Thanks Shillmac!

Yeah, you're welcome, Adam. Really helping you out there big time aren't I? ;)

Yeah, really, volcanogirl. I was indignant after we had been there the first time. We returned home huge fans (of course). The next summer, before we went back for trip #2, friends of ours who had had a CR exchange student visited CR for a week to meet his family. They came home talking all about the toilet paper issue; they just couldn't believe it.

At the time, we were the only people in our general area who had been to Costa Rica, so naturally I considered myself Queen Bee expert and had been raving about how wonderful it was. Now, all of a sudden, these folks return telling a story about tp in the trash, and everyone is going, "Eeuuww".
Certainly, I couldn't tolerate anyone's bad opinion of my newfound wonderland, so like the know it all I sometimes portray myself to be (I really don't mean to), I argued all over the place that they must have been in some pretty remote spots (Arenal and Playa Samara, ha!), because that was generally NOT true! Well, turns out it IS true! I learned my lesson, and have been using the trash ever since. :)

It speaks well of the country, though, (and this is a gross thought)that most of the public restrooms don't have bad odors. I can't imagine restrooms being cleaner anywhere in the world. The public restrooms we have here in the U.S. don't even come close. The family I stay with empties that trash probably 2-3 times per day. Apparently that is typical. And most trash cans (basureros) don't have open lids.

Some places post signs, so I'm guessing those places have had significant problems and don't want a repeat. The place where I go to school (mostly language learners from the U.S.) always has signs in every stall.

I often stay in Tico homes while traveling and I always ask them where to put the TP - in every case it's the trashcan whether it's a beautiful home in the hills to a modest house. It's hard to get in the trashcan habit - especially middle of the night!

Adam, aren't you glad where this thread has headed - you now know more than you EVER wanted to know about Tico toilet etiquette!! O:)

colibri! I'm gonna change the subject (and hijack the thread for a moment, sorry adam!). Enough of the trash talk! ;)

Your trip is right around the corner, and I was just thinking of you this evening. Now don't forget to take photographs! I'm antsy as heck.

We did go ahead and book a Dec. 25 flight down, same as last year, returning the 31st. Found it for $634 on Continental, and that seemed like a deal for Peak Season; certainly was the best we could find. Last year's best deal was $900 plus on Delta.

Also, I am very anxious to get your opinion of Rancho. I may ask you to take a pair of socks to one of the chefs. Would you be willing? He is having a circulation problem and asked us when we were last there to try to find him a sock that would be helpful. I'm thinking diabetes? I don't know, but he is a young guy, early 30's--Enrique.

I saw a pair of special socks designed for diabetes patients, very breathable, loosely knit type crews. But I was thinking may be a compression sock? I need to ask a few medical people as I know nothing about what is best for poor circulation. There was some discoloration, though. Any thoughts?

Do you mind e-mailing me at [email protected]? I guess we should take this discussion somewhere else!

Great photos, I loved the night time Lava /star/ Arenal pics. I tried the same w/my tripod and time exposure, but they look nothing like yours.... stunning!!

Thanks parrmt. Let me know if you have any questions.

Hey, Toni, did I read on FB that Akumal is your area? We were there once, 20+ years ago. . would love to see it now! Stay in touch, enjoy your trip!

Love, LOVE, LOOOOVE your photos! You have a true talent! The Arenal volcano shots are wonderous! We were there at Arenal for a whole week and never saw anything like that - covered in clouds nearly every night. :( Your photos make me want to go back and try again! I adore your shot of the monkey with just the feet dangling. Thanks so much for sharing them!

Adam, You and I went to the same two areas: Arenal and Manuel Antonio. I also made a web album of our experiences there. You can find it at Picasaweb.google.com/mjneenan
Looks like you had a wonderful time ... you AND your camera! ;)

Thanks Mjneenan. You have great work as well. Your macro work is very strong. Do you use a ring flash?

Adam, I keep it pretty simple. I do have a macro lens that I use for insects, flower closeups, etc., but with my Costa Rica La Selva insect pictures, I took the easy route - I just used my 18-135 zoom (I use a Nikon D80, not at all professional!) and built-in flash. I would love to some day take a course or two on macro photography. Can't even say I know what a ring flash is! Are you a photographer by profession .. .or by hobby?

I have had some server issues and I wanted to keep the gallery up for reference on this forum so here is the new link:

http://homepage.mac.com/adampass/Sit...ors/index.html

Hopefully it's not too slow. Thanks again everyone.

Adam
www.adampass.com

Adam,
Thanks for adding the mac links-I would have hated to miss your pictures. We're trying to decide between Bali & CR for 2 weeks in Jan. and have discovered that is the wetest month in Bali, We want to hike, snorkel, be in a friendly culture, and R&R. Is it easy to find drivers to transport you from one area to another? Or public transport? Or safe to drive? Was the language a challenge?
ceili

We drove and it was no problem, but there are some highly recommended drivers that are an option as well(ask around). If the budget allows I think the driver would be nice as they would show/teach you a lot that you would miss if you drive yourself. If going to Arenal I would get a private driver to take you there and then rent a car locally for the time you are in Arenal. We spoke no spanish and it was not a problem at all. I just feel like I missed out on a lot not being able to communicate well with the amazing people that we met.
Thanks,
Adam