2nd April Tuesday (London – San Jose)
Our taxi pickup was booked at 6.45am and we managed to get out of the door roughly at that time (after getting up early and waking Airyen last minute). It was then a dozy drive to Heathrow T2, arriving at around 8am.
We checked in our bags (all weight was fine) and then went to the lounge in T2. The lounge was quite nice and we just relaxed (and ate breakfast) until it was close to boarding time.
Our fist flight was at 10.35am. Airyen and I were sitting together at the back of the plane, whilst Bhavni was separate in a exit isle (united airlines). On this first long leg of 10h+ to Houston, Airyen and I watched plenty of TV on the screen, keeping awake as much as possible. Bhavni froze as it was quite cold in the plane.
Landing in Houston, we were near the end of the exiting queue, but we walked quite fast, so came to Houston main immigration hall ok, however, greeting us there was only one line for everyone – whether you are transiting or entering USA, and it was quite big – we only had roughly 1.40 until boarding for the next flight was due to finish. It was not only us who were worried as lots of other people asked the question – no help queue is the queue. Well we just carried on watching the time pass, with them making it worse by reducing the number of stations when we were getting to the front of the queue. We got to immigration a bit after boarding was to have started – we got through and then legged it to the next bit. Running past others who were saying out-loud said they think they have made the next flight we got to another queue – this one to the security check. However the wait here was extended as they decided to bring out sniffer dogs and we had to wait until we could go – slowly walking past the dogs. Finally after this we got to the bag security station. This was the time our next flight boarding was meant to be finished. Not only did this take a long time as they were wanting to test the new protocols, but also they made Bhavni and Airyen walk out and re-scan the bottles (as there was a little left that they drank). So the bottles got forgotten. By now Bhavni had given up, but I said lets just get to the gate and see. We got there; it was still open – they had delayed the flight as there were many people in the same boat as us. What a relief. Boarding we sat (Bhavni in a different isle) and asked for water.
Taking off about 30 mins later than planned, it was a little under a 4 hour flight to San Jose. I managed to get Airyen settled down for a sleep.
Landing at around 8pm, we disembarked and managed to get through security quite quickly, with our bags arriving quite quickly also. We then had to get the free shuttle bus to Hampton by Hilton, which took a little time (with most of the family grumpy and tired).
Getting to the hotel, and checking in (as there was a queue) we finally settled in – apart from the getting water for the lost bottles.
3rd April Wednesday (San Jose – La Fortuna)
Today was an early start, we got up before 5.30 and Airyen and I were at breakfast (included) by 6am, shortly followed by Bhavni. A simple buffet, but enough in the morning.
We checked out just before 7am, just in time when our pickup for the car rental company came. It was a short drive (400m away), and soon we got into our car – not quite the Tuscon, but a 4wd Suzuki, which fitted our bags fine. All in (including the booster seat brought from UK) we started our journey at 7.30.
It was around 1h drive to Poas volcano (that I had booked from the UK) and it was nice to see the views in the daylight.
As we got to the parking area, it was quite quiet and a police officer ushered us to one side. Poas was closed due to high volcanic activity. We were told that they were not sure when it would next open, but could talk to the park authorities to reschedule. However with our packed itinerary we resigned ourselves to not being able to visit.
Driving a bit back down, Bhavni has spotted a nice shop to stop at – it sold fresh strawberries. So a container later and with a coffee for me we sat in their outdoor area which was really peaceful. On the way out the person at the counter showed us video from the day before – you could see the plumes from Poas from here.
It was a 40 minute drive to La Paz and the sanctuary there. Again I had booked entry before, so after parking (in the dusty car park), we just got in and started exploring.
There a lots of different areas to see with; fist was the birds, parrots and toucans as well as others. Then some sleeping sloths, butterflies, monkeys and big cats – there were lots of animals. In between we chilled on a bench and had some food. After seeing most of the animals (snakes were not for Bhavni), we then went on the waterfall walk, which had a bit of climbs – there are a number of waterfalls and we most of them.
After going back to the main complex, we went to the main restaurant for lunch, we picked some pasta for Aiyen and had chips and salad for us, along with drinks.
It was just before 1pm when we left poas. We stopped in a nearby town (San Miguel) en route for some food supplies. There was also a hardware store that we had a quick nosey around before getting back on the road.
We got to Granja Agua Camino a Agua Azul at around 3pm, it was quite far down a rough road so was interesting to find. While we waited for the owner to come – after 4 – we watched the birds and felt the heat. The owner came and told us about things to do and we payed the bill as we were leaving early the next day.
We then headed into Fortuna, parking near the Italianissimo, where we had dinner – quite nice pizzas. Airyen was a bit tired so was a bit uncomfortable.
After we had a walk around Fortuna – plenty lively. A desert later then we got back to the car and went back to the accommodation for the night.
4th April Thursday (La Fortuna)
We had to wake up quite early today (at around 6ish) and had our breakfast which was the cereal we had brought with us. Then we loaded up the car and left before 7am, as it was a 30 minute drive to Arenal Paraiso Resort Spa, which was our next stay. After getting past the security check we went to tell reception that we were going to park the car, but in the end we checked in and left our bags there.
The minivan came to pick us up just as I finished moving the car at around 07.50, for Arenal Volcano Expedition. There were a couple of families in the van and it was a short drive as out hotel was quite close to the park entrance.
After parking we then started our walk on to the lava field tail. Our guide stopped a couple of times on the ascent to give us a talk about the volcano and the surroundings (pyroclastic flows and such), especially before any ascents. Not too hard a walk for us luckily and it was nice and early so the sun was not too much. There were quite a good number of views and plenty of time for photos.
After the decent, we got to the van where there were benches, and we were given lots of watermelon and pineapple to eat. We also found out that someone on the tour was a pediatrician working in America.
Getting dropped back to the hotel, we then got into the car and drove to Fortuna Waterfall where we bought tickets to go in (approx $40). It is a decent way down (roughly 500 steps). At the bottom we spent some time there, letting Airyen climb over rocks and go into the water there a bit as well as some nice photos of the waterfall. Leaving it was the climb of 500 steps, where we passed lots of tired tourists.
Back at the hotel our rooms were ready, so after getting ready we headed to the pool area and had some lunch – salad and chips. After which we went swimming and then to the spa pools (nearly the hottest one). Airyen had great fun spotting lizards. After a good few hours we got ready and then just chilled at the hotel for a while (we could see the volcano so well from our room). I also booked an activity for the next morning.
We then headed to La Fortuna where we ate at La Street Bistro (which we had seen yesterday). The food was south American inspired – we had cactus tacos and palatones for example – nice food. After dinner we had another walk around and got some simple ice cream sandwiches for desert.
Back at the hotel we got to our room and soon called it a night.
5th April Friday (La Fortuna – Santa Elena / Monteverde)
Getting up there ware a lovely morning view of the volcano from our room (though we were close to the road here it did not detract). Airyen and I headed to the breakfast around 7am- seating was great as there was the view. Bhavni joined a short while later after finishing the packing – the food was decent.
We made our way to the reception after 8am, where we had a pickup to take us to the stables (just a bit up the road) with 3 other people. Getting there there was a nice cowboy who was our guide for the trip. He set started to set us up, but was a bit surprised that Airyen was needing his own horse, but took it in his stride and gave Bhavni standby horse. Funny thing Bhavnis horse was not a member of the other horses group, so acted independently and tried to ignore the commands she gave, so much so that the guide gave Bhavni his horse and took this one.
Soon enough we were on our way, across the road and into some woods which went down to the river. It was quite easy as the horses were well trained and knew the route, but still allowed us to guide them or deviate when we wanted to. Airen coped well and often behind me (I ended up leading most of the time). The guide commented on how all 3 of use were handling the horses well with confidence. We entered the river and we even went for a short trot in it, which provided us some nice pictures. After seeing the waterfall there we headed on the return journey, this time the guide suggested we try a little bit of galloping – which all 3 of us did, though at the beginning Airyen had not got a good enough of a technique to slow down his horse so there was a point he was shouting “I don’t like this” and the guide had to come and help slow his horse. After a really nice ride (including road galloping), we got back, returned the horses to the stable and had some photos before getting the minivan back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, we quickly got to our room and then finished checking out. It was then into the car and heading north around the lake. Our first stop was going to be for lunch where we stopped at the German cafe. Plenty of parking around – not quite outside. While I went and got a place to sit down Bhavni and Airyen went to the bakery shop and bought (by “accident”) a sweet pastry. We figured out some options for what to eat, but had to wait a bit till our order got taken. Things here just took a bit of time. The food was decent, though I had to listen to a really opinionated British tour guide talk about all sorts of political things.
After we got the bill and paid we filled up on fuel then continued around the lake. We had decided to take the scenic route around the lake, so ignoring google maps, we went a different way at Tronadora. This quickly turned into unsealed roads, often past small villages interspersed with great views of the volcano and also the volcano to the distant north. We even had snakes crossing our path. After a while we headed away from the lake, climbing up the hills, past wind turbines and more amazing views. Right near Moneverde, the road became sealed.
We went first to a supermarket and pick up some supplies for the next few days. We then made our way to Villas Macadamia, a number of vacation apartments behind a gate, where we found the owner and started to check in, he did not speak English, so it was a little amusing with our little knowledge of Spanish.
We started to settle in, unpacking and cooling the place, as it was hot from the day. I made us some food, after which we left to go to the town center and had a walk to see what was around. Not that much, but we went to a restaurant and Airyen got a chocolate desert. It was then back to the apartment for the night.
6th April Saturday (Monteverde)
We were all awake quite early in the morning, I stared to get our breakfast organised, but Bhavni came and said that the bathroom was blocked. We phoned the manager (found the phrase – el bano es blocado), he came quite quickly and then got his plunger. He thought he fixed the problem initially but it was a much more difficult issue, he called on his wife to come and help. We left them to do it while opening the doors and having breakfast. This was not going to work, so after some coffee (for them also), they said that they will move us later, to the next house, after we are back.
So around 8am, we drove to the Santa Elena Reserve, which was around 25 mins away. Showing our tickets we went in, initially we were going to have a walk as we had a bit of time, but Airyen started to throw a tantrum, so we ended uo sitting in the canteen for a little while, I had only seen a couple of animals when whilst Airyen and Bhavni headed back first.
We were waiting for a while in the canteen, past the tour start time of 9.15. Eventually the guide came and we (as well as 2 more couples) were first ussured into an adjoining room for a video. After that we then went on a walk around the local cloud forest on the closer trails. We saw lots, from the plants that grow there too the animals – mostly smaller things such as bugs and tarantulas in their burrows, but we also got to briefly see the national bird. The guide gave a good explanation of the things that we were seeing. After the tour was finished we took one of the paths to go to the tower, which was one of the highest points in this conservatory. Though we could not see much – as the cloud forest lived up to its name, it was quite nice being there. Getting back to the canteen, we got our included drink and snack.
We then left to go to the apartment – which was now a new one (next door to the old one). We just had to move some of the stuff from the old apartment to the new one – and turn on the AC. Then we had some lunch – we had some food left over plus fruit and snacks.
For the afternoon, we drove into Santa Elena and to the “Frog Pond Ranario”, where Airyen and I went in. We spent a while in there as there were lots and lots of different frogs, most from the central Americas. Each display showed whether they were tree or ground frogs and whether nocturnal or in the day. The hard bit was spotting them – we did well – only a couple we could not find. As we were leaving I got talking to one of the tour guides – some of the nocturnal frogs hide under ground – no wonder. She was also doing a tour at 7 the next day, so that would be useful. Our tickets included two entries (for day/night).
Meanwhile Bhavni had been in the car and after a lot of research had arranged a night walk for tonight. So we then went home and prepared/had dinner.
It was then a drive to the night walk place for around 6pm meeting. We were paired up with an American couple (with a child a bit younger then Airyen and a baby), before proceeding in the twilight. The walk was in the areas with brush surrounding the forests – apparently a good time as animals make their way here. We saw a number of smaller animals and lots of insects. (we had to see the guide getting very aggressive with a wasp). We also saw some sloths high up in the trees and some sleeping toucans. The scopes that they had were amazing to see with. The children coped really well with the tour.
It was then time to go home where we retired quite quickly for the night.
7th April Sunday (Monteverde)
We had a chilled morning, having a slow breakfast after lying in a bit. This is as our pickup to Selvetura Adventure Park was for 10.30 from just outside the accommodation compound. So we walked just after 10 and hung around after having a hello to the owner.
The pickup bus came not far off the allocated time and then it went to the park (we were the last pickup). We got to the cloud forests then to the park (was not far from the Santa Elena Reserve and in the mist.
Getting to the checkin, the nice lady there advised us as we had lots to do, she recommended doing the butterfly house and hanging bridges first, then getting a bite to eat – the weather may improve. This was excellent advise in the end.
So first we went to the butterfly house first. As it was so cold we were told that the butterflies are going to be a little sleepy, they offered an alternative to go to the reptile house, but Bhavni does not really like them. So in the butterfly house it was similar to the one in La Paz waterfalls, but the butterflies were not flying much. But by the time we walked around taking pictures they had become significantly more active.
After we finished, it was a small walk to the entrance of the hanging bridges. These bridges are pretty amazing and they are in a loop around the whole site. It was a lot of walking in the quiet drizzly fog (as a cloud forest should be), and some of the bridges were really long (200m+), so that the ends disappeared in the fog. It was amazing to stare down at the canopy below us. Though we did not really see any animals except for a couple of smaller birds.
By the time we had finished it was nearly 1pm ending near the main area. We wondered up to the restaurant there to have some lunch. It was a nice place to have lunch – outside on the veranda overlooking the forests (in the fog still). We had salad and pasta there.
By the time we fished lunch it was a little past 2pm, so we made our way to the entrance for the Zip lines for the 2.30 zipping. We got in a queue, and a number of others joined. All in all a decent size. After being let in – it was time to gear up. We all got helmets, safety harnesses, gloves and the zip attachment. It was then to a safety and instruction briefing, where they showed us the signals and things we had to do – they would do the attaching.
Then it was time to go – a little climb to the first zip line. Airyen was a bit apprehensive, so I went first in the whole group, with Airyen coming second. This was pretty amazing and soon Airyen became very confident, so much so that he went ahead of me for a couple of zip lines. There was an uphill walk around half way through where we had to wait for everyone and the instructors. However the zip lining in the foggy forests was amazing – especially on some of the long ones (one was 1km), where most of the route can not be seen and you pass high trees over the canopy. There were also a few tandem zip lines. One I did with Airyen and one I did with Bhavni.
At the end of the zips there was an optional Tarzon swing. Bhavni and Airyen did not really like the look of this and I was a little bit apprehensive. But I was the first person up, and although the initial swing was a shock, then it was great. Airyen then had confidence to go up, he was harnessed but then got cold feet, however the guide just gave him a shove. I heard a bit of I dont like this whilst he was swinging. Now even Bhavni had a go – though getting her to stop was hard as she nearly knocked down a guide.
What a great day it had been, with the park now closing we headed back in the last lot of buses sometime after 4.30, emerging from the cloudy forest into a sun soaked valley. We were probably the 4th drop off and got to our accommodating (saying hello to the owner).
When we got to the apartment, Airyen played outside whist we turned on the AC and prepared dinner. Following the nice meal, we then headed into town, where I dropped Airyen and Bhavni near the Frog place, so that they could do their night visit. Meanwhile I thought to explore – Nearly everywhere was closed or about to, except a couple of places, such as the bar with a tree trough it. I felt too conspicuous in that place, especially as it was on the expensive side. On the other hand the restaurants near the supermarket were full of youngsters.
Anyway Bhavni and Airyen really enjoyed the tour and saw all the frogs including the national frog. It was then home and retire for the night – well with some more packing for us.
8th April Monday (Monteverde – Manuel Antonio)
Today we were leaving the region. We had a nice breakfast, getting everything together and then loaded up the car. It was then time to checkout and leave. We said bye to the owners and then started our journey. It was another amazing drive going up and down the mountains along the smallish roads before finally joining the 1 motorway.
After getting to the coastal roads we then decided to have a stop, so we made our way all the way into Puntarenas, looking for a cafe (which is really interesting and scenic), before turning around and stopping at a local restaurant called Malibu on the mainland that we had seen earlier. It was open and we had a nice couple of drinks there, right next to the beach area – so some photo opportunities. We were tempted to get some food (really cheap local prices also), but it was a bit early, so we then continued on our way.
We then continued our drive. Our next stop as it was getting to lunch time was to Jaco, where we and parked off the main road in town. We initially went for a walk around the block – which got us to the beach as well – its a surfers beach. From there we went to a area with lots of restaurants. I fancied a nice salad and there was a store that was right up the avenue with a customisable bowl that I got. Bhavni and Airyen looked around (suggesting a bagel for example). They in the end ended up in an Indian restaurant, where Airyen ordered turka daal and rice, so we made a meal there.
After lunch and a quick walk around we went back to the car. I also tried to go to a cash machine to get some local currency – but gave up as there was almost 40% commission.
So we carried on out drive towards Manuel Antonio, driving past Quepos and then onto Hotel San Bada. Security check as we get in then park at the reception for check in. We were given a room on the 3rd floor and we parked closer and put our luggage into the room. It was after 5 so we decided to go down and have a walk to the beach, which was through a gate (sortof under the hotel) and a 100m walk. It was a great time to go to the beach as it was near sunset, so as well as Airyen getting his feet wet we got some great views.
As it was getting darker it was time to go back to the room and after a little bit of unpacking and chilling, we got ready, headed to the roof bar for a look at the view, here we asked for reservation at the sushi bar there the next day, which the waiter said was no problem. Then headed to the car for a drive to the Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar. Nice environment and the food was quite good. It was then to the hotel for the night.
9th April Tuesday (Manuel Antonio)
Today was going to be a lazier day – though its not really possible to have lie ins. After we had got up, Airyen and I initially headed to breakfast, Bhavni was going to come down a bit later. It was really busy and it was a bit fun to find a nice place to sit. I spent a bit of time to get tea for Bhavni – they had run out of tea bags. Food was so so – the chef at the egg station was slightly rude, did not want to make time for us or any of the other staff, but some of the other head waiters were quite good.
After breakfast we split up – Bhavni went to the room to do some some work, whilst Airyen and I went to the beach. We chilled there for a bit, but as the sea was a bit cold and Airyen had had enough of the sand. We then went to the pool at the hotel. I mostly tried to not do too much (i liked the idea of reading on the lounger) – but ended up swimming with him to keep him amused.
Soon it was lunch time, so after going to the room, Bhavni joined us. We decided to go local and ended up in Buru at around 12.30. It was quite busy, but we managed to get a table, with the waiter being quite nice. Airyen had his usual pasta dish, whilst we had some lovely fresh smoothies and a few dishes including patatones and other things. It got quieter as we were there and the waiters got less stressed (though the waitress when we gave money and asked for change got a bit something then appologised to us).
It was after 2, so we all went to the hotel and to the pool side for a bit. In the late afternoon, we watched some of the happenings including the birds in trees.
At around 6 we headed to the rooftop for pre dinner drinks before the sushi reservation. Getting up there, I was surprised as the area where we were meant to sit seemed closed. It turned out that there would be no Sushi as the chef had called in sick, but we were annoyed that no one had notified us.
Anyway we had our happy hour drinks watching the canopy and the sea view with the odd birds flying around. Not many monkeys. Now one of the waiters told us about another sushi restaurant that he recommends, so we thought that this would be a good alternative.
So we got in the car and drove to the restaurant…. it was closed. So new plan, we had passed an Indian restaurant – Namese. So we went there. It turns out (after seeing the similarity) that the restaurant in Jaco is the same owner. The food was quite nice, Airyen was definitely happy. Its a little dear, but that’s because all the spices are imported. After the good meal, we went to a supermarket and got some ice cream sandwiches for desert, before heading back to the hotel
10th April Wednesday (Manuel Antonio)
Today we had to make sure we were early – our guide had told us, so we headed to breakfast a bit after 6.20. Today was quieter compared to yesterday – the coach tour had left. The food was similar – but easier to get things (including tea).
Around 7am we made our way to the reception, where we waited for our guide for today -Eli (who Kalpesh recommended). We entered the park with him, he was really well known – with everyone saying hello to him – our entry was 9.30 but this was not an issue, showing the entry with him was just a formality.
We then had a great tour with him. He had the same telescopic sight that all the guides used and we saw plenty of animals. Crabs, bats, birds blending into trees, toucans, snakes, humming birds and a number of sloths! Some of these were quite close up. Again it was interesting how well known Eli was (he was the first one in a long time to photograph some animals in the wild for example).
After he had spent a couple of hours with us, he left us at the safe beach (the others he warned us about due to rip tides). Whilst Bhavni tried her hand at sunbathing (it was hot and humid), Airyen and I got into the water. He got quite far in eventually, such that he and I were swimming to stay above the waves (mostly calm, but occasionally some bigger ones). After a while the sun burn through the clouds and the humidity dropped – much better.
It was getting on in time, so we packed up and decided to go for a walk to one of he further points in the park. A bit confused about the paths as we ended up on so we ended up having to go in a circle. In the mean time Bhavni met one of her old colleagues (small worlds and all). Anyway on the correct path, we got to the cafe here, so decided to stop for food. It was a really slow queue to get the food. They had no pizza’s so we got some other bits, drinks and water (in aluminum as Bhavni wanted one for the bottle left in Houston). Its strange eating in a cage.
Some of the paths to the secluded beaches were closed, so we headed to the far lookout points (it seemed one bordered on a beach). The path had a decent climb with them – there were not that many people here and the ones that were here seemed out of breath. We passed a couple of troops of monkeys and plenty of birds as we ascended. The lookouts were pretty – having good views – there was a bit of a beach – well below us from the cliff top.
It was nearly 2pm, and it was looking like it would drizzle soon, so we went back. We were quite a way in so it took a while – Airyen complained quite a bit about it. Eventually we got the the boardwalk and the home run out of the park (surprising how far in that was). Then it was to the hotel and to the rooms to change for the pool, where we spent a few hours – we did order some drinks at the swim up bar.
After getting ready we headed to the hotel bar on the top floor – for some drinks whilst watching the canopy for birds and monkeys in the decaying light. The drinks were quite nice. Apparently the sushi chef was still ill today.
Well Airyen wanted Sushi, and there was a good Sushi restaurant just at the main road near the beach (Shibuya Sushi Bar). It was up a flight of stairs on the second floor. Quite nice – sushi is quite expensive though. After dinner it was back to the hotel for putting Airyen to bed. Then packing the bags before bed.
11th April Thursday (Manuel Antonio – San Jose)
Today we were leaving and we went for breakfast quite early again – about 7am, I loaded the car quite a bit first. It was again calm for breakfast, and we knew the routine now. We then checked out (Bhavni told the reception about the issues we had), then got underway. We drove directly to la Iguana Chocolate for our organized tour. The road there we knew was meant to be rough, but it was pretty interesting – rain or no 4 wheel drive would have not been great, and it went on for many km – though this kept it interesting.
We got there a little before 10am, and had a small welcome drink, given by the lady who was from the UK originally. There were 2 other couples (one with baby) with our tour. We had to wait for the ladies husband to come as he was giving the tour (and was working in a further field).
After a little wait we were given an introduction into the farm and how it operates. This included explanation into the growing cycle of the cocoa and trying some of the fresh fruit as well as other fruit (star fruit). We were shown the prep and conching of the chocolate. It was quite hot by now so it was nice to go to top floor of their building with a bit of cover and breeze. This is where we did some preparation of hot chocolate (using a stone pestle), and flavored chocolate.
Airyen meanwhile had befriended the owners son – a little younger then him, so he was playing with him and entertained. The forest location was nice – there were cockatoos flying around, and we had a toucan right near by picking fruit off a tree. It was then lunch time – they had prepared a nice meal – everything was vegetarian, including salad, patties and local rice and beans.
After saying bye (and buying cocoa nibs) – Airyen was having fun playing, we headed off. It was a shorter run on the rough road (and way less rough), before getting on tarmac roads. Then a smooth ride until we got to to San Jose with again some really lovely views.
How you can forget there is traffic after not seeing it for ages, so the last stretch (with the filling up of fuel) was a bit painful. Returning the car was mostly painless – took a bit for the guys to come and check the car first – all clear.
Then we asked them to call a taxi, which was not a great idea. Firstly it took ages – 45mins to get here. Then when we got in I noticed it had a starting charge of 600 – and we were not in the airport area! So after some frustration and complaining we got the person to do a fixed price of $40 – an uber would have been $25ish (though the taxi said they are illegal).
We got to the Park Inn San Jose and gave the less disgruntled taxi driver the $’s. Then we checked in, 3rd floor room. Airyen was wanting a swim, and the pool should have been open – but the area was closed for a private party. Bhavni went to talk to the reception – we got our room changed to a top floor room and they promised to open the pool early in the morning. The view from the room was decent – though not much specifically to see.
After getting ready, we headed out for dinner walking (choosing a local restaurant as we had not got our bearings). We went to a Lebanese restaurant about 10 minuets away. When we got there Bhavni was worried as there was some dancing going on inside, but it was one person dancing and it was not anything untoward.
The food was quite good – I like Lebanese. After dinner we walked back to the hotel on the quiet streets, then after Airyen was asleep did some research and booking for the next day.
12th April Friday (San Jose)
As we had been told the pool would be open, Airyen and I headed there early. There was a guy cleaning the pool when we got there – most of the party setup was still there and there did not seem to be a good place to change. Anyway it turned out the pool was quite cold so Airyen refused to go in, even with coaxing. So I did some refreshing lengths then we both went to collect Bhavni and go for breakfast – another early one.
We then called an Uber to take us to near the Holiday Inn for 8.30 for a “free” walking tour that Bhavni and I had booked the night before. It was a little wait before the tour guide arrived and there were quite a number of us on this tour.
The tour was a walk around the center of the city – its quite a new city so most of the sights are of modern stuff (and this became the capital after an earthquake). Most of the sights were from the 20th Century. Airyen was quite interested in some things and spoke a lot with tour guide as he had been recently doing Spanish history and a lot of this was related.
After the tour, we went to the Art Museum, but all the English speaking tour spaces (which are free) were all gone for today. We decided then to walk to the center market, where we had a look around first at the shops – mixture of local produce shops and some tourist traps. We then had lunch there, the restaurants are quite simple cafes (so not restaurants). The food was pretty decent and so cheap – we had palatone, a beans and rice based meal and chips for Airyen with drinks, all for under £10. After a bit more of a wonder and key-rings purchase, we then wondered to a cafe near the holiday inn, where Airyen and Bhavni had very decadent deserts which included a pistachio cream filled croissant. I enjoyed a coffee.
After that we got an uber towards hotel. As it was quite early we thought it would be nice to stop at the big park near our hotel. The driver was a little bit odd and dropped us on the far side of where we wanted. Anyway the lakes that show on google maps were all dried up, so we started to walk to hotel, there were a few things to see on way, such as art installations.
Back at the hotel we all went to the pool, it was still too cold for Bhavni and Airyen, so they lounged around the pool – dipping their legs in. The small hot-pool which was open was crowded with some other hotel guests. After a bit of down time we then headed back to the room where we got ready for dinner.
We caught a Uber to the area near Parque Francia – the hip area our tour guide had recommended for a good vegetarian restaurant – Arbol de Seda. The place looked like an converted house, and we booked our table for about an hour later then had a walk around seeing the many coffee bars and cool places. The food was pretty good – quite a different choice of menu from what we had recently.
After dinner we had another little walk around – then caught an uber back to the hotel. It was bed for Airyen and a final packing push for us before going to sleep.
13th April Saturday (San Jose – London)
The next morning we got up and ready, then headed down for breakfast. Soon enough it was time to check out and head to the Airport (via an Uber again). Checkin was relatively straight forward, but the staff threw a spanner in the works by informing us that we would have to pick up our bags for the connecting flight in Newark. Anyway we got to the onto our 12:44 plane to America.
Around 5 hours later we landed in Newark (1.45h to next plane), where we had to get out and through security. Now this was again like we witnessed in Houston – a massive single queue whether for transit or immigration – looking at this we could see this would be tight. Talking to a guy who had come to Costa Rica via Houston as well – he had been on the messaging (to united) and was initially convinced he would not have to pick up the bags – there was no way he wanted to miss the flight as on the way out this had happened and he had to shell out a lot to stay in Houston. Bhavni also started messaging as she was very worried about getting the flight. United help desk on the app does not have any idea about anything it turns out. I on the other hand was of the opinion what will be will be!
We got to the front of the queue about the time boarding was. The guy in front was asked why he was looking nervous – his reply was that he thinks he is going to miss the plane. We got through, and while exiting saw our bags on a carousel, so we quickly picked them up and then had to go to anther terminal.
Would you know it the terminal tram was out of action, so we had to follow the diversions for the replacement bus. Luckily we caught one straight away (after confirming it was the correct one) and it was only a 3 minute ride. At the next terminal we had to figure out where to go – signage is pretty sub par and there were hardly any staff around – we manged to get to the correct floor. Now there was a queue so Bhavni joined it. It seemed to be going ridiculously slowly – when asking if this was the correct queue, the staff member said yes and you would have to wait your turn. There was no way we could pretend we would make the plane even if it was very delayed. I went to see if there was anything else on the floor – I saw some united staff – we had to drop our bags somewhere else. So I ran back to Bhavni and Airyen and then we all ran that way. We went with a few others on the same flight as us (from Costa Rica to London), and we all pretty much just deposited bags one after another at this place, then ran to the gate. The plane again was waiting as there were lots of passengers in the queue at Newerk. Finally on we got our seats and asked for water after our rush, then settled down for the 7h+ flight.
14th April
We landed at heathrow (a little later then we were originally meant to), picked up our bags and got our pre booked taxi home.