Lodging in CR

If you find your way to CR, like dogs, prefer non-traditional lodging and enjoy getting off the beaten path, I strongly recommend staying at the Lighthouse in Atenas. Pictures do not do justice. Frances and Bruce welcome you as family. For me, it's a great way to completely unwind. See more at their Airbnb page.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Settling into Alajuela

So the hike on Tuesday REALLY wiped Bob out.  Not only was he physically wiped, but he says the 2 beers went right to his head.  The next day, he had a lot of trouble walking.  As I mentioned previously, Spinning maybe good for helping with hiking up, but not so good for coming down.  We stopped to get him some anti-inflammatory and muscle cream.  While he rested a bit more on Wednesday before we left, I got to do something I have not done for years - body surfing.  Because I am the main recorder for this trip, no pictures of that, but I must say I am still a champion body-surfer.
Here are two pictures of Vela Bar where we stayed in Manuel Antonio, a good friendly place with good food.




After the surfing, we hit the road and stopped for lunch in Jaco.  On the surface, it looks like a regular beach town (think Seaside Heights), but is a trashy place with a mix of sex-workers and their customers, and drunken (or soon-to-be) surfers.  If you are ever this way, do not go out of your way.

Returning to Alajuela, we found Flor, Walters mom (I know there is supposed to be an apostrophe there, but I do not know how to toggle for it on these keyboards, so no grammer comments, please) to be a bit under the weather, so Walter took her for some lab work while Bob and I went for pedicures!


Soaking the nails

He was a bit ticklish

I mean, VERY ticklish

Getting the nails done

    But you cannot argue with the results: 
Over the top funny!



















Needless to say, it was a new experience for Bob - for me as well.  We will be going back to this woman for haircuts before leaving.  Her salon is just across the street. 






Bob, Walter and Flor in town














Bob has taken on going next door in the morning for fresh bread and the morning paper. After eating this morning, we headed into town to do a few errands, then Bob and I headed out looking for a good gym.  We came across three, chose the last one for a good workout today (I was his trainer for the day), then we went to the Mercado Centrale for fish lunch.  The ceviche was outstanding although Bob did not care for it.   He loved the fish filet and rice.  Tomorrow we will be heading for an 8AM spinning class.  The gym was a bit of a challenge for him because everthing is different, but that did not stop us from a hard workout.  More, with gym photos, later.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Monkeying Around Manuel Antonio



At Vela Bar, our hotel, we have adapted a dog for our stay. Her name is Canela, a 6-month old pup full of life:

We spent most of the day in the Manuel Antonio National Park.  It cost Bob and I $10 to get in, but Walter, because he's a Tico, only paid about $3.  The park is pretty spectacular.  We ended up walking perhaps 5-6 miles up and down trails.  Among the sites:
Anteater

Swimming break

Swimming break

Lifting a tree

After the hike

Back on the beach

Hiking




Ending the hike

Linda Vista

Linda Vista





The hike wiped Bob out.  Spinning is great for helping with climbs up, but not so much for coming down.


Of course, there were also the monkeys:









We ended the day with a drink overlooking the ocean, and a beautiful sunset, a nice treat after the rainy evening yesterday.  
Bob telling Walter how "it" is.



Sunday, December 18, 2011

Day in Alajuela

Bob and Walter arrived Friday evening after some delays, but in good shape.  We spent the day in Alajuela, Walter's home town, going to various markets.  So far, Bob is enjoying the experience as he grapples with understanding the different currency, and the fact that people not only do not know sign language but also do not speak English.  Regardless, it would be a safe bet that everyone in CR will know that this is Bob's first time in CR, as he has been telling any and everyone. 

Here's some photos from the day:
Walter at the Cultural Center

Alajuela Cathedral

Cathedral

Inside Cathedral

Cathedral ceiling

Cathedral ceiling

Alajuela Cultural Center

Bob in hysterics at my attempts to answer the phone not knowing Spanish

Enjoying coconut juice. I passed...

Inside Cathedral

Waiting for lunch

Fish soup for lunch. 

Friday, December 16, 2011

Atenas: el mejor clima del mundo

Kay's Gringo Cafe: A place for good conversation

Downtown view
 "Atenas: the best climate in the world."  2300 feet above sea level, and surrounded by mountains - many of them full of coffee plants.  About 30 miles from the Pacific.  Boasting pleasant weather year-round.  This is my third stay in Atenas, and I love it here.  It's not as big or busy as many of the other towns (Alajuela, Grecia, Palmares) that I've seen, and it's not overrun with tourists.  Today is my last day in Atenas before heading to Alajuela for the next two weeks, so here are some pictures from town.
Where I got a $5 haircut (beat that, Dad!)

Atenas Cemetery

Atenas Cathedral

Gym.  Very no-frills, very friendly

Farmers Market every Friday morning

Mercado Centrale

Mercado Centrale.  Casados for 2000 colones ($4)


Atenas park in center of town

Local plant market

Local plant market

Atenas downtown

And one more from last night: little Milana: