Muchas Gracias!
First of all, we would like to say a massive thank you to Lynsey, Sarah and Clare, our trip leaders, not only for planning our trip to Costa Rica to the tiniest detail, but also for making it so incredibly memorable. We could not have dreamed of 3 better leaders.
Of course we are really grateful to Helen Bogantes (Costa Rica's international adviser) and her sister Adri for making us feel so welcome and especially for showing us around San Jose.
Thank you to Adri Gonzalez for looking after us so well in Costa Rica, as well as for helping us plan our trip way in advance of us arriving. We hope you had as much fun as we did!
All of the staff at Pacuare Nature Reserve were amazing, and we are particularly grateful to Ida, Miguel and Mario for involving us so much with the important and fascinating work they carry out.
Leonardo (international scouting adviser in Costa Rica and executive director at Vida association) was also an invaluable help in the planning of our stay in Monteverde - muchas gracias!
We must also thank Carlos and Sergio for keeping us in check in Monteverde and at the Santa Elena reserve. we should probably apologise to Sergio for turning his little mini bus into the "party bus" (the same goes for anyone who had the misfortune to travel with us over the past two weeks!) we hope your ears stop ringing eventually!
Obviously, we are incredibly grateful to NWE Region, and, of course, to Girlguiding UK, for allowing us this amazing opportunity. Thanks also to Jen Herbert (Region International Adviser) and Judith Byrne (our home contact).
Finally, thank you to all of you who are reading this blog, especially those who have followed our journey from the very beginning.
After all the cold showers, damp clothes, thunderstorms, beautiful landscapes, rice an beans, amazing wildlife and a whole hunk of fun with fabulous people, we really feel that we have had the full Costa Rican experience. It could not have been more enjoyable.
A final 'adios'
Team Costa Rica 2014 xxx
Team Costa Rica 2014
team Costa Rica!!!!
Monday 11 August 2014
Day 13- Running (for) water
9th August 2014. following our perhaps 'premature' blogging yesterday at the hostel, there was a CHANGE OF PLAN! just as our mouse had hit the publish button, Carlos swept into the room in the manner of a man bearing great news. there had been a last minute hostel change! the mood of the room changed instantly; a dejected and somewhat smelly atmosphere was replaced with feverish anticipation. we arose from our armchaired stupors and rushed to get our bags with such haste that we were loaded onto the party bus in less time that it took for our kindles to go on standby
Sergio, the driver, soon ensured that we had arrived safely at the new hostel closer to the airport and boasting, get this, RUNNING WATER! each of us soon rejuvenated by a shower, we fell into cosy beds for our final night in costa Rica , bags packed and alarms set to a record-early start of 2.45am!
team costa Rica xxx
9th August 2014. following our perhaps 'premature' blogging yesterday at the hostel, there was a CHANGE OF PLAN! just as our mouse had hit the publish button, Carlos swept into the room in the manner of a man bearing great news. there had been a last minute hostel change! the mood of the room changed instantly; a dejected and somewhat smelly atmosphere was replaced with feverish anticipation. we arose from our armchaired stupors and rushed to get our bags with such haste that we were loaded onto the party bus in less time that it took for our kindles to go on standby
Sergio, the driver, soon ensured that we had arrived safely at the new hostel closer to the airport and boasting, get this, RUNNING WATER! each of us soon rejuvenated by a shower, we fell into cosy beds for our final night in costa Rica , bags packed and alarms set to a record-early start of 2.45am!
team costa Rica xxx
Saturday 9 August 2014
Day 13 - The party bus
9th August 2014
A nice late start for us today. Ha ha ha, just kidding. Having just breakfasted and packed, we were on the party bus by 8am, en route to San Jose. We made our final trip around Monteverde and the surrounding mountains, revealing some spectacular views.
After several hours of bus raving/snoozing, we pulled in at San Jose's biggest mall (huge and very shiny - a lot like the Trafford Centre). Already strained seams on our rucksacks meant that we did not buy a lot, although we did enjoy a tasty lunch with the group.
We arrived at our final hostel to discover that this area of San Jose has no water... It's almost more Pacuare than Pacuare itself! Apologies in advance to our parents, who will pick us up at the airport to find us slightly smelly (we wont have showered for at least 48 hours - sorry!).
We will be heading off for dinner soon, so see you all soon. This won't be our last blog post; we will be doing our best with airport wifi.
Adios,
Team Costa Rica xxx
A nice late start for us today. Ha ha ha, just kidding. Having just breakfasted and packed, we were on the party bus by 8am, en route to San Jose. We made our final trip around Monteverde and the surrounding mountains, revealing some spectacular views.
After several hours of bus raving/snoozing, we pulled in at San Jose's biggest mall (huge and very shiny - a lot like the Trafford Centre). Already strained seams on our rucksacks meant that we did not buy a lot, although we did enjoy a tasty lunch with the group.
We arrived at our final hostel to discover that this area of San Jose has no water... It's almost more Pacuare than Pacuare itself! Apologies in advance to our parents, who will pick us up at the airport to find us slightly smelly (we wont have showered for at least 48 hours - sorry!).
We will be heading off for dinner soon, so see you all soon. This won't be our last blog post; we will be doing our best with airport wifi.
Adios,
Team Costa Rica xxx
Photographs from day 12.
 |
| Who needs their caffeine?! |
 |
| What's your perfect coffee? |
 |
| The Stylist and her Client |
 |
| Caffeine scale |
 |
| Friendship knot |
 |
| The Famous Costa Rican Breakfast |
Day 12 - Caffeine kicks
8th August 2014
It was a rushed start for room 14 (Amy, Hope, Beci and Becca) this morning as they pressed the off button rather than the snooze on their alarm. Fortunately, Carlos, being the gentleman that he is, gave us a slightly later start of 8am (yes, that is actually a lye in for us).
After breakfast, we did a tour of one of the other trails around the reserve. This one went down into the valley where the ecosystem is surprisingly different from that of the cloud forest. We bid farewell to the stunning Santa Elena Reserve and set off to enjoy our afternoon!
In the afternoon, we were lucky enough to visit a local coffee plantation - Don Juan. Here we had a coffee, cocoa and sugarcane tour given by a tour guide named Junior. Like every single other tour guide we have had in Costa Rica, Junior was extremely enthusiastic to the point where you'd be forgiven for thinking he was slightly crazy. After we were shown around the coffee plantation, we had a cocoa workshop. We were given the chance to make our own 'chocolate' from shredded cocoa beans, vanilla essence, pepper, cinnamon, sugar and, for those who were brave enough, chilli sauce. Then, in addition to our marvellous creations (no, not the Cadbury's ones), Junior offered us a variety of chocolate to sample which, of course, we would never be rude enough to turn down. As if we weren't already buzzing off our sugar hit, Junior showed us how to press sugarcane to make virgin mojitos with the addition of lime juice (hellooo diabetes).
Even the torrential downpour didn't bring us down from our newly increased high as we caught a cow ride back to the gift shop. To our delight, there was FREE coffee (of several different roasts)!
On the way back to the hotel, we were all shaking from a caffeine and sugar overload. The buzz didn't wear off as we all changed into our gladrags in preparation for our night out! Seeing as our hotel didn't supply us with shower caps, some improvisation was needed when it came to Becca. Using a striped shopping bag, Beci fashioned a 'hair cover' which we are sure will soon catch on (so that all of you can be as cool as Becca). In the meantime, please stay tuned for photos of our trendsetter in action.
Sticking with the theme of the trip, we went to a restaurant which proudly advertised itself as one of the "Top 10 most bizarre restaurants in the world". It was called 'The Treehouse' due to the huge ancient fig tree growing through the centre. The food was delicious and company as interesting as always. We enjoyed some live music at the restaurant before returning to our hotel in the party bus (we decided against the dance night in the end).
It's safe to say that we have all loved today and we'll be really sad to leave Monte Verde.
¡Hasta lunes!
Team Costa Coffee xxx
It was a rushed start for room 14 (Amy, Hope, Beci and Becca) this morning as they pressed the off button rather than the snooze on their alarm. Fortunately, Carlos, being the gentleman that he is, gave us a slightly later start of 8am (yes, that is actually a lye in for us).
After breakfast, we did a tour of one of the other trails around the reserve. This one went down into the valley where the ecosystem is surprisingly different from that of the cloud forest. We bid farewell to the stunning Santa Elena Reserve and set off to enjoy our afternoon!
In the afternoon, we were lucky enough to visit a local coffee plantation - Don Juan. Here we had a coffee, cocoa and sugarcane tour given by a tour guide named Junior. Like every single other tour guide we have had in Costa Rica, Junior was extremely enthusiastic to the point where you'd be forgiven for thinking he was slightly crazy. After we were shown around the coffee plantation, we had a cocoa workshop. We were given the chance to make our own 'chocolate' from shredded cocoa beans, vanilla essence, pepper, cinnamon, sugar and, for those who were brave enough, chilli sauce. Then, in addition to our marvellous creations (no, not the Cadbury's ones), Junior offered us a variety of chocolate to sample which, of course, we would never be rude enough to turn down. As if we weren't already buzzing off our sugar hit, Junior showed us how to press sugarcane to make virgin mojitos with the addition of lime juice (hellooo diabetes).
Even the torrential downpour didn't bring us down from our newly increased high as we caught a cow ride back to the gift shop. To our delight, there was FREE coffee (of several different roasts)!
On the way back to the hotel, we were all shaking from a caffeine and sugar overload. The buzz didn't wear off as we all changed into our gladrags in preparation for our night out! Seeing as our hotel didn't supply us with shower caps, some improvisation was needed when it came to Becca. Using a striped shopping bag, Beci fashioned a 'hair cover' which we are sure will soon catch on (so that all of you can be as cool as Becca). In the meantime, please stay tuned for photos of our trendsetter in action.
Sticking with the theme of the trip, we went to a restaurant which proudly advertised itself as one of the "Top 10 most bizarre restaurants in the world". It was called 'The Treehouse' due to the huge ancient fig tree growing through the centre. The food was delicious and company as interesting as always. We enjoyed some live music at the restaurant before returning to our hotel in the party bus (we decided against the dance night in the end).
It's safe to say that we have all loved today and we'll be really sad to leave Monte Verde.
¡Hasta lunes!
Team Costa Coffee xxx
Day 11 - Ninjas
7th August 2014
Today we continued our work from Tuesday, relaying the gravel path at the Reserva Santa Elena.
Walking past cleared gutters and uncluttered paths as we carried our gravel sacks really made us realise that our work was actually making a difference at the Reserve. All profits made go back into the local community (including the schools) so it was really rewarding to know that we were helping.
Our hard work in the morning meant that we finished the path early so, after a quick stop off at the hotel, we wandered into town under the (at long last) blazing sun. There, we experienced the most delicious saturated-fatty goodness in the form of Costa Rican ice cream and milkshakes. Having successfully clogged our coronary arteries, we trekked back up the MONSTER hill and began to get ready for the evening's activities.
In preparation for tonight's BBQ with a local scout group, Beci, Megan and Amy opened a hair salon specialising in plaiting. Fully French braided, we left for the 'quick' walk to the Head Scout of Monte Verde's house ('quick', we soon realised, meant scaling two hills and crossing three rivers using dodgy looking plank bridges. Not to worry, however, because it meant we built up good appetites for the upcoming BBQ).
Upon reaching Eduardo's (the Head Scout's) house, we were treated to a presentation of Costa Rican flora and fauna, met the Scouts, and even held Eduardo's captured scorpion. Even the most apprehensive amongst us had to agree with Eduardo that holding the scorpion was, in fact, not half as bad as we thought it would be. Eduardo was delighted!
After a delicious tea of homemade salsa and guacamole, as well as the much awaited BBQ meats, the Monte Verde Scouts decided to show us a game. The game lends its name to the title of today's blog because it turned out to be so much fun! It was a game of co-ordination and quick reactions so, naturally, most of us ended up on the floor! Nevertheless, we are all excited to take it home with us to our units.
Next, we undertook an extensive badge swapping session; all of us will be returning home with at least one new Costa Rican Scout badge. Photos and campfire-toasted marshmallows were then much enjoyed before our hike back to the bus.
Our beds were comfier than ever after another long but fun day.
Hasta luego,
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S. Have a 'like' of the Monte Verde Scout's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guias-y-Scouts-de-Monteverde-Grupo-310/115225095209925?fref=ts
Today we continued our work from Tuesday, relaying the gravel path at the Reserva Santa Elena.
Walking past cleared gutters and uncluttered paths as we carried our gravel sacks really made us realise that our work was actually making a difference at the Reserve. All profits made go back into the local community (including the schools) so it was really rewarding to know that we were helping.
Our hard work in the morning meant that we finished the path early so, after a quick stop off at the hotel, we wandered into town under the (at long last) blazing sun. There, we experienced the most delicious saturated-fatty goodness in the form of Costa Rican ice cream and milkshakes. Having successfully clogged our coronary arteries, we trekked back up the MONSTER hill and began to get ready for the evening's activities.
In preparation for tonight's BBQ with a local scout group, Beci, Megan and Amy opened a hair salon specialising in plaiting. Fully French braided, we left for the 'quick' walk to the Head Scout of Monte Verde's house ('quick', we soon realised, meant scaling two hills and crossing three rivers using dodgy looking plank bridges. Not to worry, however, because it meant we built up good appetites for the upcoming BBQ).
Upon reaching Eduardo's (the Head Scout's) house, we were treated to a presentation of Costa Rican flora and fauna, met the Scouts, and even held Eduardo's captured scorpion. Even the most apprehensive amongst us had to agree with Eduardo that holding the scorpion was, in fact, not half as bad as we thought it would be. Eduardo was delighted!
After a delicious tea of homemade salsa and guacamole, as well as the much awaited BBQ meats, the Monte Verde Scouts decided to show us a game. The game lends its name to the title of today's blog because it turned out to be so much fun! It was a game of co-ordination and quick reactions so, naturally, most of us ended up on the floor! Nevertheless, we are all excited to take it home with us to our units.
Next, we undertook an extensive badge swapping session; all of us will be returning home with at least one new Costa Rican Scout badge. Photos and campfire-toasted marshmallows were then much enjoyed before our hike back to the bus.
Our beds were comfier than ever after another long but fun day.
Hasta luego,
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S. Have a 'like' of the Monte Verde Scout's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guias-y-Scouts-de-Monteverde-Grupo-310/115225095209925?fref=ts
Friday 8 August 2014
Day 10 - The Big Hairy Balls
6th August 2014
We were up at 6am again, but we were all pleased to find pancakes for breakfast on the table at Santa Elena! Pancakes always seem to find us when we're most in need.
Today's work was to maintain the paths and drains around one of the paths in the rainforest. This involved raking leaves off the paths and then shovelling the leaves and twigs from the drains at either side. We worked constantly from 8:30am to 11:30, by which time we were more than grateful to see lunch. After lunch and a bit of blogging, we headed off to the Sky Walk in the canopy.
It was then that we met Steven, our guide, who turned out to be a bit of a character. After informing us that he was pregnant with a child called "Wind", we set off (slightly apprehensively) to the hanging bridges.
We crossed 5 bridges in total, each a different height and length. The views were spectacular, and it was really surreal seeing the cloud forest from above the tree tops. Of course, we got some cracking photos.
After the bridges, we left Steven the Mad behind (after discovering that, bizarrely, he was actually scared of heights) and headed off to the reptile house. There, we saw frogs, turtles and both venomous and non-venomous snakes, all of which are native to Costa Rica.
We arrived back at the hotel so exhausted from the day's activities that a lot of us had a quick nap. After a Costa Rican dinner (you guessed it, rice and beans!), we got to go on a night walk. Jonny showed us a tarantula and snake, as well as constantly reminding us to keep our eyes peeled for "Big Hairy Balls". Eventually, we did come across a "Big Hairy Ball" (he meant a sloth, dirty minded people) but unfortunately it was a bit too high up in the trees to really be distinguishable.
On our return through the rainforest, we volunteered Sarah to bring up the rear (where the risk of being picked off by a jaguar was at its highest ).
Fortunately, we all got back to the minibus in one piece, although admittedly comatose from exhaustion.
Ciao for now (yes, they do say that here),
A very sleepy Team Costa Rica xxx
We were up at 6am again, but we were all pleased to find pancakes for breakfast on the table at Santa Elena! Pancakes always seem to find us when we're most in need.
Today's work was to maintain the paths and drains around one of the paths in the rainforest. This involved raking leaves off the paths and then shovelling the leaves and twigs from the drains at either side. We worked constantly from 8:30am to 11:30, by which time we were more than grateful to see lunch. After lunch and a bit of blogging, we headed off to the Sky Walk in the canopy.
It was then that we met Steven, our guide, who turned out to be a bit of a character. After informing us that he was pregnant with a child called "Wind", we set off (slightly apprehensively) to the hanging bridges.
We crossed 5 bridges in total, each a different height and length. The views were spectacular, and it was really surreal seeing the cloud forest from above the tree tops. Of course, we got some cracking photos.
After the bridges, we left Steven the Mad behind (after discovering that, bizarrely, he was actually scared of heights) and headed off to the reptile house. There, we saw frogs, turtles and both venomous and non-venomous snakes, all of which are native to Costa Rica.
We arrived back at the hotel so exhausted from the day's activities that a lot of us had a quick nap. After a Costa Rican dinner (you guessed it, rice and beans!), we got to go on a night walk. Jonny showed us a tarantula and snake, as well as constantly reminding us to keep our eyes peeled for "Big Hairy Balls". Eventually, we did come across a "Big Hairy Ball" (he meant a sloth, dirty minded people) but unfortunately it was a bit too high up in the trees to really be distinguishable.
On our return through the rainforest, we volunteered Sarah to bring up the rear (where the risk of being picked off by a jaguar was at its highest ).
Fortunately, we all got back to the minibus in one piece, although admittedly comatose from exhaustion.
Ciao for now (yes, they do say that here),
A very sleepy Team Costa Rica xxx
A few more pictures.....
 |
 |
The butterfly house |
 |
| The moat at full capacity |
 |
| The '80's party bus |
 |
| Soooo Pacuare |
 |
| Caiman infested waters |
Day 8 - It was acceptable in the 80s
4th August 2014
Today we had an epiphany. We were all born in the wrong generation (bar Sarah and Lynsey hehe). More on that later...
Yet again, it was a ridiculously early start for us (breakfast at 5:30am). After loading our bags and ourselves onto the boat and waiting to motor away, we realised we weren't actually moving anywhere. Beci flexed her guns (hench!) and hopped out to push. It was a hopeless matter, which of course called for Hope to step up (also hench!)! Together they got the boat moving and leapt Indianna Jones style from the jetty onto the boat.
We were definitely sad to be leaving Pacuare but looking forward to warm showers and a laundry service.
Breakfast #2 happened an hour into the drive back to San Jose (sliced bread for breakfast earlier on hadn't quite been enough for our huge appetites). Upon arriving in San Jose, we were very excited to visit Costa Rican Scout HQ. Our fondness of the place grew as we were fed Miguel biscuits and ice tea.
We said an emotional goodbye to Helen and loaded onto a new minibus en route to Monte Verde. It was then that we met Carlos, our new group co-ordinator. We soon discovered that Carlos and Sergio (the driver) have very good music tastes as we were treated to over an hour of 80s mash up. It was pretty amazing how many 80s song lyrics us 90s babies know, and quite how much we enjoyed ourselves! Bus singing definitely made a triumphant return today.
After stopping for a while so that the mountain road could be cleared of rocks and rubble, we finally arrived at our hotel. The utter joy we all felt when we saw the sign about laundry service at reception was tangible! We were all so whiffy by this point that we weren't even offended when Carlos 'suggested' that we all go and wash.
Finally clean, we headed to "Amy's" for tea. A fab selection of meals, followed by electricity in our rooms and a proper bed - we really felt like we'd hit the jackpot!
Buenas noches,
Team Costa Rica
Pacuare (adj.) - 1. Cold (eg shower) 2. Damp/moist 3. Generally grim 4. Dirty 5. SWEATY
eg "Ew, this is so Pacuare"
(We promise we liked Pacuare really).
Today we had an epiphany. We were all born in the wrong generation (bar Sarah and Lynsey hehe). More on that later...
Yet again, it was a ridiculously early start for us (breakfast at 5:30am). After loading our bags and ourselves onto the boat and waiting to motor away, we realised we weren't actually moving anywhere. Beci flexed her guns (hench!) and hopped out to push. It was a hopeless matter, which of course called for Hope to step up (also hench!)! Together they got the boat moving and leapt Indianna Jones style from the jetty onto the boat.
We were definitely sad to be leaving Pacuare but looking forward to warm showers and a laundry service.
Breakfast #2 happened an hour into the drive back to San Jose (sliced bread for breakfast earlier on hadn't quite been enough for our huge appetites). Upon arriving in San Jose, we were very excited to visit Costa Rican Scout HQ. Our fondness of the place grew as we were fed Miguel biscuits and ice tea.
We said an emotional goodbye to Helen and loaded onto a new minibus en route to Monte Verde. It was then that we met Carlos, our new group co-ordinator. We soon discovered that Carlos and Sergio (the driver) have very good music tastes as we were treated to over an hour of 80s mash up. It was pretty amazing how many 80s song lyrics us 90s babies know, and quite how much we enjoyed ourselves! Bus singing definitely made a triumphant return today.
After stopping for a while so that the mountain road could be cleared of rocks and rubble, we finally arrived at our hotel. The utter joy we all felt when we saw the sign about laundry service at reception was tangible! We were all so whiffy by this point that we weren't even offended when Carlos 'suggested' that we all go and wash.
Finally clean, we headed to "Amy's" for tea. A fab selection of meals, followed by electricity in our rooms and a proper bed - we really felt like we'd hit the jackpot!
Buenas noches,
Team Costa Rica
Pacuare (adj.) - 1. Cold (eg shower) 2. Damp/moist 3. Generally grim 4. Dirty 5. SWEATY
eg "Ew, this is so Pacuare"
(We promise we liked Pacuare really).
Day 9 - Antz
5th August 2014
Today was our first day working at the beautiful Santa Elena Reserve in Monte Verde and boy did we have an early start... Again!
We set off in the minibus at 7am and were greeted at the reserve with breakfast, made by the cook, Maria.
Surprise, surprise... We had rice and beans accompanied by plantain and egg. Plantain has become a regular on the meals front over the last week or so!
Our group co-ordinater, Carlos, then took us on a mini, but very informative, tour of the main trail around the rainforest.
Our job in the morning was to maintain a 1.4km gravel path which leads to a viewing tower in the rainforest. Muscles at the ready, we each carried a gravel filled sack up to the trail and emptied it where instructed, to even out worn bits of the path.
It was as if we were a colony of worker ants, carrying new sacks further and further up the path as the morning progressed. In this job you definitely don't need a gym membership. Carrying the bags was like weight lifting... Our shoulders were getting ripped! Especially Beci's (the left one rather distinctively so!)...
After a 'lovely' spag bol for lunch, we got down to some hardcore gardening to ensure the orchid garden was blooming marvellous(ly).
Later on, upon returning to our hotel, we found a surprise waiting for us... Actual clean, dry clothes! The Pacuare smell was no more! We celebrated by going into the town, flaunting our new not-so-conspicuous smell.
After a spot of shopping, we went to a restaurant and bar favoured by the locals (and recommended by Carlos) and indulged on... Dare we say it... NO rice, beans plantain OR egg! The place, the food and the atmosphere was so good that we have decide to return on Friday, when they host "Dance Night". We will treat them to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Team Costa Rica (plus Carlos and Sergio) danceathon (with hints of dad dancing).
That's all for today folks(¡Es todo, compañeros!).
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S. Dear Briony
We would like to apologise for pronouncing your name wrong for over a year. Soz lad.
Today was our first day working at the beautiful Santa Elena Reserve in Monte Verde and boy did we have an early start... Again!
We set off in the minibus at 7am and were greeted at the reserve with breakfast, made by the cook, Maria.
Surprise, surprise... We had rice and beans accompanied by plantain and egg. Plantain has become a regular on the meals front over the last week or so!
Our group co-ordinater, Carlos, then took us on a mini, but very informative, tour of the main trail around the rainforest.
Our job in the morning was to maintain a 1.4km gravel path which leads to a viewing tower in the rainforest. Muscles at the ready, we each carried a gravel filled sack up to the trail and emptied it where instructed, to even out worn bits of the path.
It was as if we were a colony of worker ants, carrying new sacks further and further up the path as the morning progressed. In this job you definitely don't need a gym membership. Carrying the bags was like weight lifting... Our shoulders were getting ripped! Especially Beci's (the left one rather distinctively so!)...
After a 'lovely' spag bol for lunch, we got down to some hardcore gardening to ensure the orchid garden was blooming marvellous(ly).
Later on, upon returning to our hotel, we found a surprise waiting for us... Actual clean, dry clothes! The Pacuare smell was no more! We celebrated by going into the town, flaunting our new not-so-conspicuous smell.
After a spot of shopping, we went to a restaurant and bar favoured by the locals (and recommended by Carlos) and indulged on... Dare we say it... NO rice, beans plantain OR egg! The place, the food and the atmosphere was so good that we have decide to return on Friday, when they host "Dance Night". We will treat them to a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Team Costa Rica (plus Carlos and Sergio) danceathon (with hints of dad dancing).
That's all for today folks(¡Es todo, compañeros!).
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S. Dear Briony
We would like to apologise for pronouncing your name wrong for over a year. Soz lad.
Thursday 7 August 2014
Day 7- Grim up North
Following our night patrols, we were blessed with a lye in until 8am. Our luck continued as we went down to breakfast to find fried eggs on bread. We had another chilled morning in order to recuperate from last night and continued on our quest to complete every crossword arrowword we had. After a plantain fritter dinner, we took a boat wih Biscuit Moguel, Ida and Mario over to south station. A sighting of a caiman made the risk of death-by-croc (no, not Becca's show - shout out to Janice) a bit more real.
When we arrived at South station we couldnt believe our eyes. No lagoons blocked our path, the hammocks were dry and it even had a shop. What is this paradise? Yet again, the resident Jaguar failed to make an appearance as we went on another patrol. On the walk back to South station, our eyes were opened to the brutality of nature in action. You could say we had an eggducation...
Biscuit Miguel found a nest of unhatched, dead turtle eggs in various stages of turtle development. The cracking of the eggs one by one, and the yolky mess that slimed out made our breakfast eggs seem a lot less appetising. The luxury of South station was realised further when we saw peppermint tea (unheard of at North). We gutted the shop (all for a good cause - the Pacuare charity). As we left South we came to the realisation that we had learnt to love the North station, in all its grimness. To nobody's surprise it rained on the boat ride back t'North. As per usual spirits were lifted through song and even Biscuit Miguel joined on this time. It turns out that his guilty pleasures were Frozen and Abba (particularly Mamma Mia), although he was also partial to a bit of Oasis.
Back at t'North station we had tea and began the 'Big Packing Challenge' to the ever present smell of damp still reeking from the clothes we had 'washed'. We departed to our cabins amd flomped into bed at 7:30pm; the earliest time we've gone since the age of five.
Adios amigos.
Team Costa Rica x x x
When we arrived at South station we couldnt believe our eyes. No lagoons blocked our path, the hammocks were dry and it even had a shop. What is this paradise? Yet again, the resident Jaguar failed to make an appearance as we went on another patrol. On the walk back to South station, our eyes were opened to the brutality of nature in action. You could say we had an eggducation...
Biscuit Miguel found a nest of unhatched, dead turtle eggs in various stages of turtle development. The cracking of the eggs one by one, and the yolky mess that slimed out made our breakfast eggs seem a lot less appetising. The luxury of South station was realised further when we saw peppermint tea (unheard of at North). We gutted the shop (all for a good cause - the Pacuare charity). As we left South we came to the realisation that we had learnt to love the North station, in all its grimness. To nobody's surprise it rained on the boat ride back t'North. As per usual spirits were lifted through song and even Biscuit Miguel joined on this time. It turns out that his guilty pleasures were Frozen and Abba (particularly Mamma Mia), although he was also partial to a bit of Oasis.
Back at t'North station we had tea and began the 'Big Packing Challenge' to the ever present smell of damp still reeking from the clothes we had 'washed'. We departed to our cabins amd flomped into bed at 7:30pm; the earliest time we've gone since the age of five.
Adios amigos.
Team Costa Rica x x x
Wednesday 6 August 2014
Day 6 - The Death Eaters
2nd August 2014
To our astonishment, our 6am early morning patrol was NOT cancelled! We walked the beach looking for nests with Miguel (another Pacuare guide). We were giddy with excitement as we searched for a friend for Isaac. General hysteria rose as Miguel whipped out some biscuits at the halfway meeting point (Es... Muuucha Galleta!) but we were disappointed to find nothing but empty nests and crabs on this patrol.
Our party was greeted with pancakes back at the North Station which we demolished instantaneously (no rice or beans in sight - get in!).
We were back out on the beach after breakfast, donned with bin bags and gardening gloves, ready to litter pick. The rough weather overnight had churned out LOADS of rubbish on to the beach which is not only an eyesore, but is also harmful to the local wildlife. It was therefore our pleasure to do something useful at Pacuare!
We had time after lunch to entertain ourselves. By this point costant crosswords were wearing a bit thin so Lynsey producd a globe beach ball. What followed was a stroke of genius. Amy found a broom and Global Wipeout was born. The aim of the game was to hit the ball with the broom with various points awarded for where the ball landed.
We were soon joined by Biscuit Miguel and his chum Mario. It wasn't long before they produced a frisbee and a game of ultimate frisbee in ultimate humidity ensued on the beach. None of us really understood the rules (we eventually went for throw the thing and hope for the best) but we got the gist in the end. Sweaty doesn't even cover it.
After dinner we prepared for night patrol by splitting into two groups. Group one consisted of Hope, Lynsey, Clare, Briony, Katie, Lena, Biscuit Miguel and Mario. Our walk was sticky but Biscuit Miguel came up trumps at half time to produce the goods once again. A thunderstorm struck on the walk back and, blinded by the lightening, Briony face planted the sand. As far as anyone knows, an imprint of her face still remains on the beach today. Torches weren't allowed which made things ever more 'interesting'.
The second group of the night patrollers were delayed by half an hour due to the thunderstorm (again...) but eventually set off at 11:30pm. Unlike group one, they dressed for the occasion and were treated to bin bags for coats. They made their own arm and head holes (although Sarah's arm holes came out of her stomach - an interesting look!) and set out down the pitch black beach with Ida. The combination of zoodies with hoods, rectangular bin bags and the fact they were marching in pairs made the night even more surreal. It was as if they were re-enacting a scene from Harry Potter (hence the title of this blog post!).
We went to bed damp but happy, despite neither group getting a glimpse of a turtle. We had the news next morning, however, that South Station had seen a Green Turtle during the night.
¡Pura vida!
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S If you wish to know the rules of Global Wipeout in order to play along at home, keep reading...
You need a bowler and a batter (other players act as fielders). If the batter hits the globe in front of the bowler, 2 points are awarded. If the globe lands behind the bowler, 10 points are awarded. If the globe is hit off the decking, 5 points are given. For hitting the bowler, the golden 12 points are awarded! Each player gets 5 hits and the player with the most points at the end wins.
Warning: Broom head may fly off during play.
To our astonishment, our 6am early morning patrol was NOT cancelled! We walked the beach looking for nests with Miguel (another Pacuare guide). We were giddy with excitement as we searched for a friend for Isaac. General hysteria rose as Miguel whipped out some biscuits at the halfway meeting point (Es... Muuucha Galleta!) but we were disappointed to find nothing but empty nests and crabs on this patrol.
Our party was greeted with pancakes back at the North Station which we demolished instantaneously (no rice or beans in sight - get in!).
We were back out on the beach after breakfast, donned with bin bags and gardening gloves, ready to litter pick. The rough weather overnight had churned out LOADS of rubbish on to the beach which is not only an eyesore, but is also harmful to the local wildlife. It was therefore our pleasure to do something useful at Pacuare!
We had time after lunch to entertain ourselves. By this point costant crosswords were wearing a bit thin so Lynsey producd a globe beach ball. What followed was a stroke of genius. Amy found a broom and Global Wipeout was born. The aim of the game was to hit the ball with the broom with various points awarded for where the ball landed.
We were soon joined by Biscuit Miguel and his chum Mario. It wasn't long before they produced a frisbee and a game of ultimate frisbee in ultimate humidity ensued on the beach. None of us really understood the rules (we eventually went for throw the thing and hope for the best) but we got the gist in the end. Sweaty doesn't even cover it.
After dinner we prepared for night patrol by splitting into two groups. Group one consisted of Hope, Lynsey, Clare, Briony, Katie, Lena, Biscuit Miguel and Mario. Our walk was sticky but Biscuit Miguel came up trumps at half time to produce the goods once again. A thunderstorm struck on the walk back and, blinded by the lightening, Briony face planted the sand. As far as anyone knows, an imprint of her face still remains on the beach today. Torches weren't allowed which made things ever more 'interesting'.
The second group of the night patrollers were delayed by half an hour due to the thunderstorm (again...) but eventually set off at 11:30pm. Unlike group one, they dressed for the occasion and were treated to bin bags for coats. They made their own arm and head holes (although Sarah's arm holes came out of her stomach - an interesting look!) and set out down the pitch black beach with Ida. The combination of zoodies with hoods, rectangular bin bags and the fact they were marching in pairs made the night even more surreal. It was as if they were re-enacting a scene from Harry Potter (hence the title of this blog post!).
We went to bed damp but happy, despite neither group getting a glimpse of a turtle. We had the news next morning, however, that South Station had seen a Green Turtle during the night.
¡Pura vida!
Team Costa Rica xxx
P.S If you wish to know the rules of Global Wipeout in order to play along at home, keep reading...
You need a bowler and a batter (other players act as fielders). If the batter hits the globe in front of the bowler, 2 points are awarded. If the globe lands behind the bowler, 10 points are awarded. If the globe is hit off the decking, 5 points are given. For hitting the bowler, the golden 12 points are awarded! Each player gets 5 hits and the player with the most points at the end wins.
Warning: Broom head may fly off during play.
Day 5 - Isaacabana
1st August 2014
We set our alarms for 4:30am in preparation for a morning patrol beginning at 5am. However, we awoke, not just to the sound of our alarms, but to the deafening and constant sound of thunder. The frequent lightening was the only source of light and the rain was insane. Having reluctantly emerged from our mosquito net caves and ventured into the torrential downpour, we were greeted with the news of an aborted mission. The beach was too dangerous in this kind of weather for morning patrol so we cowered back into our cabins and the 'safety' of our beds.
When the sun finally decided to show its face (approximately 7am) we emerged from our nets, once again, to find the moat had become a lake and monkeys in the trees right outside our cabins! We set off to breakfast much more cheerful (rice and beans!) and proceeded to get ready for mid-morning patrol instead.
To our delight, and despite it not really being turtle season, our Pacuare guide, Ida, discovered an opened leatherback turtle nest. Scooping her hand into the hole, she pulled out a baby turtle. However, it was soon clear that he was a slightly handicapped little fellow. After pulling himself round in cirlcles (and NOT towards the sea!) Ida soon realised the problem; he had a weak fin and damaged left eye. He was soon christened Isaac of Team Costa Rica and, when he finally made it to the sea, we waved him off like proud mums.
Isaac soon became the muse for a song (sung to the tune of Copacabana)
We set our alarms for 4:30am in preparation for a morning patrol beginning at 5am. However, we awoke, not just to the sound of our alarms, but to the deafening and constant sound of thunder. The frequent lightening was the only source of light and the rain was insane. Having reluctantly emerged from our mosquito net caves and ventured into the torrential downpour, we were greeted with the news of an aborted mission. The beach was too dangerous in this kind of weather for morning patrol so we cowered back into our cabins and the 'safety' of our beds.
When the sun finally decided to show its face (approximately 7am) we emerged from our nets, once again, to find the moat had become a lake and monkeys in the trees right outside our cabins! We set off to breakfast much more cheerful (rice and beans!) and proceeded to get ready for mid-morning patrol instead.
To our delight, and despite it not really being turtle season, our Pacuare guide, Ida, discovered an opened leatherback turtle nest. Scooping her hand into the hole, she pulled out a baby turtle. However, it was soon clear that he was a slightly handicapped little fellow. After pulling himself round in cirlcles (and NOT towards the sea!) Ida soon realised the problem; he had a weak fin and damaged left eye. He was soon christened Isaac of Team Costa Rica and, when he finally made it to the sea, we waved him off like proud mums.
Isaac soon became the muse for a song (sung to the tune of Copacabana)
His name was Isaac
He was a turtle
He popped his head out on the land
Spread his fins out on the sand
His fin was lazy
His eye was crazy
He spun around upon the sand
So Ida pushed him with her hand
He went into the sea
He waved his fin at me
He was young and he was free
To find a family
The Northern Station
In Costa Rica
There should be turtles everywhere
But the storm just didn't care
The Northern Station
In Costa Riiiiica
Lightening and flashing and thunder and crashing
Costa Riiiiiiicaaaa
We fell in mud!
After patrolling our half of the beach, we walked back to Northern station through the rainforest. Sightings of a jaguar along the same path just a few days earlier added to the atmosphere as we walked. We just saw frogs, snakes and lizards, however, and made it back to the Northern Station safely.
That afternoon, we were motivated to do the first clothes wash of the trip (we were all running out of knickers). Little did we know that absolutely NOTHING dries at Pacuare and our washing actually came out smelling worse than it did before.
Another candlelit dinner was followed by some furious crossword completion; the first of many at Pacuare. We like to call it team bonding!
An early night followed after a cancellation of our night patrol (cancelled patrols: 2) due to, you guessed it, bad weather!
Buenas noches from Team Costa Rica xxx
Tuesday 5 August 2014
Day 4 - Caught in a derrumbe, no escape from reality
31st July 2014
Due to unforseen circumstances we left the hostel 90 minutes later than planned in the sardine tin's younger, bigger and air conditioned brother. However, lack of close proximity meant that Abba's greatest hits didn't grace the ears of the driver today.
Although the journey to the Limon Province should ony have taken 2 hours or so, an unexpected derrumbe caused road closures and a detour on our part (no, we weren't actually caught in a landslide) which doubled our journey time. Upon arriving at the boat station (after a rocky ride through a banana plantation), mosquito paranoia set in. Some of us undertook the quickest clothes change known to (wo)man into more suitable attire, with a bit of help from Beci distracting the male bus driver with some innovative bag unloading.
We're happy to announce that there were no fatalities (or even missing limbs) during the hour long boat trip through the caiman infested waters to the Northern Station. We arrived sweaty enough to fill another lagoon and headed towards our lodgings at the reserve. Although basic (think the bunkhouse in "Of Mice and Men"), Briony, Sophie, Jenni, Katie, Sarah, Lynsey and Clare settled in. However, those of us remaining waded our way to Blue cabin (later known as The Castle due to it's MASSIVE moat). Yes, we said waded - we waved goodbye to dry walking boots and said hello to the makings of trench foot.
Night fell (at 6pm) so we enjoyed a candlelit dinner, joined by the beginnings of the stench of damp that would linger for the next 4 days. Departing to our "beds" at 7:30pm in preparation for our 5am morning patrol, we realised quite how close to nature we actually were as Sarah nearly squashed a frog in her walking boot.
It had rained all day, so we weren't prepared for the weather that night; lightening lit the sky, thunder quite literally shook our beds and rain became the soundtrack to our dreams. The rain not only expanded the moat but also made its way into our rooms (the holes in the roof didn't help).
Hasta la vista from a very damp Team Costa Rica xxx
PS - pictures from the last few days will be on soon!
Due to unforseen circumstances we left the hostel 90 minutes later than planned in the sardine tin's younger, bigger and air conditioned brother. However, lack of close proximity meant that Abba's greatest hits didn't grace the ears of the driver today.
Although the journey to the Limon Province should ony have taken 2 hours or so, an unexpected derrumbe caused road closures and a detour on our part (no, we weren't actually caught in a landslide) which doubled our journey time. Upon arriving at the boat station (after a rocky ride through a banana plantation), mosquito paranoia set in. Some of us undertook the quickest clothes change known to (wo)man into more suitable attire, with a bit of help from Beci distracting the male bus driver with some innovative bag unloading.
We're happy to announce that there were no fatalities (or even missing limbs) during the hour long boat trip through the caiman infested waters to the Northern Station. We arrived sweaty enough to fill another lagoon and headed towards our lodgings at the reserve. Although basic (think the bunkhouse in "Of Mice and Men"), Briony, Sophie, Jenni, Katie, Sarah, Lynsey and Clare settled in. However, those of us remaining waded our way to Blue cabin (later known as The Castle due to it's MASSIVE moat). Yes, we said waded - we waved goodbye to dry walking boots and said hello to the makings of trench foot.
Night fell (at 6pm) so we enjoyed a candlelit dinner, joined by the beginnings of the stench of damp that would linger for the next 4 days. Departing to our "beds" at 7:30pm in preparation for our 5am morning patrol, we realised quite how close to nature we actually were as Sarah nearly squashed a frog in her walking boot.
It had rained all day, so we weren't prepared for the weather that night; lightening lit the sky, thunder quite literally shook our beds and rain became the soundtrack to our dreams. The rain not only expanded the moat but also made its way into our rooms (the holes in the roof didn't help).
Hasta la vista from a very damp Team Costa Rica xxx
PS - pictures from the last few days will be on soon!
Wednesday 30 July 2014
Mañana por la mañana
Wednesday 31st July to Monday 3rd August
However, the reserve has limited electricity and no wifi, so we´ll be off the radar until at least Tuesday (providing our next hostel has internet access!)
Thanks for reading up to now and make sure to check in again on Tuesday.
¡Buenas noches!
Team Costa Rica xxx
Day 3 - Head in the Clouds
30th July 2014
Day 3
Today has probably been our best day so far (despite the 7am start!).
Back into the sardine tin (Relight my fire!) we began our 2 hour journey to Poas Volcano, brimming with anticipation at the prospect of the spectacular views of the volcano crater and lagoon we would find at the top.
Alas! It was not to be. The rain didn´t disappoint (Jenni´s knickers will surely make a reapperance hanging in the window tonight) and it seems some waterproof coats are not as waterproof as we might have thought *Sophie*.
Trudging our way through the relentless rain, we were overcome by the smell of rotten eggs (no, it wasn´t just Sarah - it was sulphur from the volcano). We arrived at the viewing point to be greeted by a dramatic view of... Clouds! No crater... No lagoon. Just clouds. Having said that, Sophie can still tick ´being on a volcano´ off her bucket list!
Unlike the view, our spirits remained unclouded as we made our way to Peace Lodge La Paz Waterfall and Gardens. We were lucky enough to be allowed to hold toucans, butterflies and even a snake, as well as feed the hummingbirds. After seeing some jungle cats and visiting the frog house, we made our way through the rainforest and discovered some amazing views!
We´ve had a fab day today and have returned to our hostel with slightly sore throats from all the singing (apologies to our driver, who has probably gone home with ringing ears) and much fuller memory cards on our cameras!
¡Hasta luego!
Team Costa Rica xxxx
Day 3
Today has probably been our best day so far (despite the 7am start!).
Back into the sardine tin (Relight my fire!) we began our 2 hour journey to Poas Volcano, brimming with anticipation at the prospect of the spectacular views of the volcano crater and lagoon we would find at the top.
Alas! It was not to be. The rain didn´t disappoint (Jenni´s knickers will surely make a reapperance hanging in the window tonight) and it seems some waterproof coats are not as waterproof as we might have thought *Sophie*.
Trudging our way through the relentless rain, we were overcome by the smell of rotten eggs (no, it wasn´t just Sarah - it was sulphur from the volcano). We arrived at the viewing point to be greeted by a dramatic view of... Clouds! No crater... No lagoon. Just clouds. Having said that, Sophie can still tick ´being on a volcano´ off her bucket list!
Unlike the view, our spirits remained unclouded as we made our way to Peace Lodge La Paz Waterfall and Gardens. We were lucky enough to be allowed to hold toucans, butterflies and even a snake, as well as feed the hummingbirds. After seeing some jungle cats and visiting the frog house, we made our way through the rainforest and discovered some amazing views!
We´ve had a fab day today and have returned to our hostel with slightly sore throats from all the singing (apologies to our driver, who has probably gone home with ringing ears) and much fuller memory cards on our cameras!
¡Hasta luego!
Team Costa Rica xxxx
Tuesday 29 July 2014
The past 3 days in pictures...
 |
| Manchester to Heathrow |
 |
| Team Costa Rica at Heathrow |
 |
| Airport Selfies (the two Becca´s) |
 |
| Rocking Miami Airport! |
 |
| The Grannies! |
 |
| Wing Photie |
 |
| Tin Can Hairdressing Salon |
 |
| One Word... Briony, |
 |
| Tin Can Tings |
 |
| Beci and Amy with the Local cute cubs! |
 |
| Don't worry parents, we aren´t pregnant, its our money belts! This caption relates to A LOT of our pictures!!! |
 |
| Statue in the National Park |
 |
| Our absolutely shocking failure of the statue |
 |
| Please give some Hope to this girl! |
 |
| Happy Birthday Megan... Hi Katie |
 |
| Adrianna and Helen... our guiding tour |
 |
| The Valleys |
 |
| Sarah being Sarah |
 |
| Beci, Amy, Becca and Hope |
 |
| Meg, Becca and Katie getting squished |
 |
| Vulture Circles |
 |
| Our first sight of a monkey |
 |
| But first, lemme take a selfieeeee ! |
 |
| Jenni, kind of Becca,Hope, Briony, Beci |
 |
| Cartago Church |
 |
| This Chapel is the oldest chapel in Costa Rica |
 |
| Hope and Becca |
 |
| Amy, Sophie, Becca, Megan, Beci and Katie |
 |
| Being a true Girl Guide and sweeping up the... Zippy |
 |
| Spot the difference... |
 |
| Plane Selfie |
 |
| Circle of friendship |
 |
| Bridging the gap |
 |
| Lena and Briony |
 |
| Clare and Lena |
 |
| Statue Copying |
 |
| Megan in the Park |
 |
| M and B |
 |
| The Cursed Church |
 |
| Megan, Sophie, Briony, Katie |
 |
| Megan Sophie |
 |
| Megan and Briony |
 |
| Cuties |
 |
| Sarah and Megan |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)