Sunday, 8 March 2009
Left Lyd's early Sunday morning for our flight out of Miami Int'l Airport. Jumped on a plane. Read a Kurt Vonnegut novel. Slept. Arrived in San Jose.
Met our shuttle driver, Ivan (the terrible--according to the man himself). Shuttle arranged by Pangea ($38/person). Took a three to four hour whipping, winding van ride through lush mountains, razor-sharp, rising sharply from the valley floor to pierce the clouds hanging not too far above our heads. Eventually wound our way into the clouds, dense rolling waves of moisture--humidifying everthing. This would be our last dry moment for quite a few days. Passed numerous washouts. Edged carefully around them. Sped on. Arrived at Arenal Backpacker's Resort.
Checked in to our private rooms. Awesomeness surrounded us. Waded into the pool and relaxed a bit. Tested the internet room at the hostel. Mingled with a few Americans and the staff--friendly locals. Got some pointers on good eats and good bitters and sweets (coffee and dessert).
Hit up dinner at Soda Restaurant. Ordered Casada w/Pork. Unbelievable portion: savory pork, beans and rice, steamed vegetables, sweet plantains, a pasta, sweetened beets. Fantastic.
Wondered about town. In the rain. Always rain. Purchased necessities at the Super Cristien. ATM at local bank for Collones. Back to city centro and stopped in at Rain Forest Cafe for unbelievable coffee and some heavy, homemade carrot cake. Savored every sip, sighed after every bite.
Back to Resort. Hung out around pool and common area. Played cards till late. Collapsed. Sleep desperately was needed in order to prep for dias dos.
