Pura Vida!

Juan presenting Geotourism guidelines

My first day of work in Bocas del Toro consisted of attending/hosting a workshop for local hotel, restaurant, and small business owners with in the islands.  The workshop discussed Solimar International’s Geotourism initiative for the area with efforts to sustain or enhance the geographical character of Bocas. Weather it be its environment, the culture, aesthetics, or well being of its residents, my team and I spent two days working with the Bocas community to promote these new ideas of sustainability and geotourism. This is the project I have been working on for the past three weeks and will continue to volunteer for up until May.

The Solimar Team taxi back form the workshops

Having several presenters including Juan Lunes (A co-worker in Solimar International) who works directly with National Geographic on several of the geotourism issues, the workshops were very interesting. The best/worst part of the workshops was that they were four hours each and presented entirely in Spanish. This could be considered a positive aspect because it aided in my spanish practice and really allowed me to gauge what I have learned thus far. However, it can be seen as a negative because these workshops were my introduction into my project. Mind you I initially was not placed here in Bocas, but rather worked for the same company on a different project in Costa Rica. Therefore, when they urgently needed me down in Panama I had no time for preparation and not a clue what my scope of work was before agreeing to volunteer. So, the workshops were my crash course, but still not even close to fluent in Spanish, it was a bit more difficult to completely comprehend! IEIEIE.

The border bridge

On the way to Almirante waiting for bridge traffic (cabbie took photo)

Almirante del taxi de agua

Mi casa neuva

At the Pickled Parrot

Andrew scaling the palm tree

Me in the palms

Off my dock (Rancho Bull)

After a short trip south and across the border, I made it safe and sound to my house on Isla Carenero, Bocas del Toro, Panama. The trip down via bus was short, yet very interesting. Catching the 8:00 AM bus from Puerto Viejo to Sixingola (the border town), Shannon. Ryan and I were all in for a treat! We arrive in sixingola only to have to walk across a sketchy bridge across a river. This is the only way into Panama on the Caribbean side. Cautiously stepping over each board.. I felt both my balance and bravery being tested. The bride was old, rusted and missing sides or fencing on some parts. We moved to the side as cars would slowly pass through, but when we finally did make it across this 200 meter bridge we each let out a gasp of relief, thanked God we were not still on it as an 18 wheeler tractor trailer truck approached the entrance. We made it through customs/immigrations in about 30 minutes. We got a local guy to taxi us to the Port of Almirante, which is where we needed to catch a water taxi to the main island of Bocas de Toro, Isla Colon. Once reaching the port of Almirante we piled into a boat, which was the first of many water taxis I would be experiencing during my stay in Bocas.

We arrived into Bocas with 30 minutes and took one more water taxi, a 4 minute 1$ ride to Isla Carenero. It was at Aqua Lounge where I parted with my Puerto Viejo friends, Ryan and Shannon. I continued on in search of my house, which I only had a description of the dock given to me by my supervisor. Rancho Bull was the name of the dock I directed my Botero (name for guy that drives the boat). I arrive to a dock with a half built house on stilts right over the water. Was this my new house? I look up shore to see very few livable houses. A few rundown unfinished buildings right out front and to the left thatched roof huts and bungalows. About 100 yards off the shore I spot a large 2 story house. I decide to venture closer for a better look. I get to the house and snoop around until I finally run into Brian. Brian is the maintenance/manager man of my new home and assures me I have arrived to the correct place, and Chrystel is just out at the moment!

I set my stuff down and go explore the island! Because I have time to kill, while waiting for Chyrstel I decide to head towards Aqua Lounge, to meet back up with Ryan and Shannon! Believe it or not I also meet with others I became freinds with in Puerto Viejo, including Andrew, Cali, and Milan. It was nice to reunite again. I convinced Andrew to come hang out and go explore the island with me. So we headed towards “old mans” the surf spot on this island. We had a swim and a beer at the Pickled Parrot before spotting coconuts high in the palm trees. Andrew and I dared to scale the trunks in attempt to fetch ourselves a beverage. Ha, attempt one, I failed. Attempt two, Andrew successfully scales 10 feet up the tree to shake loose 2 coconuts! Excited about our winnings we had back towards Rancho Bull to crack them open and enjoy the refreshing aqua de coco.

Wow! My new house was in paradise! Surrounded by palm trees and no worries… You can see the sand glisten as the sun shines down, you can hear the waves crash in and out, and feel the Caribbean breeze while swinging in the hammock on the wrap around porch! Pura Vida! Though I am in Panama now, no other words to describe it.. well maybe one .. TRANQUILO!

Hibiscus

Puerto Viejo

Mi cama es el primero hammock azul

Shannon y Yo with out rented bikes

The jungle river we passed

Ryan con el perro

Biking back

la playa Puerto Veiojo es muy bonita

Some may or may not know, that I no longer reside in San jose, Costa Rica, but now live in Bocas del Toro, Panama!!! Que Bueno!! However, on my way down.. I decided to do what most backpackers do on their way to Bocas and stop half way.  Half Way Destination: Puerto Viejo, a small Caribbean town on the coast of Costa Rica!!

Arriving alone about 6PM Friday the 13th, I met a few boys on the collectivo bus who suggested I follow them to the “happening” hostel… “Rocking J’s.” And as the name suggests.. it really was “rocking” in more ways then one. First and for most, the party never stopped.  A band playing all night… the backpackers from near and far, slugging their 40s of Imperial and slamming shots of Quesicue, Guarro.. yea it was rocking  all right. Not to mention the two sections of the Hammock Hotel. Exactly what does a Hammock Hotel entail… well one large room of about 50 hammocks or so.  $5 for one hammock and one locker, “yes.. I’ll take one of those please!” ha… and I was rocking to sleep two nights straight at rocking J’s.

My new friend’s Shannon (B.C. Canada) and Ryan(San Diego) decided to stay with me one more night in Puerto Viejo. So on Saturday, We awoke, I went for a run.  Ah… nothing beats a beach run! After a short breakfast and cruising the quaint town, we rented 3 rickety old bikes, one being a child’s bike (Which Shannon rode because she literally was just learning how to ride a bike again. – the saying “its just like riding a bike..you never forget\” would definitely not apply to her.) HA. So, we paid the local family around 4 dollars each.. which i did not mind they were the sweetest family and I would rather my money to them, then the bike  companies back in town.

Bicycle! Bicycle.. I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike! Vamos! We head to a beach down the dirt road towards Cocales… Passing rivers, and stunning beaches.. we finally find a quiet spot to take a dip, cool down, and relax! So refreshing! The sun was shining and the waves were constant creating the perfect ambiance for sun bathing and a nap! We did just that. In addition, we met a tico, with two Labrador Retrievers and  ryan tossed a stick around with them for a bit. Jumping back on to the bikes.. Shannon’s tire completely deflated! Go figure. Like i said before, RICKETY! ha. Ryan spins rapidly back to the place of purchase for some type of solution. In the mean time we were on our way home via foot and a very nice tico construction worker happened to have a bike pump in his bag,..to the rescue.. he offered his services and Shannon and i were 1 speeding it all the way to J’s.

In the evening we cooked, by we i mean RYAN. Shannon and I had the responsibility in purchasing the beverages. We cooked veggie pasta with the typical costa rican salsa… which made for a delightful spicy dinner…mhmm! However come to chow time..one issue: NO CUTLIARY in Rocking J\’s kitchen. Well, we will make do, we find plastic spoons (3 inches long) We divvy them up, and used two each with the idea of CHOP STICKS in mind. Ha hey you make do when you can make do, yeah?

The remainder of our time was pleasant. After dinner Shannon, our English Friend and I swung into town for some shopping at the local storefronts and enjoying local reggae music. I was in search for a pair of shoes, which I had lost to the tide the night before, but no luck -  in addition to this, all my other sandals remain in my old house at Costa Rica, how about that for luck. Thankfully, Shannon lent me a pair until I arrived to Bocas.. and LUCKY for me.. Bocas is a group of islands, making shoes not a necessity! How about that for ROCKING!

Everyone!

Jose y Eduardo

Nora giving dance lessons

Antonio teaching me

Group Goodbye Shot

On tuesday (March 10th) my company hosted a good-bye party for me at Liana’s house! As some of you may have already known, I left my position in Costa Rica and I now reside in Bocas del Toro, Panama! Prior to my departure Solimar Costa Rica and Space Lab collaborated in the production seeing me off. I felt so appreciated, everyone showed.

Lianna, Lianna’s son Chris, Nora, and I were in charge of the food and drinks for the minor event. We made pasta and tomato sauce, also hummus and brochette for appetizers.  The drink of the night was home made sangria created by yes, me! People arrived after work (the office was around the corner from Liana’s). After some eating and socializing, Andres gave a toast to me.. I felt deeply touched and for the first time I was consumed with the realization that I was leaving in a few days and that my days in Costa Rica have finally been numbered. Sad, yet happy of the new relocation, I smiled and said my good-byes! The important thing is that I have indeed met this sound group of individuals, I had the opportunity to experience a life in Costa Rica, and built what I hope to be some lasting friendships!

After dinner, Marco set up speakers.  Let the dancing begin!! Thinking I had learned something in my previous dance lesson (CARNIVAL), I began to really try to groove. WRONG, I knew nothing.. my body was tense and my form was terrible! Ha, Antonio.. who had told me he could not dance prior to the party, broke out in Salsa and Mirange like it was like riding a bike! IE! Nora joined in… Apparently she was in the closet about being a dance instructor, and here I was sitting around all this time when I could have become fluent in dance at the very least!!! So spin after spin, song after song, Antonio and Nora danced everyone into the ground, but that did not halt the dancing spirit. Everyone had a go at it! I even requested that Antonio assist me.

What a night! THANK YOU TO ALL MY TICOS FOR EVERYTHING! YOU WILL BE TRULY MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN!!! MISS YOU ALREADY!

El Boyero!

Muchas Personas

Oxen with Head Piece

La Vista

Jose y yo

El dia de Boyero – translating to the day of the one who drives the bulls/oxen.  This is a typical holiday for those living in Escazu and San Jose.  It is when all of the Oxen Carts and their drivers gather in the town center of Escazu to make the journey up towards the mountain to a smaller part of town! Boyeros and their carts are not as common as it once was; the era of cars took over in Costa Rica.  However, in some small villages and towns in the mountains, one would still be able to view this practice of transportation.. especially within the older generations of the communities.

On this day there are handy crafts, festival games, typical food, music entertainment, a parade, and a gathering of all of the Boyero’s oxen and carts for all to enjoy! Jose took me on Sunday March 8th to the celebration. We decided not to make the journey up hill to the gathering spot, but rather took the bus.  We arrived at nearly 12PM, by then the Boyeros and their oxen carts were on display. Attempting to find some of Jose’s friends we were consumed by the massive sea of people.  We grabbed a beer or two, checked out some of the crafts and finally met up with los amigos to exchange soooooo much talk about the previous night’s soccer game!! To me, el dia de Boyero was just another TICO reason for drinking, socializing, and celebration! ha  No No the signifigance of the actual day was also apparent. The carts were hand painted and the oxen wore hand crafted head pieces… the Boyeros walked with pride through the streets to it all show off !

As the crowd gets rowdy and bottles start to fly, we head towards the loud taunts and clamor to try to get a glimpse of the first fight of the day.  According to Jose it is typical for ticos to drink too much and start fights at these sort of celebrations. He directed me to stay clear of any staggering men!! HA Ah, a true tico fiesta! Beer and Fights! Sounds similar to my guy friends from home! Beer and Fights.

Last saturday (March 7) I had the opportunity to head back out to the climbing spot, Fodum, with Antonio for another go at the canyon that tore me apart a few weeks prior. This time around it was Antonio and I, solo.. andres lent me his harness. I bused to meet Antonio in Santa Ana, we purchased some fresh produce for lunch.. Antonio even bought a Pineapple, which he had hopes of sawing open with a plastic butter knife!

Arriving at Fodum, we geared up.. now having my own shoes that fit this go around.. I was excited to get on the rock to see what I could really do. Antonio set up the repel ropes and we descend down. Now at the bottom Antonio (who speaks less English, then I Spanish) explained he was a little nervous for me to belie his lead climb up the 12 meter wall.  Ha, I assured him I have done this all before… I told him Buenas Suerte (Good Luck!) with sarcasm, he laughed and made his way up! The ropes up now, it was my turn. New shoes.. and a brand new chalk bag Antonio gave me as a gift, I felt ready. (The chalk bag was one of his that he made.. he is creating his on brand: Escalante).

LISTA! I start my fight against the Rock! This 12 meter wall has previously defeated me… but determined,, NOT THIS TIME. My legs a bit shaky, my arms feeling the strain of the new muscle movements engaging each hold (HA)..  but slowly and then a bit more rapidly I start my ascend to the top .. Now with ease I begin to understand the rock! Is this the same canyon? Wow, to the top already! I feel accomplished!! Such a rush. TRANQUILO! This feeling of success remains with me the remainder of the day.. Each of the 3 climbs I did not complete during my last climbing trip, I have repeated and successfully made it to the top of the route. Along side with those, I climbed two additional difficult climbs… What a day!

And I am happy to report, the PINEAPPLE:  Antonio managed to dice it up for lunch, plastic knife and all! Que el dia bueno!!

The lunch stop!

Bienvenidos a la playa Jaco

La playa

Low tide

Bare-throated tiger-heron

Lizard thing!

Bonita

The final trip for Mol and I was just a short bus ride away, a small trip south to la Playa Jaco! Que Madre, there was no 10 o’clock bus, so without a choice we had to wait for the next bus at 11.  Already receiving seat assignments, Molly and I loaded on to the bus.  Strangely enough.. I would say with out a doubt.. we probably had the least amount of leg room in the entire bus. Ha, though I did not let this spoil my autobus de collectivo publico ride .. Mol who is nearly 4 inches taller then me was happy to have finally made it down to Jaco, which went from a 2 hr trip to a 3. This may have been because our bus was collectivo (which I explained in a previous post) or possibly because the driver decided to take a 20 minute, unnecessary lunch break. We were driving 3 hours south people!  It wasn’t like it was one of those family road trips from PA all the way to Florida. Hell taking distance into consideration, we shouldn’t have even needed a bathroom break! No no, I was not heated and still am not, but the irony of it all.. IEIE

Once in Jaco, Molly insisted on “some” shopping to finish up with her souvenir gifts! Store after store, 2 hours later, at last almost every gift had been acquired. Once satisfied with her purchases, Mol and I headed over to the beach for a half an hour. Unfortunately, we had already purchased our return ticket, because that evening we were trying to catch some music (actually Andres, a co-worker) at a bar in downtown San Jose. Therefore, we only had time for a half hour of the beach! Along with the scenic coast line, we captured a glimpse of the most unique looking bird with a neck the length of my entire arm! Come to find out, it was a bare-throated tiger-heron (Thank you Finn). In addition on our way back from the beach saw a lizard-looking amphibian basking in the setting sun! I wish I had more time at Jaco, the beach was quiet, just the sounds of the crashing waves as the tide moved out. The town was cute! The people, friendly. But, back on to the bus. Back to San Jose we went.

All in all, our trip to Jaco was sucessful, our Costa Rician adventures were monumental. Molly and I were muy contenta!  I consider myself lucky to have shared some time with her in such a beautiful place. Costa Rica.. a taste of the pure life!

On Tuesday March 3rd, Molly and I were headed out again to accumulate additional extreme experiences! Set out for the full day trip up to the Pacuare River in Costa Rica; we found ourselves eating a typical tico breakfast, paddling for and a three and a half hours  down a class 3 and 4 river, and reminiscing about the day’s events over  lunch!

View from the breakfast spot!

Molly y yo at breakfast

Molly y yo a el Rio Pacuare

Not dressed for the weather, in my long flowy skirt, bathing suit and t-shirt, I really experienced las bajas temperturas de Costa Rica.  Not to be such a wino, but in addition to my discomfort with the weather, I was extremely tired considering we had to awake at 5:30AM to catch the shuttle up to the River! However, upon arrival at our breakfast spot, though it was raining still…my personal issues subsided with the consumption of 3 glasses of HOT CAFE and a fresh Costa Rican breakfast, composed of fruits, eggs, toast and Gallo pinto! MHMMM!

Following breakfast Molly, Danielle, the two Brits, the rafting guides and myself loaded back into the shuttle van for the 45 minute commute to the river. Absolutely hyped for the descend down the river… Molly and I exchanged memories of our past rafting trips! Arriving at the river, the rain was relentless and la aqua muy frio! Lucky for us, we all received an easy dry- jacket!

We gear up, assume our positions in the raft, quick crash course and we are off! VAMOS! We enter the river near class 2 rapids.. a calming ride, practicing techniques.. Molly and I sit at the head of the raft and are deemed the captains, for it is us who set the pace of the strokes!!

We are submersed deep into the rainforest! The water that explodes over the front of the raft is freezing, yet the rain is warm. Like rain on a summer afternoon, so pleasant and welcomed. Despite the beauty of the showers, the unfortunate truth of the matter meant no spotting of monkeys and sloths. They have retreated to their lower branches for protection, far below the top of the canopy.  However, the birds still sing and we see Tucans, Montezuma (Yellow Tale Something), Herons, Kingfishers, Swallows and much more – The British man has heaps of stories and fun facts that fill the lulls between rapids.. which at this point were increasing in size!

Class 3s and 4s are a constant occurrence for the remainder of the trip as we whisked through canyons past eco-lodges, villages and national reserves. Directed to get down on numerous rapids, we all pull our arms and legs into the raft, crouch down and hold on for our lives! All of a sudden.., the strength of the next rapid is too powerful, had we been defeated? The left side of the raft has been washed out by a wave of water! I erect from my safety position confused, I wipe my eyes. Oars are yards down the river. One by one the left side passengers are pulled back into the raft. All smiles, what a rush? Deafeat? No, what fun?  But where is Molly??? WHERE IS MOLLY? I would guess that I went into a frantic panic for about 30 seconds before she surfaced! Whew.. Shook up a bit, in a small state of shock Molly explained that she was trapped under the raft and could not fight the currents to be released, but she was safe now!

Back into her spot.. we continued down the river…

P.s. I was not able to take my camera with me, but the Brits will forward their photos to me! I will post them when I receive them.

En el bus antes del salto (In the bus before the jump)

Looking Down

Now that Molly is safe and sound, back in Edinboro and my mother knows I continue to breathe and live in San Jose, Costa Rica.. I will take the time to blog about the day Molly and I had lost our minds and decided to go bungee jumping!

First off, let me start with.. it was not Mol’s number one choice of  tourist activity, but because it was being comped through my company status, I booked us two spots on the Monday morning 8′o clock shuttle. We headed out to the 70 meter, 250 ft bridge in Alajuela, Costa Rica with 8 additional crazies! The trip out to the jumping site was lent to too much think-time where nerves were stirred and discussion of the inevitable was casting a tone of fear and doubt! Despite this hyped ambiance, without hesitation all 10 of us sighed our forms and in no time we were standing on the bridge, looking down, staring our fate in the eyes.

Yo estoy nerveosa

Being one of the first three to suit up and jump.. I was a bit anxious. Yes, I am an adrenaline junkie, but really who did I think I was? Rock climbing is child’s play compared to this. They strapped on my ankle supports and gave me a safety harness; all ready to go I patiently and willingly waited. Andrew (a young high school graduate from Canada) went first: with ease! Not so bad, yeah? Jumper number two, a girl from Iceland was up.. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 JUMP? But, she was still standing there. And five minutes later she still was standing there yelling at and reprimanding herself high on the platform.. 250 ft above the river. Finally, after a motivational chat with her friend, rather then jumping, on the “3″ of the final count… she closes her eyes and spills forward off the edge of the platform. By the way, this is the girl I had to follow.

Free Falling!

Filled with all kinds of emotions.. I become loud and silly, intending to divert my thoughts elsewhere. The bungee rope is on… I walk out onto the platform, I look down (IEIE),”okay now drop the rope and place your toes over the edge,” and a quick thought ran through my head. I don’t think I can do this! Who do I think I am? “5, 4, 3,” If I don’t jump after one, I never will.. I have to jump “2…1″ And I’m FREEEEEE… FREEEEEE FALLING! What a rush.. I am blown by the feeling of the fall, speechless, breathless, finally the bungee pulls me back and I can scream.. “WAHHHHHOOOO, wicked, right on, WAHHHHHOOO!” Wow, what a trip. They reel me back to the top of the bridge. Molly is there to congratulate me!

Antes

Free Falling!

2 more people jumped prior to Molly’s turn! She has voiced her fears and I can now see it in her face as she gets her ankle supports and equipment on. She knows there is no turning back… She climbs up to the platform and looks down.. “I can’t do this.” I encourage here and get my camera ready.. “5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” It all happened so fast.. No hesitation, on “1”..I heard a scream and she was already on her descending.., I missed the photo opt. That’a girl Mol! I was soooo stoked to see her jump! I have to admit, I had my doubts.. I thought it would be a repeat of Iceland Chick,  Molly Miller you truly surprised me!

Ella esta muy contenta! .. with her certificate

El grupo

She returned safely to the top of the bridge, grinning ear to ear: Welcome to my addiction!

la primera noche de Molly - Escazu, Casona de Lali

En auto bus publico

a la D'Angel

en la piscina

Melana, Molly, y Megan on the way to the beach

Playita

The girls coming back from Playita (you had to cross rocks before high tide)

Salude!

Muy bonito

Antes fuimos a cenar

Molly’s visit was an absolute blast! She arrived here on Thursday February 26th and stayed until the following Friday March 6th. We both had so much fun, but man did time fly! Because I know molly enjoys plans and organization, I went ahead and tried booking or forming a pseudo itinerary or at least a mental one.. therefore, she could be at ease knowing that there are things to do and time to relax on her spring break!

Our first stop, well… i initially “planned” aka picked out in my mind.. a weekend on the Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo for Molly’s first few days here. But, i heard the weather was no good.. and because of Mol’s limited time under the sun before she retreats back to the dark crummy weather of Edinboro, I 180ed my idea. Instead we were off to Manuel Antonio!

Manuel Antonio is near Quepos and is around a 3.5 hour drive south from San Jose, well that is if you are not taking the PUBLIC BUS, even worse .. we took the collective public bus (meaning at the very least 20 additional stops and pickups). 4.5 -5  Hours later we arrived in Quepos! So my itinerary did not suggest a place to stay nor did it mention reservations and of course.. forgetting it was spring break season many of the backpackers were full. We met 3 North American boys on the bus and followed them to their hostel! They too were out of a room (overbooked).. So off to Manuel Antonio to find a room.. it was nearly 7PM the boys were able to book space in the Manuel Antonio backpackers, but Mol and i were out of luck. Finally, a ray of hope at la Flora Blanca Hotel.. which was a private place between a hostel and a hotel..We snagged a deal too! I am unsure if he wanted to fill the space, but we each paid 15 USD a night.. received free breakfast, had AC, TV, 3 beds to choose from, a pool, and it was private (no worries about theft)! This was only 3 dollars more then what the boys were paying at the backpackers.. and only getting a bunk bed and a locker! For Mol’s sake “WE’LL TAKE IT!”

The first night out.. we went to a very quaint and delicious restaurant, D’Angel! So, good.. and the prices for what you received were a steal! Adam, one of the boys went with us to D’Angel, we picked up a few refreshments prior, and the server was happy to lend us glasses with ice! The rest of the evening was enjoyable, with a swim in the pool at the backpackers and into town, beach side for ladies night at Monkey Bar. Then back to Flora Blanca for some much needed sleep!

Fresh fruit and toast with jam in the morning! Mol and I soaked up some sun at the pool and then around 2 we followed our new friends, Megan and Melana down to the beach. However we took the JUNGLE trail to get there. Monkeys and amphibians the size of my 10 year old cousin! YIKES! We made it to Playita (or little beach) safely though.. it was next to the resort beach, but it was peaceful and small.  The under toe was raging so it made for a hard swim, but knowing the junkie I am.. I took a dip and swam out past the waves for an extra kick of adrenaline! Over to the main beach in Manuel Antonio, we found hippies and locals selling hand crafted jewelry and sarongs.. Grabbed an Agua de pipa (or coconut water) for Molly to try, while Megan and I cooled down with 2 ice cold Impriels! We caught the sunset, before heading back to Flora Blanca. The pictures I have posted have not been enhanced at all. The oranges of the sunset make me speechless, and these are ONLY pictures! We ate dinner at Latino Lounge with Megan, Melana, and some of their friends.. before meeting a few Locals who took us down to Quepos.. to the strangest bar! What an eventful day though!

The final day in Manuel Antonio was spent caring for Molly’s burns under the shade, playing some cards pool side.. really just relaxing! We finished up some of Mol’s souvenir shopping, caught a volleyball game at the beach, D’Angel for another dinner, ran our luck at the Casino with Pablo (our new local friend).. we only played 1000 colones each (equivilant too 2 USD). And, finally Eduardo the driver picked us up around 11PM, so we did not have to undergo the heat, sweat, and stank of the public bus. Eduardo made it in 3 hours back to San Jose!

GREAT WEEKEND! PURA VIDA!