Shillmac's Costa Rica Adventure--Best Ever??
Aug 29th, 2008, 06:38 PM
#61
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Fun reading, Shillmac. I figured I'd wait until the last installment until I posted. So many interesting things in your report, but the one that really caught my eye was this:
"We became fast friends about 20 minutes into the flight when it got REALLY bumpy and we were talking fast and furious to keep our minds occupied."
Oh, do I know that feeling well. I've used that approach, but sometimes to no avail.
Thank you for a great report. I'm so glad you had a good time.
"We became fast friends about 20 minutes into the flight when it got REALLY bumpy and we were talking fast and furious to keep our minds occupied."
Oh, do I know that feeling well. I've used that approach, but sometimes to no avail.
Thank you for a great report. I'm so glad you had a good time.
Aug 30th, 2008, 05:45 AM
#62
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See, here's what happens. A person has a cookout to get ready for so gets up early on a Saturday to get the eggs boiling, the potatoes peeled and also boiling so an early start can be made on the potato salad.
Then, said person sits down at the computer to login to Fodors and send a link for a trip report to a friend as promised.
Somehow, Fodors opens up on the Latin American board. Oh! A trip report on BC! Must read. Oh! Shillmac's trip report that I somehow lost track of. Must read.
Still haven't sent trip report link to friend.
Thank you for a very enjoyable trip report!
Then, said person sits down at the computer to login to Fodors and send a link for a trip report to a friend as promised.
Somehow, Fodors opens up on the Latin American board. Oh! A trip report on BC! Must read. Oh! Shillmac's trip report that I somehow lost track of. Must read.
Still haven't sent trip report link to friend.
Thank you for a very enjoyable trip report!
Aug 30th, 2008, 01:17 PM
#64
What kind of face !!!
oops, I'm in trouble....how do I delete this.!!!
Can't seem to delete this...hopefully
<font color="red">s</font>hillmac will not read it ( gulp !!!).
Percy
oops, I'm in trouble....how do I delete this.!!!
Can't seem to delete this...hopefully
<font color="red">s</font>hillmac will not read it ( gulp !!!).
Percy
Sep 2nd, 2008, 08:34 PM
#65
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Thanks, Jeff. Thought about you while we were there. You are such a great source of solid sensible advice to the Fodor "cult", myself included.
And thanks, janienicole. . nice to be called "cute" in my old age. LOL!
As for you, Percy, words escape me.
Actually, there is one more installment. . .the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio and Playa Flamingo, with some information I think may be helpful. Will get it finished up this week.
Hope everyone had a happy and safe 3 day weekend! And now, only 3 workdays left in this week. . .woo hoo!
And thanks, janienicole. . nice to be called "cute" in my old age. LOL!
As for you, Percy, words escape me.
Actually, there is one more installment. . .the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio and Playa Flamingo, with some information I think may be helpful. Will get it finished up this week.
Hope everyone had a happy and safe 3 day weekend! And now, only 3 workdays left in this week. . .woo hoo!
Sep 3rd, 2008, 06:01 PM
#66
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Finally, LAST installment. . .
Manuel Antonio, Villa Mot Mot, Tulemar Bungalows:
We arrived about 8:00 p.m. on August 5 and had a quick and efficient check-in. We had left San Jose amid rush hour traffic about 4:30 that afternoon. It was encouraging to see the progress being made on both of the OMG bridges outside Quepos, but it just won't be the same will it?!
Lower Mot Mot: PERFECT FOR US!
With a very comfy Cali-King, the 3 of us slept great every night. The DVD's provided in the room were good and got us cozily through a couple of rainy afternoons while our granddaughter slept like a log after hours at the beach and pool!
Early mornings found us out on the large patio playing or watching the antics of capuchin and squirrel monkeys. Following breakfaset, we headed daily for the private beach, just a minute or two drive away. The water was fun, the beach was beautiful, there were few people, and we had huge spaces to ourselves to enjoy. The beach showers provided were great and we could order drinks and lunch from the bar.
Early afternoons found us at the hotel pool where we watched a sloth in a close branch overhead grooming him/her? self. And where we fed the iguanas raisins, almost out of our hands.
And then the rains came and we retreated to our lovely room with lovely views and a lovely huge jacuzzi for movies and naps. It was great!
Evenings found us first at Ronnie's Place (Mi Lugar), then at Mar Luna, both excellent.
We made it to Si Como No gift shop because it is one of my favorite places and has a convenient internet. We made it to the little super for snacks. And that was it. . .never went to the park, never ventured from the property during the day. . .and loved every minute of it!
A few days later we made our way to the north to Flamingo Beach Resort. Stopped a few minutes at the Rio Tarcoles and the crocs were huge as ever! Not that I had expected them to shrink. . .
We were interested in some of the changes we saw along the way. . .like the new restaurant, El Toro (?) at the junction of highways 21 and 18 with the HUGE bull in front. Wow. .has that intersection every grown and changed!
Our biggest problem of the entire trip came upon arrival at Flamingo Beach Resort. We had a very unsettling experience when we tried to check in. I think for the sake of not repeating myself too much, I'll not go over it again, but for anyone planning to visit there, you may want to read the following review on Trip Advisor (something I don't usually do).
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...uanacaste.html
We have stayed there for years and recommended the hotel many times, hence you can understand my disappointment. The "issue" was resolved, I have spoken with the owner of the hotel, who lives in Miami. He has offered sincere apology and recompense and has intentions of making sure these kinds of problems are eliminated.
We love it there, will stay again (unless it gets too expensive for us--renovations are still ongoing and include a spa upstairs).
If the owner attempts to turn it into a luxury hotel with luxury prices, I'm afraid he won't be successful. As I've said before, the rooms are "Holiday-Innish", but large and clean. And what a location! Still one of the most stunning beaches in the country. Lousy food, lousy front desk service, but lots of good food choices nearby. Marie's is gorgeous after being rebuilt. The Happy Snapper was excellent as well.
Never go there on the all-inclusive plan. .at least until reviews prove that the owner really HAS hired a decent chef and his plans to improve the food really HAVE been successful!
We paid $104 without breakfast (used to be included). After the first morning, we discovered they had charged us $12.50 per person for breakfast (WHAT?) and after that we always drove to Brasilito and ate at Outback Jack's (Hotel Brasilito) for $5 each. Very good, too.
We had 3 days here. . .we spent our time on the beach, at the pool (FBR has one of the nicest pools and children's pools we've ever come across). The guys at the gate were the friendliest people we came across. Same faces we've seen year after year, always pleasant, always welcoming, joking, acting genuinely pleased to see us. Interesting that they were the only ones who made us feel special! Great guys who have been there a long time!
Also, we went daily to Playa Brasilito and either walked or drove to Playa Conchal. They now allow, once again, traffic on that beach between Brasilito and Conchal. I'd forgotten how wonderful the waters of Conchal are, so clear and blue. One afternoon, with the help of an employee at Paradisus, whom we have known for years, we were able to go in and spend a couple of hours at that pool.
In short, these last 7 beach days at MA and Playa Flamingo were pure relax and enjoy. No plans, no schedule, just whatever, very low-activity days, perfect for spending time with a 3 year old! It was hard to come home!
We almost missed our Continental flight out of Liberia due to several factors all rolled together. If any ONE of them hadn't occurred, we would have been fine. . that sort of thing. Murphy's Law, I suppose. They did actually close the ticket counters by the time I ran up huffing and puffing with our exit tax paperwork. We were told we would have to try to get on a flight the next day. I begged and heard, "no way, no how".
5 minutes later, a young woman walked up, and when I told her we HAD to get our granddaughter home to her parents that night, she did indeed open a counter for us, checked our luggage, and issued boarding passes. I was so darned grateful. .gave her a $20 which she was determined not to take. And I was more determined that she would! If I'd had a $100, I'd probably have given her that instead. What a sweetheart!
And my husband was so darned mad at me he was about to have a heart attack (type A fellow!). We were almost home to OKC before he was speaking to me again! Oh, maybe I'm exaggerating, I kept elbowing him and reminding him of how I had "gotten us on the plane". To which he responded "you made us late in the first place"! Not entirely true, but partly!
As to the title of the post: "Best Ever?" You know, I think it was. We just had a marvelous time every way, everywhere.
I did forget to say earlier that at Bosque del Cabo we met "Hazelnut" and her family from this board. I hadn't realized we would be there at the same time. After a little conversation with her husband at the bar one night, the Fodor board came up, and figured it out from there. They were from Long Island. She hasn't reported, but it was clear that they were having a wonderful time--2 families traveling together.
Thanks, everyone, for your patience. Once again, it is a pleasure to be a part of such a great "travel family". I always appreciate the help I get on this board from the rest of you and hope that some of the info posted in this report will return the favor! Buen Viaje and Pura Vida!
Manuel Antonio, Villa Mot Mot, Tulemar Bungalows:
We arrived about 8:00 p.m. on August 5 and had a quick and efficient check-in. We had left San Jose amid rush hour traffic about 4:30 that afternoon. It was encouraging to see the progress being made on both of the OMG bridges outside Quepos, but it just won't be the same will it?!
Lower Mot Mot: PERFECT FOR US!
With a very comfy Cali-King, the 3 of us slept great every night. The DVD's provided in the room were good and got us cozily through a couple of rainy afternoons while our granddaughter slept like a log after hours at the beach and pool!
Early mornings found us out on the large patio playing or watching the antics of capuchin and squirrel monkeys. Following breakfaset, we headed daily for the private beach, just a minute or two drive away. The water was fun, the beach was beautiful, there were few people, and we had huge spaces to ourselves to enjoy. The beach showers provided were great and we could order drinks and lunch from the bar.
Early afternoons found us at the hotel pool where we watched a sloth in a close branch overhead grooming him/her? self. And where we fed the iguanas raisins, almost out of our hands.
And then the rains came and we retreated to our lovely room with lovely views and a lovely huge jacuzzi for movies and naps. It was great!
Evenings found us first at Ronnie's Place (Mi Lugar), then at Mar Luna, both excellent.
We made it to Si Como No gift shop because it is one of my favorite places and has a convenient internet. We made it to the little super for snacks. And that was it. . .never went to the park, never ventured from the property during the day. . .and loved every minute of it!
A few days later we made our way to the north to Flamingo Beach Resort. Stopped a few minutes at the Rio Tarcoles and the crocs were huge as ever! Not that I had expected them to shrink. . .
We were interested in some of the changes we saw along the way. . .like the new restaurant, El Toro (?) at the junction of highways 21 and 18 with the HUGE bull in front. Wow. .has that intersection every grown and changed!
Our biggest problem of the entire trip came upon arrival at Flamingo Beach Resort. We had a very unsettling experience when we tried to check in. I think for the sake of not repeating myself too much, I'll not go over it again, but for anyone planning to visit there, you may want to read the following review on Trip Advisor (something I don't usually do).
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...uanacaste.html
We have stayed there for years and recommended the hotel many times, hence you can understand my disappointment. The "issue" was resolved, I have spoken with the owner of the hotel, who lives in Miami. He has offered sincere apology and recompense and has intentions of making sure these kinds of problems are eliminated.
We love it there, will stay again (unless it gets too expensive for us--renovations are still ongoing and include a spa upstairs).
If the owner attempts to turn it into a luxury hotel with luxury prices, I'm afraid he won't be successful. As I've said before, the rooms are "Holiday-Innish", but large and clean. And what a location! Still one of the most stunning beaches in the country. Lousy food, lousy front desk service, but lots of good food choices nearby. Marie's is gorgeous after being rebuilt. The Happy Snapper was excellent as well.
Never go there on the all-inclusive plan. .at least until reviews prove that the owner really HAS hired a decent chef and his plans to improve the food really HAVE been successful!
We paid $104 without breakfast (used to be included). After the first morning, we discovered they had charged us $12.50 per person for breakfast (WHAT?) and after that we always drove to Brasilito and ate at Outback Jack's (Hotel Brasilito) for $5 each. Very good, too.
We had 3 days here. . .we spent our time on the beach, at the pool (FBR has one of the nicest pools and children's pools we've ever come across). The guys at the gate were the friendliest people we came across. Same faces we've seen year after year, always pleasant, always welcoming, joking, acting genuinely pleased to see us. Interesting that they were the only ones who made us feel special!
Great guys who have been there a long time!Also, we went daily to Playa Brasilito and either walked or drove to Playa Conchal. They now allow, once again, traffic on that beach between Brasilito and Conchal. I'd forgotten how wonderful the waters of Conchal are, so clear and blue. One afternoon, with the help of an employee at Paradisus, whom we have known for years, we were able to go in and spend a couple of hours at that pool.
In short, these last 7 beach days at MA and Playa Flamingo were pure relax and enjoy. No plans, no schedule, just whatever, very low-activity days, perfect for spending time with a 3 year old! It was hard to come home!
We almost missed our Continental flight out of Liberia due to several factors all rolled together. If any ONE of them hadn't occurred, we would have been fine. . that sort of thing. Murphy's Law, I suppose. They did actually close the ticket counters by the time I ran up huffing and puffing with our exit tax paperwork. We were told we would have to try to get on a flight the next day. I begged and heard, "no way, no how".
5 minutes later, a young woman walked up, and when I told her we HAD to get our granddaughter home to her parents that night, she did indeed open a counter for us, checked our luggage, and issued boarding passes. I was so darned grateful. .gave her a $20 which she was determined not to take. And I was more determined that she would! If I'd had a $100, I'd probably have given her that instead. What a sweetheart!
And my husband was so darned mad at me he was about to have a heart attack (type A fellow!).
We were almost home to OKC before he was speaking to me again! Oh, maybe I'm exaggerating, I kept elbowing him and reminding him of how I had "gotten us on the plane". To which he responded "you made us late in the first place"! Not entirely true, but partly! As to the title of the post: "Best Ever?" You know, I think it was. We just had a marvelous time every way, everywhere.
I did forget to say earlier that at Bosque del Cabo we met "Hazelnut" and her family from this board. I hadn't realized we would be there at the same time. After a little conversation with her husband at the bar one night, the Fodor board came up, and figured it out from there. They were from Long Island. She hasn't reported, but it was clear that they were having a wonderful time--2 families traveling together.
Thanks, everyone, for your patience. Once again, it is a pleasure to be a part of such a great "travel family". I always appreciate the help I get on this board from the rest of you and hope that some of the info posted in this report will return the favor! Buen Viaje and Pura Vida!
Sep 3rd, 2008, 06:26 PM
#67
Lovely Report
I enjoyed it all...of course I expected nothing but the best from you shillmac.
You really had an adventure those last days !!!
( Okay let me double check, no errors , nothing for me to delete..so I will post this !!
Percy
I enjoyed it all...of course I expected nothing but the best from you shillmac.
You really had an adventure those last days !!!
( Okay let me double check, no errors , nothing for me to delete..so I will post this !!
Percy
Sep 3rd, 2008, 06:52 PM
#68
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Thanks for posting the final details of your trip! Also, for the warning about Flamingo. But as you said, hopefully your correspondence will make them stand up and take notice. Sounds like a beautiful beach area.
Tulemar sounds lovely, I sort of wish we would have chosen it over BVV, but you live and learn. Your granddaughter must have had such a wonderful time!
Funny about your husband and the $20. Was he embarrassed or what?
Off subject - daughter started middle school today. Yikers!
P<font color="green">e<font color="green">rcy...always the comedian.
</font></font>
Tulemar sounds lovely, I sort of wish we would have chosen it over BVV, but you live and learn. Your granddaughter must have had such a wonderful time!
Funny about your husband and the $20. Was he embarrassed or what?
Off subject - daughter started middle school today. Yikers!
P<font color="green">e<font color="green">rcy...always the comedian.
</font></font>
Sep 3rd, 2008, 07:36 PM
#69
hipvirgochick
<font color="red"> Using that</font> <font color="brown"> color
</font>.<font color="blue"> again.!!!
</font>
<font color="purple"> hmmmmm.. Good Night, </font>
Percy
<font color="red"> Using that</font> <font color="brown"> color
</font>.<font color="blue"> again.!!!
</font>
<font color="purple"> hmmmmm.. Good Night,
</font>Percy
Sep 3rd, 2008, 08:10 PM
#70
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Unlike you, Percy, I didn't proofread, thus it sounds like we were napping and watching DVD's in the "huge jacuzzi" at Villa Mot Mot! LOL
Also, I don't think I mentioned that we were in LOWER Mot Mot (or did?. . .maybe I did). Anyway, recently, through e-mail correspondence (because we were in the country at the same time and visited some of the same places), I asked ShellD to send me her itinerary. Sure enough, (GET THIS): they were in upper Mot Mot for 2 of the days we were in LOWER Mot Mot. How crazy is that? And neither of us had a clue at the time. And we've looked at each other's photos and neither of us really remember seeing the other at breakfast or at the beach. Interesting. . .
And Hip, oh gee, rereading, I REALLY didn't make myself clear! DH was upset because he is this Type A fellow, and the thought of missing our flight, having to hang out until the next day with hotel expense, and then pay some $450 for the rescheduled flight (if we could get it) was almost more than he was going to be able to bear! No amount of my, "Come on, it's just another adventure!" was getting through to him! So I was especially thankful for that young woman who helped us out! He was happy to give her a nice tip as well!
I know you're trying to get a "feel" (don't take that literally!) for this guy you're going to be living in the same house with in less than a year. . .trust me, you'll love him! He tends toward conservatism with our $$, but is quite generous when it comes to time spent in Costa Rica. It just annoys him no end if we have to spend additional $$ paying for avoidable mistakes!
Also, I don't think I mentioned that we were in LOWER Mot Mot (or did?. . .maybe I did). Anyway, recently, through e-mail correspondence (because we were in the country at the same time and visited some of the same places), I asked ShellD to send me her itinerary. Sure enough, (GET THIS): they were in upper Mot Mot for 2 of the days we were in LOWER Mot Mot. How crazy is that? And neither of us had a clue at the time. And we've looked at each other's photos and neither of us really remember seeing the other at breakfast or at the beach. Interesting. . .
And Hip, oh gee, rereading, I REALLY didn't make myself clear! DH was upset because he is this Type A fellow, and the thought of missing our flight, having to hang out until the next day with hotel expense, and then pay some $450 for the rescheduled flight (if we could get it) was almost more than he was going to be able to bear! No amount of my, "Come on, it's just another adventure!" was getting through to him! So I was especially thankful for that young woman who helped us out! He was happy to give her a nice tip as well!
I know you're trying to get a "feel" (don't take that literally!) for this guy you're going to be living in the same house with in less than a year. . .trust me, you'll love him!
He tends toward conservatism with our $$, but is quite generous when it comes to time spent in Costa Rica. It just annoys him no end if we have to spend additional $$ paying for avoidable mistakes!
Sep 4th, 2008, 04:38 AM
#72
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Boo Hoo.....the report is over! I just wanted it to keep on going and going and going.....Oh well, all good things must end as they say.
I loved it, the pics are great and I love putting faces with my cyber friends.
What a trip, I will be bugging you for sure when I start my planning for next year. Thanks Jill for a wonderful wonderful report. Toni
I loved it, the pics are great and I love putting faces with my cyber friends.
What a trip, I will be bugging you for sure when I start my planning for next year. Thanks Jill for a wonderful wonderful report. Toni
Sep 4th, 2008, 01:25 PM
#73
Shillmac:
I've enjoyed your report very much!! I have asked others on our various trips if they are "Fodorites?" They look at me like I'm nuts, and ask "what???" I just say "never mind".
Thanks again.
MY
I've enjoyed your report very much!! I have asked others on our various trips if they are "Fodorites?" They look at me like I'm nuts, and ask "what???" I just say "never mind".
Thanks again.
MY
Sep 5th, 2008, 04:06 AM
#76
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Jill - great report!
Did you get your new bins, and if so, how do you like them?
Isn't the Ornate Hawk -Eagle a splendid creature? We had great looks at one in Braulio Carillo a few years ago and I can still picture it vividly in my mind.
Sorry to read about your "birding
guide" at Tapanti..... I would have been more than a little upset with the folks who suggested him. You should try to get back there sometime; the park can be a great location for tanagers and lots of other goodies, especially down near the ranger station.
cheers
Jerry
Did you get your new bins, and if so, how do you like them?
Isn't the Ornate Hawk -Eagle a splendid creature? We had great looks at one in Braulio Carillo a few years ago and I can still picture it vividly in my mind.
Sorry to read about your "birding
guide" at Tapanti..... I would have been more than a little upset with the folks who suggested him. You should try to get back there sometime; the park can be a great location for tanagers and lots of other goodies, especially down near the ranger station.
cheers
Jerry
Sep 5th, 2008, 04:41 AM
#77
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Thanks Jerry. . how have you been?
Love the binoculars. They worked splendidly for birding. Kathy at Rancho even located a pair recently for Juan Carlos he was so taken with them. Using them is a breeze, and the lightweight I really appreciate.
Did I tell you I took your advice and contacted Eagle Optics? The gentleman I spoke with told me that most of the employees there are birders, some tropical birders, and 6 out of 7 had the Swarovskis. That pretty much sold me. And the fact that I was able to save almost $300 on EBay for a brand new pair cinched the deal! Also it helped that my husband needed a new pair so I handed my other pair (fairly new) down to him and we are both thrilled.
We will go back to Tapanti and have plans to do so next June. Loved it there. I am taking one of Rancho's guides over there with us and buying him a room for the night! We will go to Rancho first. We have already purchased airfare (FF miles) for next summer and that is #1 on the agenda!
Tell me, would YOU have paid the guy the $80? He did drive us over and pay our fees to get in as well as drive us to a couple of different locations in the park. So he WAS worth a little bit. . .
PLUS I had failed to specify when requesting a guide that we wanted a birding expert. Of course, that is the main reason people hire a guide for Tapanti, right??? Just curious.
I wasn't sure how to handle it and didn't want to cause a stir.
Love the binoculars. They worked splendidly for birding. Kathy at Rancho even located a pair recently for Juan Carlos he was so taken with them. Using them is a breeze, and the lightweight I really appreciate.
Did I tell you I took your advice and contacted Eagle Optics? The gentleman I spoke with told me that most of the employees there are birders, some tropical birders, and 6 out of 7 had the Swarovskis. That pretty much sold me. And the fact that I was able to save almost $300 on EBay for a brand new pair cinched the deal! Also it helped that my husband needed a new pair so I handed my other pair (fairly new) down to him and we are both thrilled.
We will go back to Tapanti and have plans to do so next June. Loved it there. I am taking one of Rancho's guides over there with us and buying him a room for the night! We will go to Rancho first. We have already purchased airfare (FF miles) for next summer and that is #1 on the agenda!
Tell me, would YOU have paid the guy the $80? He did drive us over and pay our fees to get in as well as drive us to a couple of different locations in the park. So he WAS worth a little bit. . .
PLUS I had failed to specify when requesting a guide that we wanted a birding expert. Of course, that is the main reason people hire a guide for Tapanti, right??? Just curious.
I wasn't sure how to handle it and didn't want to cause a stir.
Sep 5th, 2008, 08:41 AM
#79
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My new students are awesome, and I am thankful that, after 33 years, I still love what I do! Good thing or else I really WOULD be crying for CR every day!
Funny thing, my job is the only thing that keeps me from visiting about 4 times a year. . .and my job is the only thing that allows me to visit ONE time a year (or twice if I'm lucky)!
Funny thing, my job is the only thing that keeps me from visiting about 4 times a year. . .and my job is the only thing that allows me to visit ONE time a year (or twice if I'm lucky)!
