volcanogirl

We had hot water; they came and changed out a propane-looking tank while we were there to make sure it was hot. There's electricity but no AC, and it's not all that powerful; we could read, but you can't run something like a blow dryer. We did have a small fan in our room that you could plug in to get a breeze.

plumboy

Thanks again. I'm really looking forward to being somewhere with no tv, no a/c, no phone, no text messages, now news, no computer (as I'm typing!) - just completely cut off. Sounds divine right about now...

tully

plum are you going to MA before or after BdC? Just curious as years ago I did BdC then MA and I had such a hard time adjusting back to the sounds! Such a big plus at BdC is not just the lack of noise pollution but light pollution. After dinner when you go back to your cabina, sit out on the porch and just take it all in. Tons of stars, a fishing boat out on the water, the complete darkness. Last trip I kept hearing all these little noises just off the edge of the deck and they kept coming closer, got my flashlight to see it was halloween crab date night!

plumboy

Hey, going to BdC then MA - it just worked better for our flight schedule, etc - plus, this way, we can stay at MA up to our very last day. Just didn't want to "sacrifice" a night near SJO - though I know there are some great places to stay near there (I should know, I've made and canceled reservations at many of them! Yes, I'm one of those people...).

We're staying at a place called Villa Roca in MA, this time (we were at BVV last time). I don't know how well-lit the grounds are, but I think it might be sort of quiet, at least - well, at least no street noise. I was surprised by how loud BVV was at night - the sounds of the forest were deafening! Honestly, louder than my street here in Brooklyn! But, it was wonderful noise.

plumboy

Hey everyone - I do have another question. Again, I think I know the answer to it, but I thought I'd double check. But, is the outside shower in the cabins the only shower? Is there also an inside shower?

Also, by the way, I've switched BACK to Congo! I can be so indecisive sometimes. But, I decided the view was more important to me than the bathtub. I'm sure the folks in the reservations office must have me blacklisted by now... thanks!

volcanogirl

Yep, the outside shower is THE one and only shower. We really loved it - it's still very private even though it's outside, sort of a wall and tall plants around.

plumboy

Thanks - that's what I thought, but just wanted to confirm. I appreciate it.

hipvirgochick

plumboy -- Yes, outdoor shower only. Just remember, what happens at BDC, stays at BDC. ;-)

Just kidding with you. You have quite a bit of privacy as the walls are fairly high. Have your partner go into the shower while you walk around the grounds and you'll see.

plumboy

I'm not so worried about the privacy. It's that old snake fear again. If we see a snake early on, he's going to flip out! I can see him even being afraid of showering outside. I just read the latest review of BdC on TA, and the person apparently had several snake sightings. I personally can't wait, but not sure he's going to be as excited as me about that particular aspect! At this point, I'm keeping the possibility of snake sightings to myself - no reason to freak him out unnecessarily. Lies of omission!

volcanogirl

We didn't see a single snake the entire time; I think you'll be okay. I understand the fear. I've seen 4 in my backyard so far this year and even though they're harmless, I literally jump when I see one. I think you're wise to keep the information to yourself.

hipvirgochick

I didn't have any snakes in my shower, but I did have a few resident gecko's. ;-)

plumboy

Well, I've at least been able to convince him that geckos are good - they eat the bugs. Snakes eat the bugs too, I assume, but that would be an uphill battle - so I don't even go there.

I just hope to be able shower while watching monkeys!

shillmac

After many visits to BdC, I can honestly say the only snakes we have seen are down at the Frog Pond (you'll see what that is by the road leading to and from Reception) at night--the small Cat Eye snakes that come out after dark to eat the frog eggs. It is fascinating to watch.

One couple this past July saw the Tropical King Snake while hiking. It's the false coral.

It REALLY would be rather unusual for you to see one--it just doesn't usually happen. The showers are clean, open, sunny, no worries.

March is VERY hot at BdC. We took bandanas and kept them wet to use as doo rags (how do you spell that?!) or around the neck while hiking. It helped a bit.

I haven't read all the above posts carefully, so perhaps it has been mentioned, but there are lots fewer bugs/etc. during the dry season. More out and about in July, when we usually go. Still not that many, my opinion. We do always see the large golden orb spiders, and lots of them; but I have grown quite fond of those. They are harmless and attractive.

plumboy

Thanks for the info. I had been wondering just how hot it was going to be in March, but that's what I expected. It'll be a welcome relief from the looonnnggg winter here, I'm sure!

We'll make sure we bring plenty of bandannas with us - and just expect to be a bit uncomfortable at night. In fact, this is going to be a little litmus test for us to see if we can really survive in that kind of climate without a/c at night (for sleeping - otherwise, we totally don't need it). If we see that we can do it, it'll open a lot of other possibilities for travel for us (it seems that a lot of the coolest places in the world also happen to be the hottest - and don't have a/c, for obvious reasons).

shillmac

I don't remember the nights being much of a problem even in March, with the cabinas sitting up on that bluff overlooking the gulf. In July, my favorite time, it is downright pleasant. . warm with frequent cool breezes. Just love it then!

Mixter603

Plumboy, my husband owns his own heating/AC business. Needless to say, we like our house cold in the heat of summer. We were able to stand BdC in the gardens. The amount of wildlife you see on your trip will more than make up for the lack of cold air. If we can do it, anyone can do it.

I can't wait until March because I'll be there too.

volcanogirl

We've only been in July, but for us, the temps were in the low 80s at night. One of our friends had a clock with a temperature gauge on it. We used the fan every night to get a breeze and kept our louvered windows open. It wasn't too bad.

plumboy

Thank you for all your comments!

Yes, I'm sure the place more than makes up for any temperature/humidity discomfort. It's really a minor concern - and not really a concern at all since we're only going to be there for 3 nights. After which, we are headed to a hotel with a/c and all the other modern luxuries. Surely we can "rough" it for a few days in exchange for the beauty around us.

It looks so beautiful in photos it's hard to imagine actually being there. Less than 5 months and a 40 year birthday to go... the countdown has started. (I GOTTA start taking more vacations! I can't do this once a year thing - it's just too long to wait - who knows, maybe I can try to make the June/July GTG, hmmm...)

shillmac

After you've been in March, you'll definitely feel the pull to get back there in June!