Thus we hopped in the car last Friday and headed to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Having been here almost 5 years, we found that we actually traveled to few other places. And we quickly remembered why.
200 miles. 1/2 tank of gas. It took 9 hours.
Driving in Costa Rica is one of the reasons we are excited to say goodbye to this country. It is a slow, often dangerous and exhausting experience. Bad gravel roads used to be the excuse for the length travel times, yet now it’s paved two lane roads that still take forever when you are stuck behind a 18 wheeler going up a steep grade with no passing lanes.
That said, Costa Ricans are still in a hurry to get where they’re going and will take every opportunity to pass a slow going vehicle. Regardless of the painted double lines, curvy road signs or a 10 car bumper to bumper line up - they’ll try to pass. I’ve seen many accidents but one in particular of a semi truck and two motorcycles and one dead body on the side of the road. I’ve learned to just close my eyes, pray and hope for the best when Balin’s driving. When I’m driving, I still hold my breath, step on the gas and hope for the best.
Puerto Viejo was a lovely little section of the coast, just south of Limon. The town stretches along the coast line, filled with bicycles, pedestrians and cars. It has a flavor of time slowing down even a bit more than typical Tico time. We spent three nights at a lovely Airbnb that was newly built and designed after the plantation style homes in Key West. I loved everything about the home, including the sloths in the trees above the house.
Balin and I recently have decided to eat plant based, Whole Foods and are finding that traveling and eating are surprisingly easy. Staying in an Airbnb helped with this as we prepared a couple of salads yet there were plenty of delicious breakfast and dinner options throughout P.V. We’re finding that we really enjoy eating vegetables, grains, fruits and don’t miss animal products or factory processed foods at all. We’ve been doing it for a month now and are finding we have more energy, have less stomach issues and like the way our bodies feel. It’s been a huge gift to start this process while we’re in Costa Rica as our schedule and the climate allow for time to prepare simple food and the heat seems to take away our appetite a bit. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes when we’re back in our home culture.
Coming back to Casa de Paz reminded us both why we love our home here. It was so nice to sleep in our own beds with our fluffy pillows, have a well stocked kitchen, a great view and a beach with no people on it.
This week we are enjoying a time of quiet and solitude while we look forward to our friends the Nelsons from Georgia arrival.
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