One of several long, dirt roads we traveled A challenge, an adventure in faith. |
There will always be the unknown.
There will always be the unprovable.
But faith confronts those frontiers with a thrilling leap.
Then life becomes vibrant with adventure!
Costa Rica ~ Part 2
Our flights from Columbia, SC to the Liberia airport in north Costa Rica went smoothly. After renting our 4-wheel drive we headed down a nice two-lane highway for Playa Panama. We missed our turn, thanks to me, the Map Whisperer, so it took us a bit longer than the twenty minutes the friendly car-rental Costa Rican had said. Note: car rentals are inexpensive, but the INSURANCE will kill you. We opted for everything since we were traveling in unfamiliar territory, but we opted not to have a GPS, thus the Map Whisperer was created (me).
Casa Conde Del Mar, Playa Panama Costa Rica |
I had the huge pool all to myself most of the time. |
Beautiful beaches abound |
Day 3 we headed inland for the rain forests of Monteverde. Most of the roads were good. Except one. Turning off the main highway, we traveled on a two-lane road that led us through a small town. My eyes were glued to the map when Rob turned left instead of staying on the safe-looking road. When the pavement turned to dirt, I softly said, "I'm pretty sure I told you the wrong way." The Map Whisperer was willing to take the blame. MW's translation: Please turn around.
"This is the right road," Rob stated like a professional tour guide. Slowly, the road narrowed. Suddenly there were mini-bolders sprinkled with pot holes as big as mini-ponds. "Are you sure I didn't tell you the wrong way?" I asked. Silence. The map was of no help, so I threw it in the back seat and gripped the door handle. I was determined to be the good wifey...quiet, calm, soothing, comforting, all the while wondering why there was no one else on this narrow, scary road. Then behold! We saw cows!
We were not alone after all on the Rocky Road to Monteverde |
Clouds gathered overhead. Thunder and lightning. Then the rain fell. Then I had to go pee...well, I needed to go to the toilette. We drove through small villages, but no Costa Ricans in sight. We passed a zip-line resort. Closed. "Can you hold it, or do you want me to pull over?" Rob asked. "Pull over and do what!?!?" I answered. "Then you'll have to hold it," Rob answered as he dodged another pot hole. He was too focused on the muddy roads to sympathize with me. Dang.
"Look! Pull over!" I said as my eyes beheld a little mobile trailer that had a flashing sign in English, OPEN. I ran in, pointed to the bana sign. The sweet Costa Rican angel said, "Si."
We finally pulled into Monteverde at dusk. I wanted to kiss the ground, but stayed focused on the map that led us to the quaint, cozy boutique Hotel Los Jarnines. "Yes, that is the main road to Monteverde," she replied when I asked about the bumpy road.
We were hungry so we found a small, romantic restaurant...just what Mr. 4-Wheel and the Map Whisperer needed after a long day on the Rocky Road to Monteverde. Faith for the day and food for the evening never felt so good.
Loved this quaint restaurant |
Delicious food, romantic atmosphere |
Coffee plantation showed us how to make coffee, sugar, and chocolate! |
The sun was shining as we headed back to the Pacific coast. I have to admit, the Map Whisperer did a great job for the remainder of the 16-day journey. There were a few more dusty roads along the way, but the most fun was eating on the beach at Lola's Restaurant, where Rob met Miss Lola in person:
The dirt road to Lola's on the beach |
Rob sneaking up on Lola! |
The nationals are friendly, kind, and humble because they live "Pura Vida" ... the "Pure Life" ... a simple, pure, and happy life. It is evident in their faces.
Our journey continues next time in Part 3 ~ Faith, Food, and Friends. Until then, I wish you Pura Vida!
Playing on Playa Pirates, Costa Rica |
Stand at the crossroads and look...
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
3 comments:
Sharon,
Enjoyed my tour with you in Costa Rica, a country similar to Belize, and one I'd still like to visit.
Really enjoyed the ride a long and all of the beautiful pictures. So glad you've had a good and "breath taking" wink, wink, time. Can't wait to see you again.
With love,
Christy Lavett
PCWN group
Costa Rica is a must-do experience, whether via tour or on your own. Beautiful country, beautiful people.
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