teh fortune cookie

We arrived at Playa Grande by Interbus on Friday evening, making one stop along the way where I was able to get some yummy stew. The best meal I’ve had, while I’ve been here!

It was dark by the time we arrived at Hotel Las Tortugas. A white girl (very tan and in shape), by the name of Brittany, took us up to our apartment by Jeep. It was quite a walk in the dark, as we found out later…

We walked to the only restaurant in town, which was nearly a mile away. We had no idea where we were going, but then a couple from Tennessee showed us the way and we ended up having dinner and a few beers with them. They were very nice.

Saturday, Emily and I had walked about 6-10 miles, all over the beach and to Tamarindo. We crossed the estuary by foot, instead of paying 1.25 for a boat ride! The beach was absolutely crowded (so glad we didn’t stay there); however, the town’s shoppes were amusing for a few hours.

Everyday, we ate at Kike’s and played pool, at least twice. I can understand why people would want to live at Playa Grande…low cost of living, cheap and good food + entertainment. I could get stuck in that routine, easily.

Apparently Brittany, the girl who had showed us our apartment, has been living and working at the hotel for 2 years now…not wanting to return to Texas. She’s got it made: the beach, a place to stay, work, and free lessons to practice her Spanish — life couldn’t get any better. On top of that, I think the guy who taught us surfing is her boyfriend. Not bad at all…

At night, the pool table is horded with Tico’s. It seems to be their usual hang out spot. They were quite intrigued and possibly offended that the American girls wanted to play pool, as Ticas never. Over the next few days though, they would get enjoy playing both of us.

Sunday, we got up early for surfing lessons. I had fallen about three times, and was ready for a break after the next try. Yet, on that next attempt, I was able to stand and surf to the beach… never taking a break! It was a lot of fun and I was brutally tired the rest of the day.

We met an older woman who seems to have the perfect husband and loves her boys (in their twenties) to death! We ended up seeing her everyday, and she would talk up a storm with us for at least 30 minutes to an hour! Originally from Modesto, but now lives in Oregon, she’s actually a Chico State graduate. What a small world!

Her son, Matt, who is working for Teachers for America, or something rather, is an unusual fellow. I never thought that anyone could “out-question” me, or show so much interest in a complete stranger. I thought that I was pro at that. Obviously, I had him by the ear as he asked question after question about my life!

How strange to be on the other end… I hope I don’t come off creepy? At least I show enthusiasm? :: raises an eyebrow ::

Later that night we met some Brazilian guys at our pool…they kind of scared me. I am fearful of a big group of guys…especially when they’re really friendly. I don’t understand the greeting rituals either, three pecks on the cheek, whereas Ticos greet with two? Emily wanted to travel with them, since they were supposedly, going to the same places she wanted to go. I said no, and told her that I didn’t think it was a good idea…

It seemed like every night we were at Playa Grande, it would thunder, lightning, and pour torrential rain. I’ve never seen anything like it before.

The third and fourth nights we moved to a room on the beach, and closer to the actual reception. It was so much more convenient, especially being out late at night — utter darkness filled the sky by 6pm.

Monday, we did ziplines at Cartenoga(?), which we zipped through the trees on 11 different platforms. Sometimes hanging upside down, going backwards, or bouncing on the wire…yes, it scared the crap out of me. Especially since I was the first to go, always, within a group of more than 30 people! I definitely got my fair share of scare!

After the ziplines we headed to Kike’s, got lunch/dinner, then went horseback riding through the nacional park. On top of all the bites that I had, I was eaten alive through the forest…

We returned to Kike’s 2 hours later, played some pool and got some fruit drinks. That was our last night there!

Gonna miss that place.

Today is Tuesday, and I spent the morning on the beach, before leaving for San Jose at 8am.
I also picked up some snacks from the market next to Kike’s. Platanos are soooo freakin addicting! Ahhhh! Anyways, we returned to San Jose at about 1pm, and at 2, we went to la plaza de democracia which has all the souvenir knick knacks. Everything was so freakin expensive that I couldn’t justify anything that I would have bought. Returning to the U.S., completely empty handed!

Oh wells.

Tomorrow is my last day in Costa Rica, and I’m squeezing every minute out of it! I will be going on a tour of Volcan Irazu and returning, hopefully by 1:30pm to get to the airport by 2:30pm.

If all goes accordingly, I will be back in the states on Thursday, 12:01am!

Sounds like a day to be had!