COSTA RICA - THE LAST LEG

It’s interesting how the group composition has changed as we move south and each new tour sees old friends depart and new blood replaces them.  In the US and Mexico the vast majority were in their late 20s/early 30s with me being comfortably the eldest.  Since then the grey element has increased progressively so on the last trip I was no longer the eldest and now we have two American couples in their 60s and me, balanced by Sarah and Rachel who have been with me all the way from Mexico and Jo, who has moved over from the Gap group that was mirroring our progress throughout the journey.  So a nice small group who should give our new leader, Roni, few problems.

The Changeover day was a good idea as it gave me a chance to recharge my batteries after the excitement of the last night celebrations.  A civilised departure of 9.15 was no challenge and we were soon on the bus to Puerto Viejo.  It would be nice to say that San José is a nice place but it isn’t.  Most premises are guarded by serious amounts of lethal looking razor wire but my explorations last night and early this morning revealed a typical city going about its business – its simply not attractive. 

It was also cold.  Leaving the city it soon began to rain and my response to the discomfort of the seats was to try and sleep.  By the time I had woken and we were travelling over lower ground the landscape was dominated by banana plantations.

Puerto Viejo is a Caribbean village not unlike Caye Caulker or Roatan Island but we have the blessing of three nights here so I need to come up with a plan for exploring the place.  So far I’ve walked down to the beach and got my feet wet and checked out the stalls and a bar.  The hotel is set well back from the beach but its quiet and the rooms are comfortable.

I’m the only single male on this trip and so I get the benefit of a single room.  This makes me ridiculously happy.  No need to worry about disturbing anyone else and my own shower and loo.  So any mess will be of my own making and will be where its supposed to be!

Here are some random photos.  Firstly a dog picture for Colin and yes, it’s the Caribbean in the background.

Secondly an ant photo for Alex.  The one in the middle is seriously large but I couldn’t get it to carry a leaf for me.

Nearly time to prepare for supper.  It has been raining heavily so flip flops create a muddy spatter up the back of the legs and onto my shorts.  My tropical walking shoes stink.  My boots are fine but they are boots.  So, it’s a choice of looking messy, smelly or stupid.  Decisions, decisions.