Hola chicas...
and I have to add....before I give my update on my 36 hour stopover in Panama city..
I am in Peru!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I can't quite believe it...
I've just arrived at the impressive airport...and chicos/chicas....there's even a Starbucks here....what..????? I could be in England...apart from everyone speaking Spanish!!!
Yes, just waiting for Shuba to arrive in 2 hours time.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
I can't stop screaming!!!!!! Dont worry...not creating a scene...not quite yet..heheheh..
Ok...calm right down...
Panama. Definitely needed more time to discover the sights and sounds of Panama city, but decided to hibernate at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, along the banks of the River Chagres, stone's throw away from the infamous Panama Canal.
It was definitely SOS time for some serious pampering and recuperation following my 10 days of country hopping around Central America. The many hours in airports, taxis, buses and early morning starts took its toll and so I decided to indulge myself in some 5 star delights of pedicures, hot clean showers, oh so soft bedding and fabulous balcony views...as I prepared for my 3 week hectic schedule in amazing Peru.
I did however, leave with what I intended to see, the Panama Canal. Unimpressive at first glance, but magnificient once a cargo ship passes you by and as you stock up on the impressive history it has to offer. The narrowest crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Incredible engineering.
Panama city takes a skyline of New York with its many skyscrapers. A mere glance as I detour to the depths of the rainforest,40 minutes away.
I managed to squeeze in one tour ( yes girls, in between the pedicure and lazing on the porch..hehehe). And oh what a disappointment. I guess once you've seen the rainforests of Costa Rica and Guatemala, this 1 hour tour in a skytrain, is a mere introduction to Central America.
With tears in my eyes, I bid farewell to unbelieveable Central America and welcome my experiences in Amazing Peru.
Hasta Luego....
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
The photos say it for themselves...stunning...picturesque..and unbelievable!!!!
Lying in the largest lake in Central America, formed by Volcan Concepcion and Madera, is Isla de Ometepe, a hidden treasure of Nicaragua.
I have to warn all it does take a good 12 hours door to door by bus!!! Leaving San Jose at 5am, reaching the border crossing at 11am, you are confronted by queues at customs on both the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan sides and are sandwiched in between hordes of Money changers. Quite an experience and a great test to our Spanish!!
A great moment of giggles when one of us thought the conductor was introducing the film on the bus when he was actually explaining the process of immigration...hehehehe.... no wonder we didn´t realise what was going on...
but a great trick is to hook onto fellow passengers and just follow the sea of tourists...hehehe.
What a pleasure to arrive on an island without violence, fear and just friendly smiley faces who are eager to help.
We stayed at hotel Istiam or more likely a very basic hostel. We know why travellers hardly have showers...hehehe..just kidding... The first place on earth where they serve food for 20 cordobas which is equivalent to $1!!!
Nicaragua is significantly cheaper than Costa Rica and uses Cordobas but accepts US Dollars. Once again, a huge Spanish influence and famous for Gallo Pinto ( Rice and Beans) and coffee!!
But a fabulous location, on the edge of the beach, sleeping to the sounds of the waves, the strong breeze constantly blowing hair onto your face and you just can´t stop catching glimpses of both magnificent volcanoes ...as you sit for breakfast....
The day tour is highly recommended in order to explore the rest of the highland...stopping at the petroglyphs ( indigenous sketches on stones dating back to over 1000 years), bumpy mud roads, palm trees, Nicaraguans lazing on their porches with the sounds of reggaethon blaring from the car radio...
A day to prepare for Panama...tomorrow...before heading to Peru on Saturday!!
Lying in the largest lake in Central America, formed by Volcan Concepcion and Madera, is Isla de Ometepe, a hidden treasure of Nicaragua.
I have to warn all it does take a good 12 hours door to door by bus!!! Leaving San Jose at 5am, reaching the border crossing at 11am, you are confronted by queues at customs on both the Costa Rican and Nicaraguan sides and are sandwiched in between hordes of Money changers. Quite an experience and a great test to our Spanish!!
A great moment of giggles when one of us thought the conductor was introducing the film on the bus when he was actually explaining the process of immigration...hehehehe.... no wonder we didn´t realise what was going on...
but a great trick is to hook onto fellow passengers and just follow the sea of tourists...hehehe.
What a pleasure to arrive on an island without violence, fear and just friendly smiley faces who are eager to help.
We stayed at hotel Istiam or more likely a very basic hostel. We know why travellers hardly have showers...hehehe..just kidding... The first place on earth where they serve food for 20 cordobas which is equivalent to $1!!!
Nicaragua is significantly cheaper than Costa Rica and uses Cordobas but accepts US Dollars. Once again, a huge Spanish influence and famous for Gallo Pinto ( Rice and Beans) and coffee!!
But a fabulous location, on the edge of the beach, sleeping to the sounds of the waves, the strong breeze constantly blowing hair onto your face and you just can´t stop catching glimpses of both magnificent volcanoes ...as you sit for breakfast....
The day tour is highly recommended in order to explore the rest of the highland...stopping at the petroglyphs ( indigenous sketches on stones dating back to over 1000 years), bumpy mud roads, palm trees, Nicaraguans lazing on their porches with the sounds of reggaethon blaring from the car radio...
A day to prepare for Panama...tomorrow...before heading to Peru on Saturday!!
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Highlights of Antigua..
.. the stunning scenery of cobblestone roads, the occasional horse and carriage, the view of church bells with a backdrop of Volcan Agua...
.. impressive ruins of Tikal...
...the colourful attire of the Indigenous Mayan people..
...meeting fellow travellers...exchanging stories...be it at tours, at breakfast or on the streets....
...Salsa lessons...
...strolling the streets of Antigua...taking in the Colonial architecture..the colourful buildings....and being immersed in the rich Mayan culture...
Antigua is stunning, tranquil and safe.....
Hasta Leugo Antigua!!
.. impressive ruins of Tikal...
...the colourful attire of the Indigenous Mayan people..
...meeting fellow travellers...exchanging stories...be it at tours, at breakfast or on the streets....
...Salsa lessons...
...strolling the streets of Antigua...taking in the Colonial architecture..the colourful buildings....and being immersed in the rich Mayan culture...
Antigua is stunning, tranquil and safe.....
Hasta Leugo Antigua!!
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Travellers tales....
My Itinery..
Day 1 ...Arrive in the afternoon as the sunsets over Antigua, Guatemala
Day 2.... Join the tour to Lake Atitlan
Day 3... Lunch with fellow traveller, Maria from Germany.
Private Salsa Lesson at La Salsa
Rambling through the cobbled streets of Antigua
Day 4... Catch the early flight and tour Tikal
Dinner with Macarena and Virginia from Uruguay
Day 5... Morning Salsa Lesson
Taste of Guatemalan food ( Pepian de Pollo - chicken curry with cinnamon
pumpkimn, sesame seeds and corn tamale ) ( Torrejas en Meil - sweet bread
fried and served with syrup)
Day 6... Afternoon City Tour ( Antigua tours) highly recommended as we stroll the
streets discovering ruins, culture and churches of Antigua
Private Salsa Lesson
Day 7... Return to San Jose, Costa Rica
Squeeze in another private Salsa lesson in the morning!!
Day 1 ...Arrive in the afternoon as the sunsets over Antigua, Guatemala
Day 2.... Join the tour to Lake Atitlan
Day 3... Lunch with fellow traveller, Maria from Germany.
Private Salsa Lesson at La Salsa
Rambling through the cobbled streets of Antigua
Day 4... Catch the early flight and tour Tikal
Dinner with Macarena and Virginia from Uruguay
Day 5... Morning Salsa Lesson
Taste of Guatemalan food ( Pepian de Pollo - chicken curry with cinnamon
pumpkimn, sesame seeds and corn tamale ) ( Torrejas en Meil - sweet bread
fried and served with syrup)
Day 6... Afternoon City Tour ( Antigua tours) highly recommended as we stroll the
streets discovering ruins, culture and churches of Antigua
Private Salsa Lesson
Day 7... Return to San Jose, Costa Rica
Squeeze in another private Salsa lesson in the morning!!
The Mayan Civilisation of Tikal
... Despite a 4 am start ... We are astounded and truly impressed by the
ancient ruins of the Maya ... Dating back to 250 AD .
Just a few pointers ... Bring lots of mosquito repellent , sunscreen and good walking shoes as we start the 3 hour journey through time ...
It's fascinating and puzzling as you try to understand this once magnificient culture comprising kings , peasants, astronomers and mathematicians ...
who suddenly disappeared ....around 900AD.
It was rediscovered again in 1881 by English archaeologist, Maudslay. Till today, excavation of the many temples continues and are sponsored by various governments.
The size and the number of temples and palaces discovered by archaeologists is extensive compared to Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza of Mexico.
The day starts with a 6 am flight to Flores. You are greeted by tour guides who take you on a hour journey to the park before starting the guided tour . It's possible to see Tikal in a day which was convenient for me. However, many stay a night to catch another glimpse of the temples as they poke out from the rainforest .( temple 4 )
It´s one the main highlights of Guatemala which cannot be missed!!!!
ancient ruins of the Maya ... Dating back to 250 AD .
Just a few pointers ... Bring lots of mosquito repellent , sunscreen and good walking shoes as we start the 3 hour journey through time ...
It's fascinating and puzzling as you try to understand this once magnificient culture comprising kings , peasants, astronomers and mathematicians ...
who suddenly disappeared ....around 900AD.
It was rediscovered again in 1881 by English archaeologist, Maudslay. Till today, excavation of the many temples continues and are sponsored by various governments.
The size and the number of temples and palaces discovered by archaeologists is extensive compared to Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza of Mexico.
The day starts with a 6 am flight to Flores. You are greeted by tour guides who take you on a hour journey to the park before starting the guided tour . It's possible to see Tikal in a day which was convenient for me. However, many stay a night to catch another glimpse of the temples as they poke out from the rainforest .( temple 4 )
It´s one the main highlights of Guatemala which cannot be missed!!!!
Monday, 10 November 2008
Beautiful Antigua....
...behind closed wooden doors lies courtyards, fountains and lush greenery..
As you wake up in the morning to the sound of church bells, cars stumbling along the cobble stone roads, you are greeted by the magnificient volcano..Volcan Agua.. which sits south of the city....
..The streets are lined with colourful buildings, rows of souvenir shops and the occasional museum, church or restaurant...
I spent my second day along the shores of Lake Atitlan...similar to Lake Como in Italy...but packed with the indigenous people of Guatemala .. the Maya..in their traditional attire of wrap around skirts and tunics in many colours....speaking one of their 30 or 40 different Maya languages...
At last...some culture in Central America!!!!
Indigenous people make up 60% of the population with their fellow citizens being mixed with Spanish blood. Around 40% of their 13 million population live in Guatemala City and 44% are under 15 years of age!
...just dropped a few facts for the interested to stimulate those brain cells.....hehehehe.....
Off to Tikal to discover the Mayan Civilisation.....
As you wake up in the morning to the sound of church bells, cars stumbling along the cobble stone roads, you are greeted by the magnificient volcano..Volcan Agua.. which sits south of the city....
..The streets are lined with colourful buildings, rows of souvenir shops and the occasional museum, church or restaurant...
I spent my second day along the shores of Lake Atitlan...similar to Lake Como in Italy...but packed with the indigenous people of Guatemala .. the Maya..in their traditional attire of wrap around skirts and tunics in many colours....speaking one of their 30 or 40 different Maya languages...
At last...some culture in Central America!!!!
Indigenous people make up 60% of the population with their fellow citizens being mixed with Spanish blood. Around 40% of their 13 million population live in Guatemala City and 44% are under 15 years of age!
...just dropped a few facts for the interested to stimulate those brain cells.....hehehehe.....
Off to Tikal to discover the Mayan Civilisation.....
Saturday, 8 November 2008
Hola from Antigua , Guatemala
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... Yes another official scream ... Be it silent ... As I land in Guatemala....
Just a note , I am entering these notes in the comfort of my hotel room ( Casa Ovalle) ...
On my itouch !!!!!!!!
Ah! The joys of modern technology !!!
I have just fallen in love with Antigua . The old capital of Guatemala prior to the earthquake ....
And I know it's just been 4 hours ...
But I realise why travellers
never leave......
Thank you Nadia And Sam for persuading me ! I owe you both !
It is a travellers paradise with it's huge Spanish colonial influence with the many
squares and cathedrals . However , you are quickly reminded you are in central America as a child runs across the road in their traditional clothing.
What a relief and joy to be able to walk freely without the fear of being pick pocketed , dodging stray dogs and avoiding pot holes !
What was I doing in San Jose for 2 months!!!!
Off to Lake Atitlan tomorrow...
P.S Thank God for Spanish lessons... ..
Just a note , I am entering these notes in the comfort of my hotel room ( Casa Ovalle) ...
On my itouch !!!!!!!!
Ah! The joys of modern technology !!!
I have just fallen in love with Antigua . The old capital of Guatemala prior to the earthquake ....
And I know it's just been 4 hours ...
But I realise why travellers
never leave......
Thank you Nadia And Sam for persuading me ! I owe you both !
It is a travellers paradise with it's huge Spanish colonial influence with the many
squares and cathedrals . However , you are quickly reminded you are in central America as a child runs across the road in their traditional clothing.
What a relief and joy to be able to walk freely without the fear of being pick pocketed , dodging stray dogs and avoiding pot holes !
What was I doing in San Jose for 2 months!!!!
Off to Lake Atitlan tomorrow...
P.S Thank God for Spanish lessons... ..
Friday, 7 November 2008
So here´s to my last day in Costa Rica..
Can´t actually believe 8 weeks of volunteer work and Spanish lessons are finally over..
A mixture of sadness ....but bottled with excitement as I begin my adventures in Antigua, Guatemala, followed by Ometepe , Nicaragua....then.. ..Panama and finally meeting up with Shuba in Lima Airport, Peru on November 22nd....phew...needed to catch my breath....hehehehe.....
As I reflect on the past 8 weeks.... the moments that seem to stand out are...
The laughter in Spanish classes as we attempt to impress Tedy, our teacher, with our Spanglish...
The shock of realising we can actually consult in Spanish..... yeah!!!!!!
The heartache as we visit patients in unbearable conditions of poverty...
The frustration as we try to rescue a patient from elderly abuse..
The warmth of the sisters of Mother Theresa....
The permanent smile of Amelia, at 94, standing proudly outside her home...a garage...
The laughter of Juan, the pastor, as he continues to uplift the mood of the dying...
The strength of Nick Vijicic ( www.attitudeisaltitude.com ) as we realise each and every moment of his life is a constant challenge...
The realisation of how blessed we are and how many opportunities and choices we have....
The pleasure of meeting students and volunteers from around the world...
The excitement of having friends in many cities........
Hasta luego Costa Rica......
A mixture of sadness ....but bottled with excitement as I begin my adventures in Antigua, Guatemala, followed by Ometepe , Nicaragua....then.. ..Panama and finally meeting up with Shuba in Lima Airport, Peru on November 22nd....phew...needed to catch my breath....hehehehe.....
As I reflect on the past 8 weeks.... the moments that seem to stand out are...
The laughter in Spanish classes as we attempt to impress Tedy, our teacher, with our Spanglish...
The shock of realising we can actually consult in Spanish..... yeah!!!!!!
The heartache as we visit patients in unbearable conditions of poverty...
The frustration as we try to rescue a patient from elderly abuse..
The warmth of the sisters of Mother Theresa....
The permanent smile of Amelia, at 94, standing proudly outside her home...a garage...
The laughter of Juan, the pastor, as he continues to uplift the mood of the dying...
The strength of Nick Vijicic ( www.attitudeisaltitude.com ) as we realise each and every moment of his life is a constant challenge...
The realisation of how blessed we are and how many opportunities and choices we have....
The pleasure of meeting students and volunteers from around the world...
The excitement of having friends in many cities........
Hasta luego Costa Rica......
Saturday, 1 November 2008
An adventure...
What a week of events....
From handling a situation of a drunken lady in tears, disorientated and acting like a 5 year old ..
at 4 in the afternoon..
To being pleasantly surprised when a travel agency comes to your doorstep to collect payment...only in Costa Rica!!..
Sipping on a latte as I listen to the stories of the students who are searching for a new life in Costa Rica.... escaping or seeking an adventure...
Smiling as I hear the weather report in London on Capital FM online...whilst drying my hair in sultry hot Costa Rica...
The great feeling of accomplishment as I consult in Spanish.... ...yeah!!!!!!!!!
Seeing the carefree nature and hearing the constant giggles of a 10 year old, living by a railroad, who's only desire is for her mother to have a new kidney...
The sadness of knowing this 10 year old will soon be orphaned...
Wondering why anyone allowed a brain damaged 36 year old to live......
But excited as I book .....
a cycle tour of the old cities of Antigua, Guatemala....
So here's to my last week in Costa Rica!!!!!!!!!
From handling a situation of a drunken lady in tears, disorientated and acting like a 5 year old ..
at 4 in the afternoon..
To being pleasantly surprised when a travel agency comes to your doorstep to collect payment...only in Costa Rica!!..
Sipping on a latte as I listen to the stories of the students who are searching for a new life in Costa Rica.... escaping or seeking an adventure...
Smiling as I hear the weather report in London on Capital FM online...whilst drying my hair in sultry hot Costa Rica...
The great feeling of accomplishment as I consult in Spanish.... ...yeah!!!!!!!!!
Seeing the carefree nature and hearing the constant giggles of a 10 year old, living by a railroad, who's only desire is for her mother to have a new kidney...
The sadness of knowing this 10 year old will soon be orphaned...
Wondering why anyone allowed a brain damaged 36 year old to live......
But excited as I book .....
a cycle tour of the old cities of Antigua, Guatemala....
So here's to my last week in Costa Rica!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, 26 October 2008
A touch of culture....
I guess the first culture shock was the women's dress sense...tight ...and I mean..really tight jeans.. with even tighter tops. The story behind is that it accentuates the curves and their feminine side...even if their accessories are bulging out.... a known fact and written in all books....
Secondly, something I have experienced is the well known " Tico Time". This means arriving late, 30mins for appointments and up to several hours for meeting friends.
Family is extremely important to a Tico. It is common practice for the family to live next to a sister or brother, in front of their parents home and with their married children. They prefer to socialise outside of their home. So you rarely see friends popping over!
Ticos hate confrontation and would say "yes " when they mean "no" to avoid a conflict.
When greeting the locals, just remember it's a kiss on one cheek and not both !
Lastly, Ticos are some of the friendliest and warmest people to meet who won't hesitate to use
" con mucho gusto" ( with pleasure ) .
For further guide to customs and etiquette...a must read... is
Culture Shock! by Claire Wallerstein
Secondly, something I have experienced is the well known " Tico Time". This means arriving late, 30mins for appointments and up to several hours for meeting friends.
Family is extremely important to a Tico. It is common practice for the family to live next to a sister or brother, in front of their parents home and with their married children. They prefer to socialise outside of their home. So you rarely see friends popping over!
Ticos hate confrontation and would say "yes " when they mean "no" to avoid a conflict.
When greeting the locals, just remember it's a kiss on one cheek and not both !
Lastly, Ticos are some of the friendliest and warmest people to meet who won't hesitate to use
" con mucho gusto" ( with pleasure ) .
For further guide to customs and etiquette...a must read... is
Culture Shock! by Claire Wallerstein
A weekend retreat in Atenas
Just 40 minutes in a taxi from San Jose, boasting mountain views, coffee plantations and the best weather in Costa Rica.
Gone are the days of 5 hour bus journeys and time for discovering the nearby areas of San Jose.
We stayed in El Cafatel ( http://www.cafetal.com/ ) owned by the eccentric and Che look alike, Romulus.
It was a weekend of waking up to the birds, taking in the fresh air and eating to our hearts content. This hotel is famous for its elaborate breakfasts of tico food; Gallo Pinto ( rice and beans); tamales ( meat wrapped in banana leaves) and french toast ( not quite Tico...but very yummy...)
I just have to add...and some will quietly giggle...I was relieved to hear there were no stray dogs...but as I sat on the porch, alone, with this spectacular view of the valley, thinking to myself , I have just found paradise..... out pops....yes...an Iguana...about 1/2 metre long...hehehe...
Yes...Iguanas....roaming the patios...and if you step into the bushes..monkeys...hehehe..
ahh...the joys of the rainforest...
Gone are the days of 5 hour bus journeys and time for discovering the nearby areas of San Jose.
We stayed in El Cafatel ( http://www.cafetal.com/ ) owned by the eccentric and Che look alike, Romulus.
It was a weekend of waking up to the birds, taking in the fresh air and eating to our hearts content. This hotel is famous for its elaborate breakfasts of tico food; Gallo Pinto ( rice and beans); tamales ( meat wrapped in banana leaves) and french toast ( not quite Tico...but very yummy...)
I just have to add...and some will quietly giggle...I was relieved to hear there were no stray dogs...but as I sat on the porch, alone, with this spectacular view of the valley, thinking to myself , I have just found paradise..... out pops....yes...an Iguana...about 1/2 metre long...hehehe...
Yes...Iguanas....roaming the patios...and if you step into the bushes..monkeys...hehehe..
ahh...the joys of the rainforest...
Monday, 20 October 2008
Volcan Arenal..
That's right guys...
probably the next best tourist attraction Costa Rica has to offer..the magnificent Volcan Arenal..an active volcano, lying the in heart of Costa Rica amongst the rain forest.
A truly impressive sight as you approach on the single road that carries the bus loads of tourists daily from far a field.
It was probably worth the overnight stay to catch a glimpse of the larva...be it red specks...but a great atmosphere as tourists gather at the view point at 6pm to witness Arenal in action.
La Fortuna, one of the few places in Costa Rica, which boasts clean roads, the lack of stray dogs and our prize find, a Viennese Cafe serving quality food whilst playing the likes of Beethoven....
an oasis amongst the chaos ...
However, one cannot leave the area without a visit to the famous hot springs ( aguas thermales). We chose Baldi but there are alternatives such as, Tabacon. (www.costaricatravelplans.com/baldi_hot_springs_la_fortuna_costa_rica_arenal_volcano_hot_springs.html
As we lounge in the hot springs, occasionally sip on wine, take a dip in the pool, soak in the view of Volcan Arenal, we realise 3 hours is not enough !
We sadly leave La Fortuna on Sunday, rejuvenated, preparing ourselves for the daily tropical storms of San Jose.....
....only 15 days to go before the summer begins in Costa Rica....
probably the next best tourist attraction Costa Rica has to offer..the magnificent Volcan Arenal..an active volcano, lying the in heart of Costa Rica amongst the rain forest.
A truly impressive sight as you approach on the single road that carries the bus loads of tourists daily from far a field.
It was probably worth the overnight stay to catch a glimpse of the larva...be it red specks...but a great atmosphere as tourists gather at the view point at 6pm to witness Arenal in action.
La Fortuna, one of the few places in Costa Rica, which boasts clean roads, the lack of stray dogs and our prize find, a Viennese Cafe serving quality food whilst playing the likes of Beethoven....
an oasis amongst the chaos ...
However, one cannot leave the area without a visit to the famous hot springs ( aguas thermales). We chose Baldi but there are alternatives such as, Tabacon. (www.costaricatravelplans.com/baldi_hot_springs_la_fortuna_costa_rica_arenal_volcano_hot_springs.html
As we lounge in the hot springs, occasionally sip on wine, take a dip in the pool, soak in the view of Volcan Arenal, we realise 3 hours is not enough !
We sadly leave La Fortuna on Sunday, rejuvenated, preparing ourselves for the daily tropical storms of San Jose.....
....only 15 days to go before the summer begins in Costa Rica....
Unforgettable moments in CR....
... trying to escape from a Pentecostal service without being noticed while desperately thinking of excuses to not to offend the host ..along with seeking solace in midst of an hour of a Michael Jackson thriller video... with meditation...... but getting caught red handed...." bye ladies....thanks for visiting "....hehehehe... ( pentecostal services are very expressive with arms being flung around and people prostrating on the floor...)
.... ahh....and stumbling upon a Viennese cafe....at the foot of a ...volcano....in the heart of Costa Rica...which just so happens to play Mozart... and serves the best sandwich and coffee in Costa Rica....ahhh.. ( Cafe de Vienna...La Fortuna )
...ahhh....one moment please...as I recollect thoughts of laying in a hut...amongst the hot springs of Baldi resort and Spa....having a deep tissue massage...with a view of Volcan Arenal...ahhhh..
Sitting in the only Indian restaurant in Central America, the Taj Mahal, enjoying the naan and curries, watching clips from Hindi films and speaking Spanish....
.... ahh....and stumbling upon a Viennese cafe....at the foot of a ...volcano....in the heart of Costa Rica...which just so happens to play Mozart... and serves the best sandwich and coffee in Costa Rica....ahhh.. ( Cafe de Vienna...La Fortuna )
...ahhh....one moment please...as I recollect thoughts of laying in a hut...amongst the hot springs of Baldi resort and Spa....having a deep tissue massage...with a view of Volcan Arenal...ahhhh..
Sitting in the only Indian restaurant in Central America, the Taj Mahal, enjoying the naan and curries, watching clips from Hindi films and speaking Spanish....
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Life...??!!??
I don't think I can express in words what I have just experienced....
I guess its a mixture of shock, anger, frustration, disgust and sheer sadness.
We arrive in a respectable neighbourhood, step into a decent looking house with clean white walls and floors, and are greeted by a well presented lady, Ana.
Latino music is blaring from the computer, a scruffy dog brushes against you as you take a seat on the unusually clean sofa. I spot a television and photos of Ana's children. I remember muttering to myself how distant from poverty this home is compared to what we have become accustomed to on our daily visits with Mision Consuelo. It's clean, has a roof, a good size with 2 rooms. A luxury.
Little do we realise what lay ahead of us.....
Our patient, Ana's mother, an 83 year old lady, with dementia and a past history of a stroke, lay in the outhouse.
Yes, a corrugated leaking roof, a gate for a door, exposed to all of nature's delights, cement walls, rubbish and the dog for warmth.....
She is munching on the dirty sheets, smelling of excrement and rocking to and fro aimlessly.
The daughter attempts to defend herself by saying in Spanish..." We are so poor. There are not enough rooms inside and we don't like the smell"
I dread to even think how long our patient has been left in the state. Let's just say, if RSPCA were around, they would have rescued her in an instant.
We attempt to change the situation by inviting the sisters of the Mother Theresa convent to the home. Unfortunately , there are no state care homes or laws to protect the elderly in Costa Rica. We hope the sisters will take her in. However, there's one condition and that's the family cannot visit her ever again...... It's interesting how the family quickly agree..
Our hopes are dashed when the sisters say she doesn't qualify??? The sisters take in street people, who have noone in this world, and not a penny to their name.
So we leave, despondent, hands tied behind our backs, frustrated and angry on how humans lack respect for others. Is there any justice in the world?
We take the sisters, to who I stand in admiration for the selfless work they do for the street people of San Jose, to another patient....
I guess, my favourite, for her laughter, permanent smile and endless warmth....
Amelia, resides in her garage, alone, in the damp and dirt, at 93, with leg ulcers and food provided by Mision Consuelo.
She qualifies. There's hope!
But guess what....she declines the offer and says that her next and final move will be to the cemetery....
I guess its a mixture of shock, anger, frustration, disgust and sheer sadness.
We arrive in a respectable neighbourhood, step into a decent looking house with clean white walls and floors, and are greeted by a well presented lady, Ana.
Latino music is blaring from the computer, a scruffy dog brushes against you as you take a seat on the unusually clean sofa. I spot a television and photos of Ana's children. I remember muttering to myself how distant from poverty this home is compared to what we have become accustomed to on our daily visits with Mision Consuelo. It's clean, has a roof, a good size with 2 rooms. A luxury.
Little do we realise what lay ahead of us.....
Our patient, Ana's mother, an 83 year old lady, with dementia and a past history of a stroke, lay in the outhouse.
Yes, a corrugated leaking roof, a gate for a door, exposed to all of nature's delights, cement walls, rubbish and the dog for warmth.....
She is munching on the dirty sheets, smelling of excrement and rocking to and fro aimlessly.
The daughter attempts to defend herself by saying in Spanish..." We are so poor. There are not enough rooms inside and we don't like the smell"
I dread to even think how long our patient has been left in the state. Let's just say, if RSPCA were around, they would have rescued her in an instant.
We attempt to change the situation by inviting the sisters of the Mother Theresa convent to the home. Unfortunately , there are no state care homes or laws to protect the elderly in Costa Rica. We hope the sisters will take her in. However, there's one condition and that's the family cannot visit her ever again...... It's interesting how the family quickly agree..
Our hopes are dashed when the sisters say she doesn't qualify??? The sisters take in street people, who have noone in this world, and not a penny to their name.
So we leave, despondent, hands tied behind our backs, frustrated and angry on how humans lack respect for others. Is there any justice in the world?
We take the sisters, to who I stand in admiration for the selfless work they do for the street people of San Jose, to another patient....
I guess, my favourite, for her laughter, permanent smile and endless warmth....
Amelia, resides in her garage, alone, in the damp and dirt, at 93, with leg ulcers and food provided by Mision Consuelo.
She qualifies. There's hope!
But guess what....she declines the offer and says that her next and final move will be to the cemetery....
Monday, 13 October 2008
Friday, 10 October 2008
Zipping....?!?!?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Can't believe we finally experienced the zip lines of Costa Rican Rainforests.
I'm sure many of you are wondering what on earth they are. So let me explain. You are basically about 100 metres above the rainforest, perched on a tree, attached to metal rod by various ropes and suddenly you see yourself flying down this rod to the next tree!!!!
So I psyche myself up while I climb to the top of each tree. I hear people whisper into my ear,
" You can do this, just look at that 60 year old guy " ..or " the stats are worse if you drive a car" ...hehehe...
Little do I realise how high you are and how far away (approx 600 metres) the landing site is. So you will be pleased to know, I call for a "taxi", yup a guide, to take you across, so you actually enjoy the spectacular rainforest, do a few spins and land in one piece...hehehe....
the photos are on the way....
or check out... www.selvatura.com
Can't believe we finally experienced the zip lines of Costa Rican Rainforests.
I'm sure many of you are wondering what on earth they are. So let me explain. You are basically about 100 metres above the rainforest, perched on a tree, attached to metal rod by various ropes and suddenly you see yourself flying down this rod to the next tree!!!!
So I psyche myself up while I climb to the top of each tree. I hear people whisper into my ear,
" You can do this, just look at that 60 year old guy " ..or " the stats are worse if you drive a car" ...hehehe...
Little do I realise how high you are and how far away (approx 600 metres) the landing site is. So you will be pleased to know, I call for a "taxi", yup a guide, to take you across, so you actually enjoy the spectacular rainforest, do a few spins and land in one piece...hehehe....
the photos are on the way....
or check out... www.selvatura.com
A New Species.....
So we arrive in in Monteverde at 1pm, a place famous for the spectacular rain forest in the clouds and well worth the journey. Just a word of warning, the last 2 hours is pretty much on dirt track. Brace yourself for the bumpy ride but made plausible with the stunning mountain views.
Eager to see some wildlife, we booked ourselves onto night and day tours. Definitely worth every penny and always a wonder on how these guides spot reptiles in the wildlife...and in the darkness???!!!. We managed to see snakes, tarantulas at night and white faced monkeys and sloths in the day plus a bonus class on how to survive in the rainforest. The photos are on the way....
However, a moment I'm especially proud of, being zoologically challenged, while walking amongst the bushes, having just seen a sloth in the wild, I suddenly spotted something white..and moving...So I yell to the guide... so sure it must be another animal of some kind...
little to do I realise...out pops a human.....male....Yes a species...I should say ...yet to be studied and always a wonder...hehehehe....
Eager to see some wildlife, we booked ourselves onto night and day tours. Definitely worth every penny and always a wonder on how these guides spot reptiles in the wildlife...and in the darkness???!!!. We managed to see snakes, tarantulas at night and white faced monkeys and sloths in the day plus a bonus class on how to survive in the rainforest. The photos are on the way....
However, a moment I'm especially proud of, being zoologically challenged, while walking amongst the bushes, having just seen a sloth in the wild, I suddenly spotted something white..and moving...So I yell to the guide... so sure it must be another animal of some kind...
little to do I realise...out pops a human.....male....Yes a species...I should say ...yet to be studied and always a wonder...hehehehe....
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