Monteverde and Arenal: A Waterfall and Hot Springs

The first glimpse of La Fortuna Waterfall in Arenal.

 466 steps down, and 466 steps back up!

 Careful!!

 We were able to go swimming even though it was pretty cold.

This is looking down upon the resort where we visited and swam in the hot springs Friday night. We did not stay here, but just visited to swim for a couple hours. It was an amazing resort, something fit for a honeymoon! There was paths to explore surrounded by natural growth of the trees, plants, and flowers that led to different pools all around this resort. You never know what you were going to find. Every pool was different, some were hotter than others, some considerably cool. There were several slides. The main one that went into this pool was hot water. There was another slide that was the fastest slide I've ever been on in my life. First, it was dark so you had no idea when you were going to enter into the water. Second, the surface was really hard so it cut and bruised a lot of people. Third, you shot out like a canon into the water at a dangerous force. I really like water slides, but for that one, one ride was enough for me. 

Gettin Rugged in San Antonio

For my "last" weekend (at least for a while) with my friends in Turrialba, we decided to either go dancing or go camping. Well me, I always like to know... "Why can't we do both?" So what we ended up doing was dancing on Friday night, then leave for our camping trip Saturday through Sunday...in the mountains! How rugged!

Here are some photos taken before we went dancing with my friends Juan, Tammy, and Berto...

We danced salsa, merengue, and bachata and I loved every minute of it! I felt like a local. We went to a bar about a mile away in Turrialba. Although it was only a mile, we drove for safety reasons. The room was separate from the bar and had its own small dance floor, tables to sit and watch the dancers, and a DJ. Here is one of the songs they played that night:
Stand By Me (Bachata Version): Prince Royce
It was something memorable because it was so familiar (and partly in English). I like listening to this kind of music any time of day. I am SO GRATEFUL to have been able to learn. And I can not wait until we go again.

The only problem we encountered, which is something to be cautious and careful of even for locals, are the drunks that hang out outside the bar at the end of the night who claim they "watched your car for you" while you were inside. Although even if they wanted a fight they would be too drunk to swing their arm, these people often bring groups of 4 to 10 or more with them who are more than willing to help out their drunk friend get the money he deserves from you. That's why...you always drive or take a taxi if you are staying out late, never walk alone, and always carry 200 colones with you to give just in case you encounter a situation like that.

On a happier note, I'm going to share with you some pictures from camping. Originally, when Tammy and Juan and Berto asked me if I wanted to go "camping" they meant, "stay-in-a-nice-vacation-house-with-mattresses-and-running-water". However, when I heard "camping", I explained to them what I was envisioning. You know, no cars, no running water, just you and the mosquitos under the stars covered by only a thin piece of polyester. 

Apparently that idea intrigued them because without me even knowing it, our plans were changed and the car was packed with tents, blankets, firewood, and food. We were off to a remote location on the side of a mountain. What easy going and adventurous friends I have!

We picked up some meat in the center of town before we headed out. The meat we cooked on our fire in addition to leftover picadillos. It was quite luxurious.

Our campsite. We came after dark, pitched our tent using the lights of the car and a flashlight, and made dinner...

For dessert we had marshmallows and Costa Rican style s'mores...A Chiky cookie (essentially a chocolate cookie sandwich) and a marshmallow) I may have had 1, 2, or 5...

This is the place whose yard we stayed in. Don't worry, we didn't just pick a random backyard. The land belongs to a relative of Berto's.

This was also Juan's first time camping. He survived!

When we woke up in the morning, this is what we saw...

 Some cows in the distance...and up close!

Real close! When we were making breakfast, one came right up to our tents and curious as George, wanted to sniff out the situation. Possibly look cute enough to be given a little breakfast. I may have given it some bread and kool-aid...It sopped it up like a dog! Who knew! Cows like kool-aid. Only strawberry flavor though.

 This little stinker liked to get his nose rubbed then out of nowhere stick out his tongue to lick you! Anyone else ever get licked by a cow? Whew, well now I have. Great! Now I can cross that one off my bucket list!

This is a great shot of the cow wrapping its tongue around Tammy's wrist...ewww!! It was actually quite hysterical because you expect a "lick" to consist of extension and quick retraction of the tongue, right? Well this time he wrapped its tongue around her and didn't move it for a good minute. It felt like five minutes, but who's counting?

 (I think) This is the view from above Turrialba.  Now we've seen it at night and during the day.

La Feria en Turrialba

This is one of the fun things I was able to experience before I came to the city. This is what a day at the local farmer's market is like...

This is my first pipa. It is kind of like a coconut, but much more pleasant to drink. It's really tasty and sweet, but definitely not like the sugary drinks we are accustomed to in the United States, which is one reason why I enjoy it even more. Supposedly it is really good for you. I found this from a website and it sounded reliable enough to include it here:
       One cup has more electrolytes and minerals than most sports drinks, more potassium than a banana, no sugar, no salt, no fat, and has been used as replacement milk for babies whose mother’s can not nurse and has even been used as intravenous hydration fluid. WOW! 

A girl riding a pony in the plaza. Normal.

For my next trick I am going to try a Mamone!! It looks hairy and spiky and somewhat like a sea creature on the outside. However, once you peel it off and take a bite, it is really soft, extremely juicy, and tastes kind of like a giant grape. It has a pit in the middle that you can bite through but is really bitter so "PTUH!" Spit it out.

Aaaand I'm peeling it....

Peeling complete! 

[Strange sea creature] - [hairy, spiky outside] = Giant Grape.

Here goes....!

Really, really, really, really....good.




My friend!! This puppy was adorable. It's owner came over and complained that one of the Martens' dogs had bitten it. She claimed her dog was dying and demanded that we either A) take it to the vet or B) pay money for it, which was $30. I was really rooting for option B so I could smuggle it into my carry-on.  Three hours later, they went to go pick up the dog. It had a small bite near its leg, so they took it to the vet to get it stitched up. Me = coming home without a dog.

All of this very fresh food (only showing about 1/6 of it) cost less than $10 at the farmer's market. I love this! How can I settle for a grocery store EVER AGAIN? I don't know either....