ASAP - before the bottom falls out! We are loving it here, and dont want to leave- but there is a lot of work to do before we can make the transition to Costa Rica. So it looks like we will be back in the ATL for atleast another year or two.

Today we goto the beach - for some fun in the sun. And the ocean here is pretty calm, compared to many of the other beaches that we've been to.

August 5th

Got up early and returned the car to Alamo. They said that they are probably going to take the car to San Jose to get an estimate on the repairs - and will let me know. We then took a ride to the AirTram - to get more information. Thats where I had the most expensive beer on the trip so far (I didnt know it at the time of purchase) - $3 U.S. - for a can of beer! Oh well, another primer in the art of the purchase. But on the way back home, we ask the taxi driver about going to a dentist here - and he takes us to the location. Seems like a normal dentist office - and I ask about the price for a cleaning. Only $40! Later we are quoted $60 at another location - and we still have to see the quality of the cleaning. We then goto a clinic to see if we can get an idea on why Joys tailbone has been giving her so much pain when she sits (this seemed to start when she did the waterslide at Baldi springs). They said that they could do an X-Ray for $50. The doctor showed her the xray, and said that it was probably a fracture (and showed her where). We walked outta there, with 2 X-rays IN HAND in less than 15mins - for only $50!!! Later we went to the pool to cool down - before the rain came in. Candlers diving has greatly improved (due to all of Joys help)! And then dinner at Quiznos?

August 4th

Wake up in a daze starting at 5:45am (no alarm clock), cuz I gotta go get the car at 9am. I catch the bus, and pickup the car from Alamo. I get back, Joy has packed everything! And we load the car, just gotta get one more thing... I give Joy the keys to start the car and get the AC goin and... (she is not familiar with a manual(stickshift) car) the car goes into the railing. Nobody is hurt (except for the car - slightly (photos here)) - and we laugh about it over breakfast. We make the short 65km drive to Jaco, get the place, and get the laudry started (stinky!). Candler pulls his 2nd tooth in Costa Rica! And we now have what seems to be a consistent internet connection!

August 3rd

We go into town to get a car for tomorrow, eat, then back to the house. Then off to the beach. With the storms in the ocean, and the sea at high tide, this was the strongest sea that Ive ever been in.

August 2nd

Rainy day - all day today. But since there was no lightning or thunder, we did goto the pool.

I have to say, out of all the places Ive been in Costa Rica, I feel the most like a tourist in Manuel Antonio. The places are spread out more here, so a car is more necessary, the (tourist) people here arent as friendly, and the prices are the most expensive (to eat out) so far.

August 1st

Walked to the National Park today. Saw a momma deer with 2 baby doe, howler monkeys, an ant eater/racoon looking thing, beaver without a tail looking thing, and some titi monkeys. Then a great sushi dinner at Coconuts.

July 31st

Looks like rain today, so we slowly head out to lunch, it sprinkles, but no real rain comes. We take a different path down the road to Biesanz beach. Its a small little cove, and there are rocks under the sea. This is a great area for snorkeling.

July 30th

From Jaco to Quepos/Manuel Antonio this morning. Met Ron from Virginia Highlands (Atlanta), and he showed us our new place. He has been living here for about a year now - and does property management. We unpacked, and went to the most beautiful beach of the trip!

July 29th

Traveled to San Jose - then to Jaco today. Actually had dinner at Subway. They had fresh avacados as an additional item that you could add, and free wifi. Crashed at the hotel next door. Candler was up the next morn and in the pool before I was outta bed.

July 28th

More fun at Manzanillo beach today, then we rented bikes for a 26km/16mile bike ride?!? It didnt seem that far, but we did ride from Puerto Viejo in to Manzanillo - stopped and got a drink, then rode back! It felt great - and Candler did just fine - even when it got dark! Dinner, some card playing, and a plan - for tomorrow we leave for ???

July 27th

Rain, rain go away, come again some other day! We head out for breakfast, but came back due to rain. Later in the aftenoon we went down to the beach, and the beach was kickin. Heading out, I got force fed a healthy cup of salt water. I swam out to where the surfers were, and watched them go in. The waves were the strongest I've ever experienced, and coming back in - seemed more dangerous than trying to go out. So I had to do it again! Candler stayed in close to the shore where it was safe.

July 26th

Well I think its official, Candler is in love with Nutella. Once again he encountered it during breakfast - with French Toast. The only possible way it coulda been better is if they had chocolate milk - via nutella. After Candler said his goodbyes to breakfast, we were off to a Big hike today in Cahuita - about 8km. Early in the walk, Candler spotted a sloth in the wild! It was crossing the trail on some branches just above our head - I couldve grabbed him! Later on - we saw 2 more - together! a snake! and some other monkeys. We finished off the evening with another great meal at the Chile Rojo.

July 25th

Still raining when we got up this morning, but that didnt keep us from breakfast, or walking around - seeing the shops in town. We then traveled further - closer to Panama to Manzanillo beach, where we were told that it is too dangerous to swim - and yes - the waves were huge - and the surfers were enjoying it. We still want to go into Panama, but the forecast calls for rain everyday here - and in Panama, so it may not be the best idea... FYI - heres an interesting take on a comparison of California and Costa Rica.

July 24th

We head down the road to the Sloth Rescue Center, where we learn all kinds of stuff we didnt know about sloths. They have a 4 chambered stomach, they dont drink water, they come down from the tree to use the bathroom, there are 2 very different species (2 and 3 fingered), one of the types is the only mammal that has 9 vertebre, they sweat thru their nose, and more. To see them up close, and touch them, I felt like I was looking at some alien being. We then cruised on over to Cahuita for some beach action. Then it rained hard - thru the night!

July 23rd

Candler is up early, and we play for several hours before we head to desayuno (breakfast). We goto a fantastic place called Bread & Chocolate. Excellent! Then, the Rain, upon rain. Hit the grocery store for some basic items - and back to the house - with the power on and off several times thru the afternoon. We then head to the beach - but there is no where to swim! The waves are huge, but the shore is covered in rough rocky areas. We then head to Salsa Brava. Excellent food!

July 22nd

Slept in - what a nice sleep at the first Hostel I've ever stayed at (that I remember). Then we are up, packed, and a big thank you to everyone that came down to Costa Rica (Josh, Shannon, Ali, Jack, Anglyn, Adam, Drew, Michael). We then made our way to Puerto Viejo (near Panama) via checkpoint. We just got done with the tastiest and best valued meal on the trip - at Chile Rojo. We havent really been around the internet since the 18th - so I have some catching up to do - later...

July 21st

We get up around 7am to get ready for the rafting trip today. We're packed up, eat a little breakfast quickly at the hotel, and we drive off to meet our guide close to town. Jump in the van, Candler gets to sleep up front on the lap of our guide. And we meet Joe - a retired Atlanta cop - now teaching english here. Here are the rafting photos!

July 20th

Meet up with Michael and Ali (and later with the entire group) at Baldi Springs in Arenal!

July 19th

Drive to Arenal, and what an amazing view. The photo just doesnt do it justice. Sure we were lost, but it was worth it!

July 18th

A big walk down the beach in the morning - to the island. A small waterfall, beautiful rocks, locks of crabs, and big waves crashing on the shore - looking across to the island. Sure I could swim, but not Joy and Candler... maybe next visit. On the walk back, we meet another family from Gwinnett (small world). We try to rent a car, but they are having issues with their equipment. Time for more fun in the pool. Dinner at Restaurante Cocos, some packing, and some quality time with the TV.

Sleep well, for tomorrow - we leave for Arenal!

July 17th

Woke up fine today - but, it rained on and off for most of the day. We finally got a break before dusk - and headed to the beach. The ocean looked like chocolate milk.

July 16th

I was completely worthless this day - due to a sinus infection. Candler and Joy went to the beach. My sinuses finally recovered about 3 hours into bedtime - and I was finally able to rest.

July 15th

3rd day of surfing - and there were many surfers out there today. The waves were nice.

July 14th

After a fresh-cut fruit shake, we walk from one end of the beach, to the other. The beach has an inlet on each end - so we will try and cross to the island on another day - when we have some shoes on. Dinner at hotel Giada. Just recovered from the fish tacos last night. ad lose bowels all day today from that.

July 13th

We drop the car off this morning, then grab a bite to eat. A short walk to the beach, grab a surfboard - and we are out in the water. Its an overcast day, and its easy on the eyes. And later goto a great place for dinner - Lizzies.

July 12th

Breakfast on the beach (photos here), and Joy begins her 1st, 1hr surfing lesson. By chance we found a great place to stay today - for the next 7 days - and its the best deal in town we could find - and its a massage school!. Here is the satellite photo. Wierd how things come together. Russ is from Colorado - where I will be in January for the annual HOPFEST (snowboarding). And - as you see - after 2 days, we have internet again. Just had the worst margarita ever LOL - at Sol y Mar - but to their defense - Joy did order a drink that was not on the menu. I think it was simply the juice of 4 limes with a salted glass. Food was so/so (and it was Karaoke night). Cheapest beer in town - 800c (less than $1.60). Now (1130pm) its pouring rain, sounds great on the roof, time for sleep - even tho the church next door is blaring music - they had the ox carts on the beach today for the Virgin Mary (of the sea?). Hopefully will find the time to update the map tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

July 11th

We go to the service station in Cabuno (10 mins away) to get the tire patched, and put back on. Its only $4. Then another long, but beautiful drive to the next destination (from Montezuma to Samara). Stopped along the way - since we saw some bulls fighting each other in a field. Got into town late, and we cant find a place for the week - so we are staying at a hotel on the beach. Dinner on the beach! Then Candler learns how to play "Rummy" - and wins his first game (with a Joys help) after 7 games.

July 10th

We have no alarm clock, so we try to get up early in the morning. Its 530am, and very bright outside - the first time I get up to check the time - so its gonna be a long morning. We get the car at 830am, pack the car, checkout of our place, get our deposit back, and we are on the road to Montezuma. What shouldve taken us maybe a little over 3 hours, has turned into a 3 road mudslide - that we have to backtrack 45mins or more to get around the problem. We get to the town and check the hotels around town. Most do not have AC, and there is not a lot of internet. Had a flat tire when I pulled into the hotel we stayed at. Thank the heavens above that its only a nail. But the spare seems to be separating at the seam, so I need to get the tire patched and put back on.

July 9th

After packing up, I walked into town after making some calls to find a car with a drop off near Montezuma. Talked with some nice folks at the Budget car rental place. Its also the office for Coldwell Banker. After setting up the rental for the morning, We head down to Coconuts - where they are playing Vantage Point and Get Smart.

July 8th

We tried to walk around the right side of Coco beach. It was quite treacherous, and we made it around 3/4 turns. Then it got a little too dangerous for Candler to go further - so we turned back. A great hike - then into the ocean. I recommend the walk to the island on the left side of Coco - much easier for all. We are getting ready to leave here on Thursday and head to Montezuma for a week! I will miss this town, the people, and how comfortable it has become. Gotta update the map above.

July 7th

Slept in, then down to La Vida Loca to help Jim out with his laptop. We have lunch while Candler boogie boards in the ocean. Then the storm rolls in. 200ft visibility - but it only lasts an hour. We end the day back at the hotel pool. So much swimming - and Im not even close to being tired of it.

July 6th

A big walk down the beach on a beautiful day. John calls out to us from the ocean near La Vida Loca, and Candler goes to borrow the boogieboard. Before long, there are 8 kids out there. A storm looks like its gonna roll in, so after an hour or so, we head out to the ocean to get Candler heading back to the hotel with us. Whats funny is that, we have channel 7 from Denver Colorado, and TNTLA.com, http://www.tudiscovery.com, and many other American channels (some are overdubbed with espanol).

July 5th - Sabado (Saturday)

We took at taxi to Filadelfia to see the town horse parade. We got a bite to eat and then walked to the rodeo area. We planned to goto the bull riding, but it started raining, and we found ourselves underneath the bleachers with the horses. We didnt stick around for the dancing.

July 4th - Viernes (Friday)

What can I say? Fireworks in the sky. The sad thing is, this place has more freedoms than the US. Curious to know if America still has the title "Land of the Free"? And if so, why?

July 3rd - Jueves (Thursday)

Got up early and got in the pool. Caught some rays, and we went to the Creperie for brunch. Looked like the rain was coming in so we headed home. Candler was in the pool for another 2 hours before he came in looking like a prune. Then the rain really started coming down. Man - when it rains - it really pours here! Exciting!

July 2nd - Miercoles (Wednesday)

Im up at 3am to help get mom off to the bus back to San Jose. It was a long, but quiet walk back home from town at 4am (after she left on the bus). I then got up at 630am to see if Alberto was getting ready to catch his bus. He was not awake yet - so I returned to bed... Figured out how to map some of the locations here in Playas del Coco.

July 1st - Martes (Tuesday)

Today was one of the best. 5 hour tour on a yacht with snorkeling. Here is their website. There are no words to describe how beautiful it was. Had plenty of time to talk with the captain - and he gave us a lot of good info. He has been here for 20 years, hasnt been in the states since 1999 - and doesnt plan to go back. Later we went out for drinks - since its Albertos last night in Coco beach. He will catch the bus tomorrow back to San Jose and decide if he can stay longer in Costa Rica. Here is their webpage.

June 30 - Lunes (Monday)

We goto Hermosa to setup our 5 hour trip tomorrow, and goto the bus station to get my mom a ticket for her trip back to San Jose on miércoles (Wednesday).

June 29 - Domingo (Sunday)

2nd time at Hermosa beach. We rented a kayak for $10/hr. Later in the afternoon, a storm came in and we went for lunch - at the perfect time. The storm hit after we got our drinks, and was over by the time we finished our lunch. But it was such a bad storm, that many area roads had large areas of water and debris.

June 28

We went on a big walk today. Around Coco Beach to the left - and around the side to the island. It didnt seem that far, but when we got out there, it was a long look back at the main beach area. Gotta make a point to walk a different path, or go somewhere new everyday.

Business Ideas for Costa Rica

-renewable energy & sustainable resources (rainwater, solar, wind, etc) - http://renu.citizenre.com

-waste management & recycling plant (plasma furnace?)

burning trash here - http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/2008/pulpit_20080620_005106.html

http://www.plasmacoalition.org/applications.htm

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/06/26/rocket-stoves-use-tw.html

-rent/sell sporting equip. or create bikeshare (in Coco Beach)

-start an organized youth sports league (in Coco Beach)

-rent kayaks, surfboards, seadoo or other equip

-preservation of marine life/beach maintenance/cleanup

-chickfila franchise, waffle house?

-security. Seems like this is really popular here. Not sure why yet.

-TAXI services

-real estate

-road repair/maintenance

June 27

Got caught at the beach in a big downpour. We were already in our swimsuits - so the walk back was really nice! I cant remember the last time I walked in the rain.

After the rain stopped (430pm), we went into town to the new grocery store "Auto Mercado". It was their grand opening and were pouring various beer/wines/liquors - and food - for free! The promotional prices were pretty good too. I can only hope it lasts!

Later we met Alberto at Andre's for a beer, then went to La Vida Loca, and met Jeanna, Andrew, and Alicia.

June 26

Into the pool, early in the morning, a quick lunch, and a walk around town.

June 25

Lazy day today - after yesterdays journey. Most of the day was spent at the pool. Then to La Vida Loca for lunch & the beach. We met Alberto at the Kashbar for dinner and drinks.

June 24

We struggle to get up at 630am, but we are out the door and down the road looking for breakfast in no time. We hit the drive thru at Burger King in Liberia for a Croissant and a drink. About 20 mins from there (815am) we see the POLICIA. They stop us, say that I was doing 96 in a 60, and start asking questions. In the blur of the morning, both Joy and I have forgotten our passports, I dont have a drivers license on me, and they claim that the ticket will be $150 and them impounding the car. They speak broken english, and we dont understand most of what they are saying as well. But they are friendly, and become discouraged at the situation - and send us on our way. We are at the airport in San Jose 45mins before my moms flight arrives (her plane is 30mins late). We have lunch in Grecia, and then head back to Coco beach, hopefully missing the traffic we saw on the way up. Sure enough, about 515pm - the POLICIA are still in the same place where we saw them last - and they stop us again, are happy to see us, and claim that I was doing 98 in a 60 this time. They speak of the previous problems, and say they are gonna write me a ticket - but say the fine is $14. We give them $15, and we are on our way. Man, if only the police in the US could be this friendly and fun to encounter. I can only hope that any other run in with the law here is that good.

The worst part of the trip was the exhaust fumes! Joy got a headache and started feeling sick. Then my head started pounding, felt like I had a buzz, and messed with my hearing. Its best to either get around the cars that are creating the problem - or just pull over for 5 mins. Seems like that would be a good biz down here - emissions testing & mufflers. Just gotta get the government to implement. READ Joys version.

June 23

Up early and trying to get my mom a shuttle from the airport.

I meet Gary, Stacy and their son (from Utah) at the internet cafe. They airline has lost all 5 of their pieces of luggage - and they are trying to figure out the status.

June 22

We head up to Rincon volcano early in the morning. We checkout 2 of the places offering packages. $80 for horseback riding, canopy tour, lunch buffet (which was great), 1hr of tubing down the river, and a mud bath. Man that was great! FYI - Joys blog - Candlers Blog

June 21

We were too late to rent a car today - for the trip to Rincon - so we got it at 430pm - and we shall leave for the volcano, early in the morn. We came over to La Vida Loca again for dinner & drinks (and Candler loves to play with John here). We finally introduced ourselves to Paul from Canada - since we see him so much. And voted on the DJ competition for the evening.

So I hear that the reason that there is no Karaoke in this town - is because of the ticos - and their poor performances/results/responses/and more...

June 20

We walked from one end of Coco beach to the other. We also met Malcom - aka "spirit bear", a nice fellow from Canada.

The land and rental situation (including cars) here is really hopping during the busy season. Heck, when I see almost every American real estate company here (Remax, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, - you know there is really something going on. Wonder why I havent seen Keller-Williams (wonder if we could start it). This is party central here during the busy season - and tourists = big money. Ive also heard this is also the #3 nation in fatal alcohol related auto accidents.

Ive heard that Panama is half the cost - and a better infrastructure - must do more research…

June 19

Met Dennis McGregor (neighbor to Alberto) and chatted with him about technology, society, computer games, politics, the economy, his condo biz, and more before breakfast. It was nice meeting him, and I hope to talk with him more. We decided to walk the entire costline of Coco Later in the day, weour neighbor Rick

Whats interesting is that we dont mind commercials that are in another language as much. Not sure why - but some advertising firm should investigate this further...

FYI - Thinking about taking a shuttle to get around down here? Its cheaper, but takes longer - IF you can get them to communicate with you consistently.

June 18

Went to the other end of Coco beach today. It was a "nicer" area of the beach, but there was no restaurant even near there. For dinner, it was movie/buffet night at Coconuts. On the buffet was spaghetti, salad, and several types of pizza - for $7. The movies were Harry Potter, and the latest version of Indiana Jones (terrible video shot in the theater). Speaking of food, since most of the fast food places can be found in San Jose, is there no Chickfila down here? And why not?

June 17

How Speculators Are Causing the Cost of Living to Skyrocket (thanks to Daniel for the link).

Joy said it well, Costa Rica seems to have the same pricing as the US (for foods/services), but without the convenience. One thing that most folks will really like about this country are the sodas - Coke/Fanta and others - are made with real sugar! And you can get them in the bottle! Double goodness. The real ketchup here also has real sugar. Alberto bought all 4 of the Indiana Jones movies for $3 on one DVD. Quality is better than that of youtube. Yep, they had tons more - even the HULK.

And Joy has started her blog: http://tappinitincr.blogspot.com

June 16

Another thing you may notice about sleeping here is the amount of eye buggers. I guess its from all the dust and unfiltered exhaust from the autos. This town is not for runners or bikers - because of all the dust/exhaust.

I have worn a bathing suit for 5 days straight (not the same one), which begs the question - whats the world record? There is something about swimming, or just being in a pool - that changes the mindset.

Did a little work today, went swimming late in the afternoon - when there is less sun - less of a chance for sunburn. My shoulders were a little sore yesterday from the sun - but are better today. No dinner in town - it started raining after I came in from the pool - but only rained for a couple hours.

I wouldnt say that we've missed the boat, but we've definitely missed the launch. After talking with a local store owner, he agrees that things are much more expensive than they were just 4 years ago, but with the improvement of the area, and all the new construction that is happening - this place is only gonna bring in more money. And thats not really what Im after.

June 15

This is the first day it rained here - and it only rained for 20mins. And whats kinda cool about Sundays here is that - many things are closed - the grocery store, pharmacy, and several other businesses. So the reason for all the security guards around the hotels, and the barbed wire around everything - relates to the squatting law here. Supposedly, if you stay on a property for 20 days or more, you have a claim to it (or something like that).

June 14

a trip to Playa Hermosa for the day, upload photos, do some laundry, and out to dinner.

We've been pretty careful with the sun - plenty of sunblock and hats.

A nice local blog I saw at the grocery store.

June 13

An Easy Friday - swimming in the pool, Joy fixed chicken for dinner, and a movie

We may be a little late to try and jump in the game now...

Costa Rica’s Cost of Living is on the Rise - (much thanks to Julie Best for this link!) http://www.costaricapages.com/blog/travel/costa-ricas-cost-of-living-is-on-the-rise/794

Construction is everywhere, roads, new buildings, and more... One of the biggest complaints that I have is the exhaust from the autos here is unfiltered/unregulated.

June 12

Nothing like jumping/swimming in the pool in the morning. Went to Ocatal beach for the day, had great pizza for dinner, made many free phonecalls today, and realize that a taxi is best option -compared to renting a bike or scooter ($25/day).

June 11

Believe it or not, we are still having technical difficulties with the laptops. My audio card isnt working, and Joy's laptop has trouble connecting to the internet - so for now - no phone calls. We apologize, but hope to get this fixed soon. But now that we are settled, it looks like we do have a consistent internet connection for at least the next 30 days! Expensive grocery shopping at http://www.superluperon.com, returned the rental car, Candler looses a tooth in Costa Rica (he pulled it out) photos coming soon..., Joys machine is kinda on the internet - and we try to make phonecalls, dinner here: http://www.ladolcevitacostarica.com, and we realize that eating out is cheaper than buying groceries and making meals!

061008 - Day 07

Travel from Potrero to Coco Beach, try to rent a place, and finally get one, need to return the car...

060908 - Day 06

breakfast w/chickens next to the table, go see a house for rent, find the top of a cliff, swim at the beach, grab crab at dinner and get pinched!

060808 - Day 05

Canopy tour at 8am, met Geovani Bogarin - who recommended http://www.leavesandlizards.com, began the long drive to Portrero, an amazing beach, great service & food at la plancha

060708 - Day 04

rented a DIAHATSU Terios from Payless for $60/day, much thanks to Jesus for getting me back to the hotel somehow, begin the long drive to arenal, no hotels w/wifi, we get a good price on a room with no AC?!?

My friend Adam Shilling sent me these links: Cabana evening wear

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/kwfashions_2003_108908937

swimsuit concept: http://www.keywestfashions.com/beercanshort.html

060608 - Day 03

Many things to think about before we leave our first hotel. Working online. We are buzzing around town like bees today - trying to get things done. Still having trouble with my soundcard, internet on Joys computer.

060508 - Day 02

Since I now have the internet working, I was able to check my NovoLogic email - and they needed my help - yesterday! So I contact em and get the ball rolling... I was happy to chat with my coworkers at NovoLogic.com. Dinner with Fred St.John, his wife Patricia and his son Ethan = good times.

060408 - Day 01

We get up late (630am, we planned on getting up at 5:45am) cuz we hit the snooze button on the clock - too many times. But we are packed, and leave comfortably - but go back to the house once more to get some things we forgot. We meet up with Michael around 7:15am in East Atlanta, and he takes us to the airport - and we are in the air with plenty of time to spare! Much thanks to Michael McReynolds!

Here is the calendar for the trip

Google Mapped locations

The 4 places we've stayed at so far:

>> We have rented a place for 30 days at - Playa del Coco, Guanacaste (Coco Beach).

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/city.asp?cID=18

>> We stayed 2 nights at Hotel Isolina in Bahia Potrero Beach

http://www.isolinabeach.com

>> We had a one-nighter at HOTEL VOLCAN in Arenal

>> We stayed 3 nights at Casa 69 in San Pedro

http://www.casa69.com

Coco Beach (where we will be for a month)

http://picasaweb.google.com/akamushi/CocoBeachV01