On my way back to Costa Rica I met a lovely woman named Dorothy who has previoualy sailed the world one and a half times and is approx 60 years old so she knows alot about life and has decided to travel with me for a few days. We left San Jose behind and headed north just before I meet Steve in a few days.
We spend hours on a bus which goes so slow and turns the entire way, constant ess...remember Croatia family...just like that. The whole time some Canadian guy beside me is talking my ear off and as a big talker I should respect this but I was like youre killing me...Anyway now I know, Canadians cant shut up. Ill work on this...naw
finally we get here and the gent working our hotel comes to get us from the station. He drives us out to a new hotel which is in the centre of the rainforest and our view is of the active volcano arenal. Truthfully this place could be a 5 star resort and we are paying $25 USD night all together. Dorothy and I get to our room and discover that it is set up for a honeymoon...there is a heart shaped towel on the bed and its covered in rose petals. I dont think they know what to make of us and it is so new we are the only ppl there. We have a pool and a jacuzzi, great hammocks on our deck and an outdoor shower so we are loving our honeymoon. Its honestly hilarious and when you see pics youll die laughing but we had a first glass of wine in the jacuzzi as a married couple.
We have no contact unless we come into town so you wont hear from me for a few days but not to worry, Im in good hands and exploring rain forest.
Love and miss you all
Friday, March 27, 2009
Canadian girl in Panama
So here are the things I knoew about Panama...
I love this country...its incredible with this vibe thats infectious. I was unfortunate enough to only get to stay a few days but along the way some funny things happened
I gave my laundry to a man to do...I can hear some of you laughing already. I asked him not to dry my white bikini and when I came back he had seperated my bikini and all my delicates thongs out of the pile and was hanging them to dry...I serioualy thought this was cute, theres all my intimates hanging nicely not being dryed in the machine and some guy doing it all...only women will think this is a good tale.
I learned that barracudas can jump along the top of the water using their bellies and can do this for some time. I learned that Shelleys tacos on Bocas del Toro is amazing and I think I need to go back for one more..
I learned that Panama is going to be the new Mexico and is already heavily populated with American traveleres and lots of them are hot guys which honestly...is there anything else in life
I learned that Israeli men take no shit from anyone even outside their country and in a way this is incredibly sexy and now I know how Rachel ended up marrying one and getting pregnant. A guy who ran us around the islands on a boat tour tried to get extra money out of us and even when surronded by 20 workers her held his own...all he said was I don{t care, Im not paying even a dollar more...when one guy laughed at the guy ripping us off he goes, dont laugh in my face...it still gives me shivers thinking about it. I had a great time with the Israelis and was able to put the 5 words I know in Hebrew to use...
That being said I have some friends coming into Costa Rica right away and had to head back because I would like to catch up with them.
All in all, visit Panama...you will thank me
I love this country...its incredible with this vibe thats infectious. I was unfortunate enough to only get to stay a few days but along the way some funny things happened
I gave my laundry to a man to do...I can hear some of you laughing already. I asked him not to dry my white bikini and when I came back he had seperated my bikini and all my delicates thongs out of the pile and was hanging them to dry...I serioualy thought this was cute, theres all my intimates hanging nicely not being dryed in the machine and some guy doing it all...only women will think this is a good tale.
I learned that barracudas can jump along the top of the water using their bellies and can do this for some time. I learned that Shelleys tacos on Bocas del Toro is amazing and I think I need to go back for one more..
I learned that Panama is going to be the new Mexico and is already heavily populated with American traveleres and lots of them are hot guys which honestly...is there anything else in life
I learned that Israeli men take no shit from anyone even outside their country and in a way this is incredibly sexy and now I know how Rachel ended up marrying one and getting pregnant. A guy who ran us around the islands on a boat tour tried to get extra money out of us and even when surronded by 20 workers her held his own...all he said was I don{t care, Im not paying even a dollar more...when one guy laughed at the guy ripping us off he goes, dont laugh in my face...it still gives me shivers thinking about it. I had a great time with the Israelis and was able to put the 5 words I know in Hebrew to use...
That being said I have some friends coming into Costa Rica right away and had to head back because I would like to catch up with them.
All in all, visit Panama...you will thank me
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Bocas del Toro, Panama
So we finally arrived on the island and got settled into the Hotel Las Brisas where I got a private room with ensuite for $12USD. We checked several places and this was by far the best, however, they are tearing down shortly to build condos so come quick. The hotel backs onto the sea which fills with dolphins in late afternoon and you can snorkel off the deck, it's pretty incredible. The waters also have barracudas which you can watch stalk their prey...watch glittery objects because they have sharp teeth and will mistake them for food.
Basically I spent my day in a hammock watching these guys and snorkeling. I think Ill stay an extra couple nights because its so peaceful here. Really not much to tell and my internet time is out so Ill post more pics later and I hope everyone is enjoying the snow...It's overcast but still 30 degrees...miss you all....big love
Basically I spent my day in a hammock watching these guys and snorkeling. I think Ill stay an extra couple nights because its so peaceful here. Really not much to tell and my internet time is out so Ill post more pics later and I hope everyone is enjoying the snow...It's overcast but still 30 degrees...miss you all....big love
Friday, March 20, 2009
Panama ...phase 1
OK, so after being hit on by the owner at my recent hostel I decided it was time to move on. I set forth to Panama with an Australian boy named Luke today. He convinced me not to pay $30 USd for the tour route to Bocas del Toro and I went along with it since he was armed with the most recent edition of Lonely Planet.
AFter a crazy long and very hot locals bus ride we hit the Panama border...basically you get out get an exit stamp for Costa Rica and then carry everything you own across a rickety old bridge...I swear Im throwing half my stuff away. At the end you buy a tourist card which only North Americans and Aussies need to purchase and a bus ticket back but this is enforced strangely as I used Lukes and got in. From there you argue with bus and cab rides about who you are going with. The taxi gave it to us for half price so we chose him which got the mini bus driver to get the army involved...this actually sounds scarier then it is but it was definitely nuts. Finally they let us go and we have but an hour to make the water taxi to the island. About 24 KM{s away we hit a huge road block...a trailer has flipped on the only bridge leading to the terminal and traffic is held up as 3 ppl died. We had met an American girl and German boy with good Spanish and were sharing the cab so we decide to hit a hotel and stay in this very local border town where it is clear we are tourists. We go to Hotel Carlo which is recommended by Lonely planet but I think in the 70{s as mold dominates this room, Luke is thrilled but I said at least their can{t be bed bugs because no one would stay here (hes mildly hungover so this is only fun for me) anyway we all go for dinner and have some good fish and Panama cuisine with a hint of Chilean wine and now Im here writing to tell about it.
Anyway we should hit the island tomorrow and I hope I do even tho Im mildly sunburned on my shoulders (screw you Kari, I have backpack to carry)
Big loves to those reading this and chat soon
xoxoxoxo
AFter a crazy long and very hot locals bus ride we hit the Panama border...basically you get out get an exit stamp for Costa Rica and then carry everything you own across a rickety old bridge...I swear Im throwing half my stuff away. At the end you buy a tourist card which only North Americans and Aussies need to purchase and a bus ticket back but this is enforced strangely as I used Lukes and got in. From there you argue with bus and cab rides about who you are going with. The taxi gave it to us for half price so we chose him which got the mini bus driver to get the army involved...this actually sounds scarier then it is but it was definitely nuts. Finally they let us go and we have but an hour to make the water taxi to the island. About 24 KM{s away we hit a huge road block...a trailer has flipped on the only bridge leading to the terminal and traffic is held up as 3 ppl died. We had met an American girl and German boy with good Spanish and were sharing the cab so we decide to hit a hotel and stay in this very local border town where it is clear we are tourists. We go to Hotel Carlo which is recommended by Lonely planet but I think in the 70{s as mold dominates this room, Luke is thrilled but I said at least their can{t be bed bugs because no one would stay here (hes mildly hungover so this is only fun for me) anyway we all go for dinner and have some good fish and Panama cuisine with a hint of Chilean wine and now Im here writing to tell about it.
Anyway we should hit the island tomorrow and I hope I do even tho Im mildly sunburned on my shoulders (screw you Kari, I have backpack to carry)
Big loves to those reading this and chat soon
xoxoxoxo
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Costa Rica´s Caribbean coast
On the road again,
Louise, the Swedish girl and I headed further South yesterday taking a 4 hour bus ride to Puerto Viejo. This is a funky town and we are staying in the only hammock hotel (Im living in a tent) but it is very rastafarian here and the atmosphere is laid so far back its incredible.
We got in last night and Louise had to see about a boy so I spent the evening with some Americans we met on the bus just exploring and eating...all my favorite e´s..
Today we spent the entire day on the beach in the midst of Costa Rica´s rainforest enjoying 30 degree temperatures....all in all life is superb and now I think 6 weeks might be to short but I can always change that.
So basically Im a living the dream, wave jumping, swimming in crystal clear waters, and learning to surf...I couldnt actually get up on the board but floating over the waves is exhilirating none the less.
So far I find that everyone here smokes, I think they escape life just to come and smoke and its acceptable here.
Tomorrow or the next day I head South again to Bocas del Toro, Panama an awesome island in the Caribbean known for its diving with sea turtles and incredible country scape...keep posted and once I find a card reader I will post some pictures.
Love you all
Louise, the Swedish girl and I headed further South yesterday taking a 4 hour bus ride to Puerto Viejo. This is a funky town and we are staying in the only hammock hotel (Im living in a tent) but it is very rastafarian here and the atmosphere is laid so far back its incredible.
We got in last night and Louise had to see about a boy so I spent the evening with some Americans we met on the bus just exploring and eating...all my favorite e´s..
Today we spent the entire day on the beach in the midst of Costa Rica´s rainforest enjoying 30 degree temperatures....all in all life is superb and now I think 6 weeks might be to short but I can always change that.
So basically Im a living the dream, wave jumping, swimming in crystal clear waters, and learning to surf...I couldnt actually get up on the board but floating over the waves is exhilirating none the less.
So far I find that everyone here smokes, I think they escape life just to come and smoke and its acceptable here.
Tomorrow or the next day I head South again to Bocas del Toro, Panama an awesome island in the Caribbean known for its diving with sea turtles and incredible country scape...keep posted and once I find a card reader I will post some pictures.
Love you all
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
San Jose sum up
Tomorrow I will take off for the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and Panama and leave San Jose. San Jose is by most standards a sketchy city but a stop any traveler must hit as they explore this country.
Here is what I learned so far...
When downtown, walk tall and proud as if you live there and know the place and try not to display valuable items or anything that can get you robbed.
People met
Jane, Costan Rican native who works at Hostel Bekuo and probably the most genuinely nicest person I have ever met. She expels good vibes
Faith, a true British gem even if she does get drunk and pass out in the bed of unsuspecting sleeping girls
Louise, the Swedish beauty
Herman, a very cute Nicaraguan who grows marijuana as a hobby in the hostel yard
Vedrana and Mia, the Bosnian girls who now live in Canada as teachers
Bambi, Herman´s 6 foot bong made of Bamboo..as a used to be pot smoker I would think would be difficult to smoke from but to each their own
Currency
Calones 10,000 calones = $$20USD
Best Hostel
Hostel Bekuo as well they have the nicest ppl working for them. Easy going, fun, and safe. You can leave valuables and feel ok about it.
$12 USD per night
Best Place to chill
a hammock under the Costa Rican sun while reading a book
Most interesting facts
1) They use license plates to control traffic (example...if your license plate ends with a 1, you cannot drive on Mondays or you will be fined the better part of $200 USD)
2) There are no street signs or proper addresses, basically you just get a we are 300 meters West of the Subaru dealership
Here is what I learned so far...
When downtown, walk tall and proud as if you live there and know the place and try not to display valuable items or anything that can get you robbed.
People met
Jane, Costan Rican native who works at Hostel Bekuo and probably the most genuinely nicest person I have ever met. She expels good vibes
Faith, a true British gem even if she does get drunk and pass out in the bed of unsuspecting sleeping girls
Louise, the Swedish beauty
Herman, a very cute Nicaraguan who grows marijuana as a hobby in the hostel yard
Vedrana and Mia, the Bosnian girls who now live in Canada as teachers
Bambi, Herman´s 6 foot bong made of Bamboo..as a used to be pot smoker I would think would be difficult to smoke from but to each their own
Currency
Calones 10,000 calones = $$20USD
Best Hostel
Hostel Bekuo as well they have the nicest ppl working for them. Easy going, fun, and safe. You can leave valuables and feel ok about it.
$12 USD per night
Best Place to chill
a hammock under the Costa Rican sun while reading a book
Most interesting facts
1) They use license plates to control traffic (example...if your license plate ends with a 1, you cannot drive on Mondays or you will be fined the better part of $200 USD)
2) There are no street signs or proper addresses, basically you just get a we are 300 meters West of the Subaru dealership
Follow Linny B throughout the world
SO begins yet another journey...
I chose Central America because it is rich in culture and there is something for everyone. I will spend the next 6 weeks tackling beaches of white sand rather than white snow and I will do it all... I will learn to surf, dive with sea turtles and whale sharks, and tan. All this with a hint of rainforests and ruins on the side.
I landed in San Jose, Costa Rica yesterday after a grueling 12 hour day spent in and out of airports and planes. This being my first backpacking adventure alone, I wasn´t sure what to expect.
On the plane I met two men, Alex is Costa Rican by decent and his friend is a California native who has spent the last 8 months living and working in Costa Rica. They walked me thru my first steps on Costa Rican soil and started my journey off right. After getting me to an ATM we all took a taxi to my hostel ...Hostel Bekuo (highly recommend for anyone coming this way) saving me a few dollars. Afterwards they walked me up to Subway (that´s right I said Subway) where I got a turkey sub with avocado..yummy...they walked me back to my hostel for my safety and we exchange numbers so that they can help me if needed.
Several of the other backpackers were up drinking outside my room and welcomed me with open arms...In fact, this is the friendliest place I have ever been and I believe I have already met good friends and company and my Spanish improves a small amount every day.
Today, Faith ' the British traveler took me downtown to the Mercado Centro (Central Market) Thru these busy streets I learned that Costa Rican men check out your a$$ all the time and they make it very obvious. Costa Rican women wear tight and little clothing, often when this is not suited for their bodies and most have gigantic chests ...as you are aware it was very clear that I was a tourist. San Jose is very Americanized and you can find everything from Cinnabon to Wendy´s. It is a city bustling with every type of person, the homeless man I saw pulled by his hair out of a public fountain by the policia, the man lying smack dab in the middle of the plaza foaming at the mouth, to the professional.... oh yeah and you can drink the water.
As much I really enjoy the ppl I have met the life of a traveler is to keep moving and never stop learning. Based on my conversations with other travelers and depending on weather I will move forward to La Fortuna and Arenal volcano or head south further to spend a few weeks on the Caribbean Sea in Panama and Costa Rica.
I chose Central America because it is rich in culture and there is something for everyone. I will spend the next 6 weeks tackling beaches of white sand rather than white snow and I will do it all... I will learn to surf, dive with sea turtles and whale sharks, and tan. All this with a hint of rainforests and ruins on the side.
I landed in San Jose, Costa Rica yesterday after a grueling 12 hour day spent in and out of airports and planes. This being my first backpacking adventure alone, I wasn´t sure what to expect.
On the plane I met two men, Alex is Costa Rican by decent and his friend is a California native who has spent the last 8 months living and working in Costa Rica. They walked me thru my first steps on Costa Rican soil and started my journey off right. After getting me to an ATM we all took a taxi to my hostel ...Hostel Bekuo (highly recommend for anyone coming this way) saving me a few dollars. Afterwards they walked me up to Subway (that´s right I said Subway) where I got a turkey sub with avocado..yummy...they walked me back to my hostel for my safety and we exchange numbers so that they can help me if needed.
Several of the other backpackers were up drinking outside my room and welcomed me with open arms...In fact, this is the friendliest place I have ever been and I believe I have already met good friends and company and my Spanish improves a small amount every day.
Today, Faith ' the British traveler took me downtown to the Mercado Centro (Central Market) Thru these busy streets I learned that Costa Rican men check out your a$$ all the time and they make it very obvious. Costa Rican women wear tight and little clothing, often when this is not suited for their bodies and most have gigantic chests ...as you are aware it was very clear that I was a tourist. San Jose is very Americanized and you can find everything from Cinnabon to Wendy´s. It is a city bustling with every type of person, the homeless man I saw pulled by his hair out of a public fountain by the policia, the man lying smack dab in the middle of the plaza foaming at the mouth, to the professional.... oh yeah and you can drink the water.
As much I really enjoy the ppl I have met the life of a traveler is to keep moving and never stop learning. Based on my conversations with other travelers and depending on weather I will move forward to La Fortuna and Arenal volcano or head south further to spend a few weeks on the Caribbean Sea in Panama and Costa Rica.
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