1000Places : photos : 2004-Costa Rica : ON THE ROAD TO VOLCAN POAS, COSTA RICA - When our bus stopped at a roadside restaurant (and banos), an elderly Tico "coincidentially" wandered up the road with his grandson in an oxcart. It was a "Kodak moment," and as we left, the old man parked the ox, cart, and grandson under a nearby tree and waited for the next tourist bus.- powered by SmugMug

We begin our retirement by heading to flora and fauna.

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1000places > SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Our second hotel in San Jose was the Grano de Oro, named one of the five "Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica" (although we aren't sure by whom). Another converted mansion once owned by a coffee plantation baron, Grano de Oro means "The Golden Bean" (coffee).

1000places > SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Wandering through the Grano de Oro, we came upon this beautiful indoor fountain.

1000places > SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - On the rooftop of the Grano de Oro was a secluded terrace with two jacuzzis, deck chairs, and Greek urns.

1000places > BRAULIO CARILLO RAINFOREST near SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - We took a short day trip from downtown San Jose to the Braulio Carillo rainforest. Our guide showed us an example of the "walking tree" - a tree that progressively extends its roots along the ground so that it slowly "walks" through the jungle.

1000places > BRAULIO CARILLO RAINFOREST near SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Shooting from an aerial tram high above the Braulio Carrillo rainforest, Jeanne captured the geometric beauty of a giant fern.

1000places > BRAULIO CARILLO RAINFOREST near SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Jeanne enjoys a "small lunch" after our excursion through the rainforest. Costa Ricans see lunch as their main meal and treat the tourists to the same portions. However, they also serve American-size portions for dinner.

1000places > VOLCAN POAS - Easily the most impressive "scenic vista" of our trip was the Volcan Poas. Just 23 miles from San Jose, the volcano is coming out of a particularly active 40- to 45-year phase. Fumaroles still expel gases from the crater, and the Volcan Poas National Park has had to close briefly in the recent past when the sulfurous fumes were deemed hazardous to spectators.

1000places > VOLCAN POAS - We pose for a "we were there" photo in front of the impressive crater.

ON THE ROAD TO VOLCAN POAS, COSTA RICA - When our bus stopped at a roadside restaurant (and banos), an elderly Tico "coincidentially" wandered up the road with his grandson in an oxcart. It was a "Kodak moment," and as we left, the old man parked the ox, cart, and grandson under a nearby tree and waited for the next tourist bus.