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Sun. 10/26
The MONKEY PARK is an animal rescue center formed to recover, rehabilitate and as much as possible,
release injured and abandoned small animals and birds which have been injured or abandoned.
We meet many of the current residents on a delightful tour. In the village of GUAITIL, known for
its use of pre-Columbian techniques in the creation of pottery, we visited a local potter demonstrating
his craft. Using only the most primitive of tools, we watch the process of creating a bowl from start
to finish. Locally mined clay, mixed with very fine sand gathered from iguanas’ nests are the
ingredients for the pottery. The item is formed on a hand made wheel, air dried, then painted with
only natural colors, polished with a simple corn cob and etched with a sharpened piece of wood before firing.
We took a nature walk on the beach, led by our naturalist guide, Sergio, after our swim this afternoon.
Mon. 10/27
Today we leave Flamingo, driving south along the Pacific Coast. We boarded an excursion boat for a
leisurely float trip down the RIO BEBEDERO, located near the major waterfowl sanctuary of
PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK. Along the way, we view crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, green iguanas,
egrets, herons, howler monkeys, along with many other species.
After lunch we continue on to
LOS SUENOS, a popular Pacific beach resort area. Our hotel is the MARRIOTT, situated in a huge
gated complex of luxury condominiums hugging a meandering golf course nestled between beach and
verdant hillsides. Our luxe hotel features a huge pool that snakes around islands and under bridges
in a beautiful tropical setting. Another typical Costa Rican dinner is enjoyed at EL PELICANO.
Tues. 10/28
We are up and out by 6AM to explore CARARA NATIONAL PARK at its early morning best. Serge leads us
on an exciting nature walk where in the stillness we are fortunate to observe a peccary, capuchin monkeys,
leaf bearing ants on their long busy journey of supplying their nest and other inhabitants of this
remnant of typical old growth forest. The vegetation here is dramatic and diverse, and worthy of our respect.
Later, we enjoy our hotel pool on a leisurely afternoon before another good dinner in a candle lit
open air restaurant as the rain poured down.
Wed. 10/29
This sunny morning we board another float boat for a tropical mangrove tour on the TARCOLES RIVER.
The river borders the Carara National Park and the foliage is lovely. We spot crocodiles galore….
the American croc. can reach 15’ in length and weigh up to 450 lbs. …. as well as multitudes of birds –
ibises, osprey, herons, stilts, wood storks and rosy spoonbills among others. We have another relaxing
pool afternoon and nature walk with Serge around the golf course bordered by magnificent trees and
tropical plants. Dinner was again at El Pelicano.
Thurs. 10/30
We return to San Jose today on our last full day. The drive east over the mountains in pleasant weather
is delightful. Gorgeous scenery, interesting small towns, smiling people waving to us everywhere.
We diverted from the main highway onto the original narrow 1600s road built by the Spaniards, for them
the only pass thru the mountains from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Manuel maneuvered our bus expertly
around hairpin turns which often necessitated some backing up when we met a large truck head on.
We stopped at a coffee house/gift shop that offered a marvelous array of native crafts, and watched
Indian women at work painting on feathers and stitching their unique mola embroidery. In ABUEL, a
suburb of San Jose, we visited the huge cathedral, surrounded by beautiful gardens, before arriving
at our final hotel, the HAMPTON INN, near the airport. Our festive farewell dinner was held at a
private plantation high above the city lights. There were delicious local foods, music and much frivolity.
Fri. 10/31
Our flights home were acceptable. On the other hand, Miami airport was devastating. Long lines at
immigration, customs, baggage and security, together with demeaning treatment by surly security
personnel caused us to almost miss our connecting flight. An unhappy end to an otherwise enjoyable vacation.
Back to start of trip...
This trip to Costa Rica was made October 18 – 31, 2003 by a New York State couple.
Your comments are welcome.
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