Travel to Costa Rica

LAX   Monday Feb 17  9:30pm. Waiting for overnight flight to San Jose /Costa Rica.  Good start ! While enjoying some drinks at one of  the airport bars, we met a twosome from Holland and Idaho who were also going to the land of the Ticos. They were all exited, and so are we, although our itinerary appears to be less organized ..

La Fontana, Costa Rica, Feb 20

First big adventure to report: On the way to the Arenal hot springs Tabacon a bunch of cars were stopping to take pictures of  a bunch of raccoons on the road who were begging for food. Some people fed them which they should not. I got out of the car to get close and take a picture. A raccoon came close and stood up to beg for food. When I didn’t give him any , it got angry and bit me in the hand. I got first aid at the hot springs, a big bandage, but no further damage. The fun at the wonderful hot pools and tropical gardens at Tabacon continued, and everyone stared at my hand feeling sorry. We had a beer at the bar, sitting in the water.  See pictures on top of this post about this  raccoon incident.

February 24

Just returned from a tour to Canio Negro reserve, where a boat took us on a jungle river cruise. Saw lots of caymans, iguanas, and a parade of colorful birds, and three species of monkeys. The last two days we spent at the Monteverde Cloud Forest where we spotted the famous Quetzal bird, and found the male and female again during a night walk, sleeping on a tree branch.