Reflections

I've been back from Costa Rica a bit over a week and now have a bit of perspective on our previous two weeks of travel. Relative to many of the places I've travelled to, Costa Rica is very easy. Tourism is amongst the country's top four income streams...and they do it very well. It's an exquisite place to take in jungle/rain forest flora and fauna, to partake in high adrenaline activities like zip line canopy tours, white water rafting and water fall hikes and to enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Costa Rica, unlike it's Northern neighbors, El Salvador and Nicaragua has invited mega-international corportations like Dole, Chiquita and Del Monte to reap its harvests, causing many of its citizens to benefit financially. There was not a single Costa Rican we met who attempted to discuss immigration to the U.S. (When I was in Africa and Peru, it was a non-stop topic of conversation.) Rather, many ex-pats (especially from the U.S. and Canada) immigrate/retire in Costa Rica. The Costa Ricans who do leave their country typically do so for education or travel--not for permanent immigration.

As for the trip, I took full responsiblity for organizing just about every detail. I booked hotels, transport and activities all in advance...and everything occurred pretty much as I expected it would. The trip lacked the high drama of spontaneous solo travel, rather it was relaxing, beautiful and Dennis and Linda proved to be fabulous travel companions.

LAX Sunset Landing

Linda, Leanna and Dennis

Maleku Girl

Sunset over the Caribbean

Dona Minerva's Cooking Class

Dona Minerva (from top to bottom) makes an omlette, sautees chicken with onion, sweet chili and garlic, tomatoe cilantro onion presentation, fried plantains, and plantain dessert (with cinnamon, sugar, cheese, and condensed milk).

Sea tortoise nests

Tumescent tortugas arrive at night, dig these massive nests and drop upwards of 100 golf-ball sized eggs.

Caribbean Beaches

Black sand, tranquil...a very special place.

Pacuare River Rafting

The Pacuare is a super-fun river...and as you can see, we had a blast.

Jungle Lodging

We stayed in these wonderful cabinas during our stay at Tortuguero. At night the sounds of insects, birds and frogs filled the air while warm rain pounded on the tin roofs.

The Banana Business

Bananas are one Costa Rica's primary exports. International companies such as Del Monte, Dole and Chiquita provide their Costa Rican workers with housing and benefits. Here are images from the Del Monte orchard and processing plant. (Blue plastic bags are placed around bushels of bananas to speed their ripening.)

Horseback Riding

We returned from our canopy tour by horseback. Featured riders are Dennis and Linda. The last photo is my horse, from a rider's perspective:)

Indigenous Costa Rica...

Descendants of the Maleku peoples, hang out in a thatch roof hut, dress "Indian" and sell crafts to Costa Rica's thriving tourist market. I bought one of the blue mariposa (butterfly) masks, featured on the upper row of the third photo...the mariposa symbolizes peace and love. It all sounded good to me:)

Rushing Waterfall

This is the backside of the huge waterfall (catarata) we swam in at Arenal.

Boat Ride to Tortuguero

It's a slow jungle river--this is what it FEELS like.

Sounds of the Jungle

There's not much to watch here, but pump on the volume on your speakers and LISTEN to the rich sounds of the jungle!

I Ride in on the Canopy Zipline

This is so fun....Do it, the next time you get a chance!

Dennis Rides the Canopy Zip Line...

Watch Dennis ride out and back on some of the very long (and exciting) canopy zip lines!

Linda Rides the Canopy Zip Line!

Linda was fearful of venturing out over the forest canopy solo--watch her ride off (and back) with one of our Costa Rican friends!