This past weekend, my classmates and I decided to travel to Manuel Antonio to do a little exploring of nature and lounge on the beach. I've decided to structure this entry around pieces of advice, or "consejos", for other travelers or for my future self if I ever make it back here.
Consejo #1: Leave early in the day
We took a bus from Heredia to San Jose at about 4:30. We arrived in San Jose at about 5:30. We were definitely unaccustomed to the big city and promptly lost our way. We were trying to find the ticket booth to buy our tickets for the 6:30 bus. We ran into a taxi driver who told us that there were no more buses to Manuel Antonio (LIE) and that we would have to take a taxi (LIE), for which he would give us a "deal" (LIE) and charge us $100 per person. He was a liar. Needless to say, we escaped that situation as quickly as possible. Granted, we look like touristy Americans but we are college educated and know when someone is trying to screw us. After about 15 minutes of aimless wandering around, we decided that we needed to ask for help. Gracias a Dios, we found this angel of a woman who took us to where we needed to go. She went completely out of her way to help us get on the bus. Without her we would have probably not found the bus and we would have been stuck in downtown San Jose after dark. Not good. I have to remember to pay it forward because that woman is a saint and possible saved our gringo lives. As for the advice, leave early so you don't get stuck in San Jose after dark and so that you can buy your ticket ahead of time. We did not have tickets but, luckily, there was space on the bus.
Consejo #2: Plan ahead or make friends on the bus
When we finally got settled on the bus, we met a couple from Kansas. They told us that this was going to be their fifth trip to Manuel Antonio. Naturally, we asked them for advice about where to stay, what to do, where to go, or any other helpful hints for navigating the park. They told us about a hostel that would cost $10 per night and was clean and told us how to get from the bus stop (in Quepos, a town 10 minutes outside of Manuel Antonio) to the hostel (also in Quepos) and from the hostel to the beach. At that moment we realized that we would have never made it to the national park in Manuel Antonio without them. All we had was our travel guide book, which is meant for people with more money than we have so none of the options were in our price range. Yet again, thank God for friendly and helpful people. For our next trip, I will definitely try to do some research about hostels in the area before we go. As for the hostels, don't expect a luxury hotel. This one was basically a big room with 7 sets of bunk beds. But it had a tv with tons of DVDs, Wi-Fi, and a pretty sweet chill spot with hammocks (which I will have on my wrap around porch of my house when I finally become a real person with big girl things), tables, chairs, a kitchen to cook food, and place to order food. It is called Vista Serena, if you want to plan on going.
Side note on the hostel: I slept with all of my things so they wouldn't get stolen. This included a plastic bag full of gummy candy. When I woke up, my bag was torn open. I'm assuming that means there was an animal in my bed. But that's okay because nothing bit me and my gummy candy didn't get eaten. WIN.
Consejo #3: Take a guided tour from park rangers
Pretty simple. When walking through the park, there are plenty of plants and animals to see. However, being pushy and impatient Americans, we probably would have trekked through the park without looking around in order to get to the beach as quickly as possible. And by "probably", I mean I definitely would have. By taking a guided tour, we were able to learn about the unique plants in the area and spot animals that we would have missed. The ranger was able to call monkeys to come very close to us, point out sloths hidden in the trees, and show us frogs and poisonous caterpillars that blended in with the leaves. As long as you make sure that the tour is guided by an employee of the park, it is definitely worth the money. This being said, you should definitely act hesitant about going because by being genuinely unsure, they brought the price down from 10 thousand colones (their form of currency) to 7 thousand colones ($20 and $14 respectively). But whatever, I'd pay any amount of money to see monkeys being all adorable in the sunshine.
Consejo #4: You are not too cool for sunscreen or bug spray
Maybe this is common sense. Maybe I'm just an idiot. But I was thinking, "well, if I can sit in a tanning bed every day, I'm totally fine on the beach without sunscreen". False. I was, and still am, quite burnt and currently peeling. Not cute. You will regret that sunburn the next day when you still have to carry your backpack everywhere. As for bug spray, use a lot of it. I sort of just sprayed around myself in no particular spot. I think that's because you don't realize how terrible bug bites are until you get one. Actually, scratch that. Until you get 22 from your knees down. So now I'm sunburned and I look like I have chickenpox.
Consejo #5: Don't put your things down
My friend left her clutch on a bench at the bus stop and didn't realize it until we got back to the hostel. By the time we went back to the bus stop, it was gone. Along with the $60 dollars, cellphone, passport copy, license, and debit card inside of it. Though some nice people helped us out before, not everyone is a Good Samaritan. Shocking.
Consejo #6: Be mindful of the wildlife
People kept telling us that the monkeys would try to steal our food, which I was actually kind of excited about because I thought it would be super cute and I could see a monkey up close. No monkeys came to the beach. Disgusting raccoons did though. The girls in my group and I were floating in the ocean, ya know, living the good life when the guy swimming next to us said "um, a raccoon just stole all of your food". We thought he was kidding so we didn't really move. He was not kidding. But whatever, so they stole some pretzels, who cares? It turns out that I care. My clutch with my debit card, money, and camera was inside of the bag that they stole. I was on the brink of a full on bitch fit when I found my clutch about 10 yards away. Thank you, glorious dirty raccoons, for discarding anything that you could not eat. Also, a guy in our group got stunk by a jellyfish. Nothing serious, just some welts. Watch out for those.
Consejo #7: Ladies, wear a sturdy bathing suit top
The waves are really strong, which makes them really fun to swim and sit in because they drag you into the ocean while pushing you out toward the shore. It's an awesome feeling. Not so awesome when I stood up and a girl in my group screamed because my boobs were out. It was my own fault because I tied my top into a tube top to avoid tan lines. Not smart.
Consejo #8: Watch out for rocks
In relation to the strong waves, watch out for where they drag you. I was having a grand ole time until I got dragged over some rocks like Parmesan over a cheese grater. Now my arm has a disgusting gash/scab. Did I mention that I am also red as a lobster with smallpox? God, I'm attractive.
Consejo #9: Buy food at a grocery store rather than eating in restaurant
It's going to be overpriced anyway but a grocery store is less overpriced than a restaurant. And in touristy places, the restaurants are REALLY overpriced.
Consejo #10: Have fun!
Yeah, I'm corny. Whatever. Actually, I just wanted to have 10 pieces of advice because 9 is a stupid number.
General info: The beaches are beautiful. Not like an all-inclusive resort where the beaches are bright white and the water is aqua blue but beautiful in a natural way. The beaches have pretty average colored sand but it's so soft. And the water is really warm. There aren't a ton of people and it's very quiet and relaxing. There are trees that create natural shade for the gringos that are concerned with skin cancer. It's a very simple paradise without all the crowded beaches of typical vacation spots. Lay in the sand and take it all in.
That's all I've got for Manuel Antonio. Go there. Pictures to come later if my internet works.
martes, 31 de mayo de 2011
jueves, 26 de mayo de 2011
First Week in Heredia
I'm a little late on writing but I am technologically illiterate so it took me a while to figure this out. And bare with me on my lack of organization or creativity. This is mostly meant to be a virtual scrapbook so I don't forget all of my experiences here.
I arrived in Heredia, Costa Rica on Saturday May 21st. As I got off of the plane feeling terrified of this experience and exhausted from approximately 15 hours of travel, I met my host family for the next 6 weeks. My host mother was waiting with a sign with my name on it and a bouquet of flowers. I was able to hold some very minimal conversation concerning my trip, the weather, and my family at home. My brain was just tired due to a travel overload.
The first thing I noticed was that there are barely any rules when driving. Turn signals are not used consistently. There are few speed limit signs, which I cannot decide means that there are no speed limits or that they are not put up because they would not be followed anyway. Though the ride home made me a little nervous, I arrived safely and more quickly than I would have in the United States.
Upon arriving at the house, my house mother showed me to my room which is connected to the house but not really part of the house. I have to go out into the garden to get to my door, which has it's own lock. It is a very simple but comfortable room with a bed, dresser, desk, closet, and my own bathroom. I am more than happy with the accommodations. My house mother promptly took me into the kitchen and began making me try every fruit in the house. I certainly wasn't going to argue with that.
Then she showed me around the house. Everything is pretty much the same as in the United States. The only two differences in appearance are: the entire house is gated and the doors are always open. The gates enclose the garage,walkway, and front door in order to protect against crime. The doors are almost always open during the day because it is always warm out. This is nice because it eliminates the need for air conditioning or fans. However, it does let some bugs in, which does not seem to bother anyone because there are plug-in mosquito repellents and they just shoo all other larger bugs out the door.
On Sunday, my host father showed me around Heredia. We walked around Mercedes Norte, where the house is located, and we also walked to the Universidad Nacional, where I would be taking classes for the next six weeks. On our walk I learned two things: there are no address as in the United States and pedestrians do not have the right of way. For addresses, Costa Ricans do not have house numbers nor do they use street names. They give directions based on landmarks and distance. For example, If I need to take a taxi home, I have to say that my landmark is the cemetery and then tell the taxi driver how many meters in each direction I am. This is quite confusing for me because I am not familiar with the area or the common landmarks. As for pedestrians, saying that they don't have the right of way is an understatement. My host father saved my life at least 5 times on the 15 minute walk to the University. Pedestrians dart across the street wherever they can in order to avoid traffic. Cars do not stop or even slow down if someone is in the street. My host father explained it best when he simply said "Costa Rican drivers are crazy. Be careful because they will kill you." That is not a joke or an exaggeration. Pedestrians trying to cross the street in Costa Rica can be compared to the video game Frogger. I am getting a better but I have still had some instances where I was too cautious and missed an opportunity to cross and others where I was overzealous and almost got hit.
The two things that have been the biggest adjustments have been: the meals and the bathroom situation. The meals are much different than in the United States, both in content and in timing. I am used to eating two meals per day; lunch and dinner. Here, I feel like I eat four meals per day. When I wake up, I eat a gigantic breakfast. A typical breakfast consists of a plate of fruit, some type of bread with butter, jam, and cream cheese, eggs, and gallo pinto. Gallo pinto is an absolutely delicious mixture of rice, beans, onions, and other spices. This is served and mixed with the eggs. This sounds a little odd but, luckily, I am in love with food and would eat or at least try anything. I have to say that this is a tradition that I think should be brought back to the United States. I honestly feel more energetic and ready to do physical activity or go to school after a big breakfast. It probably doesn't hurt that I drink about 3 cups of the delicious Costa Rican coffee, which I now drink black by the way! I learned to like it strong, just like my liquor ;). Lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Costa Rica. It generally consists of rice and beans and a meat of some sort. There's no set menu, but it is always large in order to provide enough energy for the rest of the day. Then, at three, there is a coffee and snack "siesta". Usually the coffee is served with some type of bread, whether it is just bread and butter or some sort of pastry with fruit or meat inside. Dinner is the smallest meal of the day. It usually consists of rice and beans (yes, again) and a small amount of meat and a salad. The foods are similar to that of lunch but the portions are much smaller. I think this meal set up is more logical than in the United States. It makes sense to eat most of your calories during the day when you are active rather than at night when you are getting ready to relax. Also, it's great that the food is fresh and healthy. I love waking up every day to a fresh bowl of fruit (though I could do without papaya, it sort of tastes like carrot baby food to me but I continue eating it a) because I am a pig and refuse to waste food and b) because I'm hoping it is an acquired taste). However, my family doesn't really abide strictly by these regulations. My host father is constantly bringing me food. Two nights ago it was some sort of dulce de leche fudge and last night it was a Costa Rican taco, which was a massive amount of pulled pork, cabbage in some sort of vinegar sauce, and tomatoes between some tortilla chips (love it, obviously). Ok, I think I've talked about food enough... for now.
That's all I have time for right now. The other four people on the trip and I are off to Manuel Antonio, a beach and National Park on the West Coast, until Saturday. Hasta luego!
I arrived in Heredia, Costa Rica on Saturday May 21st. As I got off of the plane feeling terrified of this experience and exhausted from approximately 15 hours of travel, I met my host family for the next 6 weeks. My host mother was waiting with a sign with my name on it and a bouquet of flowers. I was able to hold some very minimal conversation concerning my trip, the weather, and my family at home. My brain was just tired due to a travel overload.
The first thing I noticed was that there are barely any rules when driving. Turn signals are not used consistently. There are few speed limit signs, which I cannot decide means that there are no speed limits or that they are not put up because they would not be followed anyway. Though the ride home made me a little nervous, I arrived safely and more quickly than I would have in the United States.
Upon arriving at the house, my house mother showed me to my room which is connected to the house but not really part of the house. I have to go out into the garden to get to my door, which has it's own lock. It is a very simple but comfortable room with a bed, dresser, desk, closet, and my own bathroom. I am more than happy with the accommodations. My house mother promptly took me into the kitchen and began making me try every fruit in the house. I certainly wasn't going to argue with that.
Then she showed me around the house. Everything is pretty much the same as in the United States. The only two differences in appearance are: the entire house is gated and the doors are always open. The gates enclose the garage,walkway, and front door in order to protect against crime. The doors are almost always open during the day because it is always warm out. This is nice because it eliminates the need for air conditioning or fans. However, it does let some bugs in, which does not seem to bother anyone because there are plug-in mosquito repellents and they just shoo all other larger bugs out the door.
On Sunday, my host father showed me around Heredia. We walked around Mercedes Norte, where the house is located, and we also walked to the Universidad Nacional, where I would be taking classes for the next six weeks. On our walk I learned two things: there are no address as in the United States and pedestrians do not have the right of way. For addresses, Costa Ricans do not have house numbers nor do they use street names. They give directions based on landmarks and distance. For example, If I need to take a taxi home, I have to say that my landmark is the cemetery and then tell the taxi driver how many meters in each direction I am. This is quite confusing for me because I am not familiar with the area or the common landmarks. As for pedestrians, saying that they don't have the right of way is an understatement. My host father saved my life at least 5 times on the 15 minute walk to the University. Pedestrians dart across the street wherever they can in order to avoid traffic. Cars do not stop or even slow down if someone is in the street. My host father explained it best when he simply said "Costa Rican drivers are crazy. Be careful because they will kill you." That is not a joke or an exaggeration. Pedestrians trying to cross the street in Costa Rica can be compared to the video game Frogger. I am getting a better but I have still had some instances where I was too cautious and missed an opportunity to cross and others where I was overzealous and almost got hit.
The two things that have been the biggest adjustments have been: the meals and the bathroom situation. The meals are much different than in the United States, both in content and in timing. I am used to eating two meals per day; lunch and dinner. Here, I feel like I eat four meals per day. When I wake up, I eat a gigantic breakfast. A typical breakfast consists of a plate of fruit, some type of bread with butter, jam, and cream cheese, eggs, and gallo pinto. Gallo pinto is an absolutely delicious mixture of rice, beans, onions, and other spices. This is served and mixed with the eggs. This sounds a little odd but, luckily, I am in love with food and would eat or at least try anything. I have to say that this is a tradition that I think should be brought back to the United States. I honestly feel more energetic and ready to do physical activity or go to school after a big breakfast. It probably doesn't hurt that I drink about 3 cups of the delicious Costa Rican coffee, which I now drink black by the way! I learned to like it strong, just like my liquor ;). Lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Costa Rica. It generally consists of rice and beans and a meat of some sort. There's no set menu, but it is always large in order to provide enough energy for the rest of the day. Then, at three, there is a coffee and snack "siesta". Usually the coffee is served with some type of bread, whether it is just bread and butter or some sort of pastry with fruit or meat inside. Dinner is the smallest meal of the day. It usually consists of rice and beans (yes, again) and a small amount of meat and a salad. The foods are similar to that of lunch but the portions are much smaller. I think this meal set up is more logical than in the United States. It makes sense to eat most of your calories during the day when you are active rather than at night when you are getting ready to relax. Also, it's great that the food is fresh and healthy. I love waking up every day to a fresh bowl of fruit (though I could do without papaya, it sort of tastes like carrot baby food to me but I continue eating it a) because I am a pig and refuse to waste food and b) because I'm hoping it is an acquired taste). However, my family doesn't really abide strictly by these regulations. My host father is constantly bringing me food. Two nights ago it was some sort of dulce de leche fudge and last night it was a Costa Rican taco, which was a massive amount of pulled pork, cabbage in some sort of vinegar sauce, and tomatoes between some tortilla chips (love it, obviously). Ok, I think I've talked about food enough... for now.
That's all I have time for right now. The other four people on the trip and I are off to Manuel Antonio, a beach and National Park on the West Coast, until Saturday. Hasta luego!
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