Hola. You first see the towering
hills on your right and then as the pilot makes the turn back north for the
approach you see them on your left. I call them hills as they don’t qualify as
mountains per my definition, but nevertheless, they are striking in their
appearance. They are all covered in rain forest green with what I would
describe as a marshmallow fluff, just floating at the top but covering the
peaks and robbing us of a truly spectacular opportunity.
I think we were lucky to get out
of Montreal when we did. The snow was starting to pick up and the visibility
was becoming limited. Our routing into Panama City was uneventful but after
rushing for our connecting flight to San José, we were treated to a wonderful
view of the Panama Canal from 10,000 feet.
Many large ships were plying the waters to and fro between the Pacific
and the Caribbean Sea. We were able to follow the canal for quite a distance,
looking down through the clouds, before heading north and the routing to our
final destination.
For those of you who do travel,
whether you appreciate it or not, the fact is that one of your first contacts
and impressions when landing at a new destination is the ramp staff. As I look
out I am impressed with what I see. In contrast of airline and airport staff in
dirty, baggy, unkempt uniforms, to my surprise I find well appointed and
professional looking ground staff. Instead of looking like slobs these people
strike me as professional and are proud of the jobs they are performing for the
thousands of tourists who make Costa Rica a travel destination. Not only
greeted by warm, welcoming breezes, we discover upon exiting the airport
facility that we are greeted by the most pleasant and well groomed taxi drivers
and tour operators I have ever encountered. Fresh pressed white shirts, clean
shaven, cordial greetings and a genuine desire to be helpful, strike me as far
from what you would ever experience at home. The drive from the airport and the
subsequent day’s travel also strike me, that this is by far the cleanest and
most litter free country I have ever experienced in the southern hemisphere,
though admittedly we are early into our trip. Jennifer witnessed a local at the
airport, chastise a tourist, who threw a cigarette butt on the ground and embarrassed
her into picking it up and disposing of it in the appropriate receptacle.
The subsequent day’s three and a
half hour drive to Arenal Volcano was somewhat rough on the stomach as I do not
travel well on hilly, winding roads. The weather got considerably cooler as we
climbed steadily and unfortunately the rain made an unwelcome entrance and
impaired some of the breathtaking scenery, but after all they do call it a
rainforest for a reason. I truly am taken aback by the scenery once we return
to lower, sunnier altitudes. The forest is lush in every sense of the word. Bubbling
and welcoming river waters, traversing the many ravines and gullies. There are
innumerable single lane bridges which have been constructed to keep the bus and
taxi drivers along with many motorcyclists, behave in a respectful and
civilized manner.
It is very apparent that this
country strongly promotes an eco friendly way of lifestyle where bio fuels and
bio diversity are paramount in everyday living. We are staying in an eco
friendly resort and our afternoon of leisure was spent touring some of the
onsite display areas such as the butterfly house, crocodile reserve, turtle
pond, spider house and ant home. There is a unique pool area here with hot
springs, water slides, natural pools and whirlpools all integrated for an
enjoyable and diversified experience. I tried out one of the water slides and
was so freaked out that I refused to do it again for a photo. However I did a
less aggressive slide numerous times and there are pics to confirm. We are
headed into town tonight for some Mexican and the local Imperial beer. Buenos noches. Hasta Luega.
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