To the Peninsual

Today was our last day at the all inclusive in Punteranas. It was fantastic to be there, but nothing close to what we are truly looking for. We had a nice breakfast together, and took a stroll down the beach. I really wanted to get some pictures of the Lizards sunning on the rocks, and the boys wanted to throw rocks into the Ocean. Both were accomplished. The sun wasn't out, it was quite cloudy, but it wasn't raining yet, so that was nice. The boys threw rocks and I took my pictures for about an hour, then we headed back to the room and finished packing. We were trying to condense our things to one less bag (it had broken already), but were unable to this yet. (It is only a week into the trip, I'm sure we can do this by the time we arrive or leave Belize in December).

We were wondering how we were going to make it from Puntarenas to Montezuma. It's not a difficult trip, but with 2 kids and 5 large bags and 1 carry-on each (yes we brought all but the kitchen sink!) it was going to be a challenge. We decided to hire a taxi for the entire day. Another option was to take a taxi to the ferry, walk on, and hire a taxi on the other end. That could have worked, but I was worried that either there wouldn't be any around, or they would take advantage of us with all our baggage and kids (especially if it was pouring rain). Anyways, we hired a taxi, and headed downtown. Chris had an appointment at the bank, supposedly his eaten debit card was going to be there. A five minute run-in to the bank turned into almost an hour. I couldn't run in to see what was going on, I couldn't leave our bags (let along our kids!), so I sat and waited. If anything else could have happened it would have been the boys needing to use the Banos. Well, they did. But I couldn't take them either, and I was more worried about missing the Ferry. (we were told that on the weekend people lined up in there cars at 10:30 for the 12 o-clock ferry and it was already past one, would we make the 2pm one?) If that happened I wasn't sure what would be up then. Would we owe the driver more money? Would he just leave us? Etc..... Chris finally came out of the bank - without his card, seems it would now be there on Monday. Our driver actually went in to see if he needed any help, nice guy that Viktor. So we were off again. Well, the 2pm ferry left at 1:40, but it was o.k. we were on it! So glad. The debit card would have to be picked up some other time.

The 2 hour ferry was fantastic and scenic. I wish our pictures turned out better, but today was extreamly cloudy. Also, the ferry only took an hour and 40 minutes. (who says Costa Rican's are late, so far everything has been early and fast!) We landed at Paquera and it was like Gilligans Island. At first I thought that we were making a tico stop and picking up a local fisherman. Nope this was the town. Small. Slow. And so Beautiful. There were only a handful of homes together at a time. Kids riding bikes, walking. Hanging out and talking. The road was barely wide enough for 2 cars, and the potholes would make Edmonton look like a paved paradise. Some were nearly mid calf deep and 3 or 4 feet wide. (impressive when the road is only 7 or 8 feet wide). From Paquera to Montezuma it's only about 15 km, but with the recent rain, and the deteriorating roads, the trip took just over an hour. Narrow winding roads surrounded by tropical rainforest PLUS you could hear and smell the Ocean from there too. I was thinking that we had found 'our spot'. We came to the hotel and the owner was at the entrance waiting for us. ( we had called ahead for directions - actually very silly in a town THIS small), so she had our room key ready and took us right up. I explained to her that we had no plans, we could be here a day or a week, or a month. She told us that it didn't matter, whenever we wanted to leave we could just let her know. Payment was due when we left and if we needed anything she was there. I didn't catch her name (my bad), but she's only been here 3 years, she's from Sweden and did pretty much the same thing as we are. Sold it all and came looking for paradise. Perfect!

So, we have unpacked, took a wonderful rainy stroll into town ( a 10 minute walk - there really isn't a 'town', it's just a few hotels, restaurants, shops, and thing along a windy rain-forest road along the ocean). Had a fantastic dinner...... Octopus spagetti for Callym (2.50), Seafood spaghetti for me (2.50), Oscar had fresh fish (3.00) and Chris had an assorted seafood dish (3.00), 2 beers and 2 fresh coconut milk shakes, and the bill was less than 20$. I am going to love this place. We walked home (in the rain again) and stopped to pick up some apple juice, beer and snacks. Tomorrow is going to be a perfect adventure. Buenos Noche!


Lukie Love to all!