Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Costa Rica: Pura Vida!!!!
"Pure Life"
The Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica was excellent. Arenal Volcano is the most active volcano in the world. At night we could see lava flowing down one side. It was quite something to see; unfortunately, we were not able to capture that with the digital camera. However, having a relaxing supper at a nearby restaurant while watching it will always be a fond memory.
Zip line gear!! Doesn't she look sexy!??
Zip line gear!! Don't I look sexy!!?
Video of Dan out of control on the zip line. May take a bit before it is available for viewing. U tube needs to verify it first.
Our new friend, Ivan, suggested the ride over to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica to a small hippie/surfer/backpacker type of town called Puerto Viejo.
The sign reads "Let's keep Puerto Viejo clean and safe." Irony or truth?
This nasty bridge crosses the river at the Costa Rica-Panama border. Some bikers have ended their trip on this bridge. Planks are missing in places. Sometimes there is no railing at all. Footing is not easy to find when you lose your balance because of the line between the boards. Worst of all, there is another bridge after this one 15 km down the road that is longer and nastier than this one. By then though, we were pros !!
The five-meter drop into the water doesn't help matters.
Ivan lightening the mood at the border into Panama. He paid this boy to be allowed to clean HIS shoes.
We ended up saying goodbye to Ivan in Almirante, where Columbus first set foot in Panama. We had four fun days together. Hopefully, we will have a chance to meet up again sometime. Cheers Ivan!!!
Ivan, a photographer who's travelling, or a traveller who's photographing? He has not decided yet!!! Ivan has surely found an interesting way to extend his trip in the Americas.
After the bridge crossing, we rode through some of the best scenery and roads through the whole trip. On the northwestern end of Panama, the Ngöme-Buglé dwellings dot the setting. These homes are very simple but also very clean. These girls, another sister and a baby boy live in this hut with their mom and dad.
