Okay, fellow Fodorites, I'm nearing the end of this attempt to describe the indescribable!

We arrived back in the Central Valley on Tuesday, July 6, and left Thursday, July 15. This is a very rough and disorganized account!

We spenta bit more time with our daughter. This was probably a little disruptive to her experience, but, as mentioned, we have become friends with the family, so were able to smooth it over a bit.

We took her to La Finca Que Ama after class one day, spent the night, had a wonderful time visiting with Neta and Arbel, enjoyed their delicious food, beautiful accomodations, a movie or two on the DVD player in the room, the jacuzzi bathtub, etc. It was great! We didn't leave en route to the hotel until 5:30 in the p.m., but the dreaded dusk and after dark drive afforded us a fabulous sunset and spectacular view of the central valley with all its twinkling lights--something you don't see in the daytime. We had traveled this road before and were very careful!

This was on a Wednesday night, and although, we had reservations for that evening (July 7) at Vida Tropical, we drove over earlier in the afternoon and explained to Jose what we wanted to do (go to La Finca and stay to Vida Tropical on the 8th instead). This worked out great for him as he was overbooked for the night. BTW, by this time, Humberto and Carmen had left and Jose was back in charge. Not sure how that works except I think Humberto is starting his own place, and Jose is in and out, dividing his time between Vida Tropical and Angel Valley.

We did spend the afternoon at Vida Tropical doing much needed laundry. We were TOTALLY out of clean clothes by this time! We liked the casualness of Vido Tropical--everyone just makes themselves at home. We were free to use the phone for our phone card calls to the U.S. Just one big happy family all sharing stories. We met people from several different countries. Vida Tropical does attract a melting pot, making it very interesting!

Upon returning from La Finca Que Ama, we spent Thursday night there in the "Honeymoon Suite", a separate accomodation in the back yard. We had our own private bath!! We had fun with Curious George, the white face capuchin Jose has recently purchased. I think Julie, the Tica Traveler, mentioned him in her report. BTW, Julie, if you read this, we were sorry to miss you. . .I asked about you and Jose told us you had left on the 7th as planned. .or 6th. . can't remember! I've enjoyed reading your reports. . particularly of your stay at the ranch. What fun! We'll definitely give that a go one day!

On Friday, we called Las Orquideas and arranged for a room for the night--loved this place, more about it later! The next morning, Saturday, we took Jamie (our daughter) to Manuel Antonio. Neta had called and arranged a room for us at Hotel California with a discount. It was a crowded weekend and, because of that, now as enjoyable. We did spend some time on the beach, went into the park the next morning, had dinner at Karola's (very good), and did the customary stop at the Rio Tarcoles on Sunday, returning to Heredia--LOTS of crocs. .I counted 35. We had only seen 4 or 5 in March. Made a quick detour through Jaco just to see what it looked like. Probably won't ever spend any time there, although some seem to like it. I think there are more interesting places! Last time we were at MA, it was midweek, very quiet, not many people. I wouldn't ever go there on the weekend again. Way too many people. . .for us, that destroys the fun of walking through the park. The beaches were packed, and that doesn't appeal either.

The rest of our time (Monday through Thursday) was spent going to the mall a couple of evenings (shame on us). We tried to catch a movie, but there wasn't anything showing at the time that we wanted to see. We went to the Real Cariari east of the airport a few miles-- as well as the Mall Internacional in Alajuela--both nice malls as far as malls go!

Spent an afternoon driving up to Zarcero. This is one of my favorite places. Not only is the drive up there absolutely beautiful, but the town itself is neat, the church and topiary pretty and interesting. The climate is wonderful. We were content to spend so much time in the central valley partly because we knew we were coming home to 100 degree plus temps! Also, by now we were running low on money, and as much as we would have liked to take a short trip to either Monteverde or Tortuguero (about the only places we haven't been), we decided to save something for later!

Spent a morning in Grecia and Sarchi.

Went up to Poas one afternoon. It looked good going in as far as clouds go, but once we got to the crater, it was impossible. We knew that afternoon was the worst possible time to go, but we gave it a try anyway. I had seen the crater on an earlier visit, but my husband hadn't. Next time, perhaps.

As you can tell, we spent a lot of time just driving around--particularly on the roads north of Heredia and Alajuela. We took Jamie into San Jose one morning. She hadn't been to the Mercado Central before so we walked along Avenida Central a bit and just looked around. We've done this many times. . .it doesn't hold much excitement for us anymore. But she wanted to drive (hadn't driven in several weeks by now!), so we put her on our insurance for a day and let her have a go at San Jose. She did fine! Figure the girl can drive anywhere now!

One thing we had never done is drive through "gringo gulch"--Escazu--so one afternoon we spent time exploring this area. Not where I'd choose to live, but to each his own!

So, just a few lazy days of not much. We did stay at Las Orquideas from Sunday night through Wednesday night and would highly recommend this place. The new owner, Gary, was very gracious, easy and interesting to talk to, the staff was fantastic. All very friendly, funny, eager to laugh and enjoy the guests, joke and kid around. The breakfast there is, for sure, muy excelente!
The Marilyn Monroe bar was a great hang out in the evening. There was a good 2 page write up on Las Orq a couple of weeks ago in the Tico Times. Weekend section. Check it out if you want to read an excellent review.

In closing, some thoughts.

1. The dogs in Costa Rica, like the people, are very savvy and must have great use of all their senses. They hang out by the roads all day and all night. . .we couldn't believe we never saw a dead one! It's a survival thing! Some have a leg missing, but seem content to enjoy life on 3 legs! I teased my husband because he honked at a little dog who was trying to get across the road as quickly as he could on three legs.

2. All of you who travel to Costa Rica either for the first time or on repeated trips know how beautiful it is, how diverse, how addicting! Several planning first time trips want to be sure they don't make bad choices in where to go and what to do. Again, relax! It isn't going to happen. You are not going to make a mistake anywhere you go!

3. I think something is wrong with us, the roads are starting to feel quite normal. We very seldom see anything to complain about! In fact, more often than not, we find ourselves remarking about how much better they seem than the first time we drove 2 years ago. We have become Tico drivers, I guess!

4. In spite of the natural and amazing beauty of Costa Rica, one thing surpasses even that. Its people continue to be its greatest treasure.

Shillmac,
I loved reading your report!
And as for your final thoughts I couldn't agree more.
After our first trip we complain about the roads and rave about the people but the more trips we take the less we complain about the roads and the more we rave about the people.

Great trip report. Glad to hear about Orquideas inn. Will be staying there on our last couple of days in Costa Rica. Is zancero, sarchi and grecia close to Orquideas? Will be leaving on the 31st of July. Cant wait!

Thanks again for the report shillmac. I just LOVE the Orquideas Inn. We will miss out on it on our next trip in August. Since our new 'home' will be in Nosara, we have decided to fly into Liberia instead of San Jose, as it will only be a two hour drive instead of 4 hours. I can say that I won't mind missing that drive through the mountain pass, that is the only road I really don't like in CR!

koa,
Grecia and Sarchi are closest (about an hour, maybe just a little less). Zarcero is closer to 1.5 hour, but worth checking out if you have the time.

Thanks shillmac. Any advice on mini oxcarts. Looking to send one home for my garden.

I bought one last year and had it shipped. They aren't cheap, but I REALLY wanted one and am so glad I have it! Some are natural wood and some are painted. All have beautiful designs and pictures hand painted. Mine is about 18 inches tall and 24 inches long. I think I paid around $230 for it and shipping was about $30, I think. The best place to buy these is at the Fabrica Chaverri (I think that is how it is spelled). It is a large place right next door to the gift shop "mall". It has a huge selection of carts. Also, at a furniture store in the mall, I bought a leather rocker (the kind you see all over the place in CR). Couldn't resist that either! I hope you find just what you are looking for! Sarchi is a fun place. . .

koa, I'm not sure the website I sent you posted. I'll try again--it's about Grecia, Sarchi, and Zarcero. www.strayreality.com/crgrecia.htm

Wow, $230 dollars for an oxcart! I'll have to really think about it. Anyway, thanks for all the good tips. My trips getting closer and I cant wait!

It may have been $230 including shipping. Can't remember. There is a website from which you can order--I found it when I was looking up Fabrica Chaverri in Costa Rica. It shows several sizes and models, and it may have been more like $195. Still high, I know. If it's any help, I have REALLY enjoyed having mine! Have fun!