We're alive! Costa RicaTrip Report: June 2005: Monkeys, insects, and rain...(Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, San Pablo ) Ask me anything!
Jul 14th, 2005, 05:36 AM
#82
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Didn't take as long as I thought.
Here's the link:
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=1006...=SYE/otsi=SALB
Here's the link:
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=1006...=SYE/otsi=SALB
Jul 14th, 2005, 11:06 AM
#83
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schlegal1, Thanks for the link to your photos of Hotel Bougainvillea...wow, what a lot of numbers! So I type all those I guess...(not too brilliant on the computer, I learn new things every week!)
Hubby hasn't given me access to our photos yet. We have a digital camera that mystifies me. I hope to learn how to make a web-site with trip photos to share with people.
Hubby hasn't given me access to our photos yet. We have a digital camera that mystifies me. I hope to learn how to make a web-site with trip photos to share with people.
Jul 14th, 2005, 01:44 PM
#84
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Melissa5:
Sorry, I assumed you knew how to highlight, cut and paste. That is, highlight the link with your mouse (and only the link) then hold down the control key while pressing the "c" key. This copies. Then click on the address bar (where you would type your www.whatever.com) and then hold down the control button while pressing the "v" key. This pastes. Beats typing the whole thing by hand. (This is the shortcut way, you can also do it using the "edit" button on your browser to "copy" and "paste"
Sorry, I assumed you knew how to highlight, cut and paste. That is, highlight the link with your mouse (and only the link) then hold down the control key while pressing the "c" key. This copies. Then click on the address bar (where you would type your www.whatever.com) and then hold down the control button while pressing the "v" key. This pastes. Beats typing the whole thing by hand. (This is the shortcut way, you can also do it using the "edit" button on your browser to "copy" and "paste"
Jul 15th, 2005, 11:54 AM
#86
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schlegal1, thanks for teaching me how to cut and paste! It worked!
My son is a software engineer with his first real job, a Berkeley graduate. He is so smart that when he comes into my office and tries to teach me things on the computer, it overwhelms my poor brain. I have a writer's brain, NOT a computer engineer's brain.
But your instructions were very clear. It worked!
Enjoyed your photos and told my niece about them so she can see them too.
My son is a software engineer with his first real job, a Berkeley graduate. He is so smart that when he comes into my office and tries to teach me things on the computer, it overwhelms my poor brain. I have a writer's brain, NOT a computer engineer's brain.
But your instructions were very clear. It worked!
Enjoyed your photos and told my niece about them so she can see them too.
Jul 17th, 2005, 05:31 AM
#87
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Hola! Melissa,
Do you recall about what time it gets dark in Arenal? We'll be there in two weeks. My son and I are driving from SJO to Arenal Lodge after arriving SJO at 1 pm. There should be enough time if the flight in on time but could get hairy if late. Of course, I'm trying to avoid driving in the dark. It probably will also take some time getting the rental car. And there will probably some pouring rain in the afternoon.
Thanks,
Do you recall about what time it gets dark in Arenal? We'll be there in two weeks. My son and I are driving from SJO to Arenal Lodge after arriving SJO at 1 pm. There should be enough time if the flight in on time but could get hairy if late. Of course, I'm trying to avoid driving in the dark. It probably will also take some time getting the rental car. And there will probably some pouring rain in the afternoon.
Thanks,
Jul 17th, 2005, 10:08 AM
#89
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fothomas, I strongly recommend getting a hotel for 1 night near the airport in order to take the drive to Arenal in the early morning. We got a late start, left the airport hotel around 11:00 am, and ended up driving through a tree-knocking storm in the afternoon, crashing thunder and lightening, to Arenal. Visibility was poor so we missed the scenery, driving through a gree jungle area, I'm sure it's beautiful in the clear weather! Plus it was dangerous driving in the pouring rain...always is more hazardous any time anywhere you are driving in the pouring rain on unfamiliar roads.
You will really not be "missing" anything in Arenal by waiting until the next morning for the drive...if you arrive in Arenal in the late afternoon/evening, it will probably be raining anyway so it's not like you can do anything.
Early morning is the best time for driving in Costa Rica.
If you leave in the early early morning next day, and arrive by 10:00 am, there will still be time to do something.
All of our time in costa Rica, every single morning was clear and sunny, best time for activities and nature walks. Almost every afternoon was rainy. sometimes a light rain. sometimes a hard rain with lightening so you couldn't be outside.
Best of luck.
You will really not be "missing" anything in Arenal by waiting until the next morning for the drive...if you arrive in Arenal in the late afternoon/evening, it will probably be raining anyway so it's not like you can do anything.
Early morning is the best time for driving in Costa Rica.
If you leave in the early early morning next day, and arrive by 10:00 am, there will still be time to do something.
All of our time in costa Rica, every single morning was clear and sunny, best time for activities and nature walks. Almost every afternoon was rainy. sometimes a light rain. sometimes a hard rain with lightening so you couldn't be outside.
Best of luck.
Jul 17th, 2005, 10:33 AM
#90
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fothomas, forgot to mention that when you are driving up those narrow mountain curves up to Arenal, there AREN'T ANY GUARD RAILS!!!
tully means well and I don't mean to contradict tully. People just have different opinions on this question. You'll need to make the choice that's right for you.
I forgot you did ask when it gets dark in Arenal. Actually I don't recall the exact time, I think it gets dark early. We were always eating dinner in the dark definitely. But what I remember is that it wasn't the darkness that would curtail our activities for the day, it was always the rain!
Best way to deal with the rainy season in Costa Rica is to try to get up earlier and earlier each day, to get the most out of the sunny mornings. Get to bed before 11:00 pm. Expect it to rain in the afternoon. But if you get up early and have an active day, you'll be tired by afternoon anyway!
Maybe it's different in the dry season. But in the rainy season, afternoons aren't a good time to be driving.
tully means well and I don't mean to contradict tully. People just have different opinions on this question. You'll need to make the choice that's right for you.
I forgot you did ask when it gets dark in Arenal. Actually I don't recall the exact time, I think it gets dark early. We were always eating dinner in the dark definitely. But what I remember is that it wasn't the darkness that would curtail our activities for the day, it was always the rain!
Best way to deal with the rainy season in Costa Rica is to try to get up earlier and earlier each day, to get the most out of the sunny mornings. Get to bed before 11:00 pm. Expect it to rain in the afternoon. But if you get up early and have an active day, you'll be tired by afternoon anyway!
Maybe it's different in the dry season. But in the rainy season, afternoons aren't a good time to be driving.
Jul 17th, 2005, 02:32 PM
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Melissa and tully, thanks so much for the repplies.
Melissa, I took your words of caution with heart but I have a dilemma. I believe it's too late to cancel the reservation at Arenal Lodge for our first night.
I've been debating car rental vs. hiring a driver issue. I think this may just be the tipping point in favor of hiring a driver. I know for sure I can cancel the car rental reservation(Adobe). We're not going many places like you did. Our trvel route is SJO-Arenal-SJO-Pacuare rafting-Toutuguero. The last two tours will be with a tour company.
I'm new in this forum. Has anyone recommend a driver named Carlos Bogarin?
Thanks again.
Melissa, I took your words of caution with heart but I have a dilemma. I believe it's too late to cancel the reservation at Arenal Lodge for our first night.
I've been debating car rental vs. hiring a driver issue. I think this may just be the tipping point in favor of hiring a driver. I know for sure I can cancel the car rental reservation(Adobe). We're not going many places like you did. Our trvel route is SJO-Arenal-SJO-Pacuare rafting-Toutuguero. The last two tours will be with a tour company.
I'm new in this forum. Has anyone recommend a driver named Carlos Bogarin?
Thanks again.
Jul 17th, 2005, 02:43 PM
#92
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fothomas - if you go to tripadvisor forums ( http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...osta_Rica.html )and type in his full name in the search function, it looks like he's got several very good reviews. I think you'll be fine driving there yourself, but if you want a driver he sounds like a good one.
Jul 17th, 2005, 04:14 PM
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Fothomas- we had no problem driving up till about 6PM. Melissa is right it can be a bit tough, but the roads to Arenal are not so bad. It is just the luck of the draw as far as the weather goes. I would not cancel- just plunge in!ENJOY! Don't worry!
Feb 1st, 2007, 12:27 AM
#95
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I just realized my title says "Ask me anything". But I won't be able to answer til we get back from our New Zealand trip towards the end of February 2007! Just didn't want anybody to think they were being ignored...
Jul 18th, 2007, 03:52 PM
#96
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Although it has been 2 years since our first trip to Costa Rica, I am still in love with the gorgeous rainforests, cloud forests, and the rich and diverse flora and fauna! I miss it.
I am moving this trip report up for friends who are now planning their first trip to Costa Rica...to celebrate their 50th anniversary! You might be seeing them soon on the forums, and I know you will all give them great advice. Happy 50th to our friends!
I am moving this trip report up for friends who are now planning their first trip to Costa Rica...to celebrate their 50th anniversary! You might be seeing them soon on the forums, and I know you will all give them great advice. Happy 50th to our friends!
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