Today we travelled from Cabuya to Pucarus and caught the ferry to Punterainas. This part of our trip was fairly uneventful. The road was paved most of the way and it was much more enjoyable with Bill driving as apposed to the taxi driver from hell. Noa had told us that when we arrived at the ferry we would be given a vehicle card which we then had to take to the ticket office to get a ticket for the car and driver and three separate passenger tickets for the girls and I. This went very smoothly and we loaded onto the ferry. The ocean as calm today and we had a very enjoyable ride across. Then the challenge began. We were not sure how to get to the highway to we headed out on a main street. We were stopped by a street person selling directions. He told us the toll road was a much better highway and gave us some directions, however when we pulled away he kept the only excuse for a map we had. Therefore we were driving with no map, no GPS and only sketchy directions reading Spanish signs!
We decided just to follow the signs into San Jose, I knew this wasn't quite right as we had to be in Alajuela where the airport was located. Well we made it into San Jose but did not see one sign for the airport. Just as Bill switched lanes Serena and I noticed a turn off for Alajuela. So we eventually turned around paid for two extra tolls (good thing they were only about $1) and eventually found the airport. We attempted to find the Hostel but ended up going around in circles as there are no street signs in Alajuela so even it you had a map it wouldn't help too much. Alex spotted the Walmart which we had passed on the way in and we soon found the Hampton Inn which was are only land mark for the Budget rental place. Ya we found it, but then we had to go fill the gas tank up. Luckily it was just down the road. After all of this Budget gave us a free shuttle to the Hostel. Even the budget driver had to call a friend for directions so I didn't feel so bad. Next time we decided to drive we need a map!
We got checked in and had drinks on the 4th floor bar overlooking the city. Not bad for a hostel. We were all starving so I asked the front desk for directions to a good restaurant. San Jose is an interesting city. Narrow streets and all the houses/store fronts have bars on the front. We found our restaurant and had a fairly decent meal. Costa Rica is definitely not known for its cuisine. All they eat is rice and beans and they do not use any spices. I think we are all ready for a good steak when we get home.
I think the girls have had there eyes opened a little and will appreciate where they live and all Canada has to offer just a little bit more now that they have seen how some of the other people live in the world. Canada really is the best place to live and the Okanagan Valley is paradise on earth.
We are off to bed early tonight has we have to get up at 4:45 to catch our flight tomorrow. I guess we will have to nap in Phoenix on our 5 hour lay over.
See you on the flip side as another great adventure comes to an end.
Our trip home went smoothly and we made it across the mountain passes on clear wet roads. The Red Lion Hotel in Seattle is a great place to stay if you have a lay over. They shuttle you back and forth to the airport and the rooms are nice, clean and quiet. It is right off the I5 about 5 minutes from Seatac.
Our tentative plans for our next adventure are to South America to see Chile, Argentina and Brazil. I'm thinking Spanish lessons would come in handy as Serena will not be with us to help out.
It's been a great trip, sharing experiences with Serena and Alex. Staying in Hostels was fun and we would definitely consider them again. Costa Rica was a very diverse and interesting country and I will definitely surf again one day.
Cheers until next time
No comments:
Post a Comment