2004-Costa Rica

Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish. We picked it as the destination for our retirement vacation - the first time in more than 25 years that we could go somewhere for longer than two w ...

2009-02-14T16:11:38Z

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Costa Rica means "rich coast" in Spanish. We picked it as the destination for our retirement vacation - the first time in more than 25 years that we could go somewhere for longer than two w ...

COSTA RICA - Virtually all the logistics of our trip - 7 hotel reservations and 8 bus "transfers" - were made individually over the Internet. Our route carried us through the Central Valley ...

2009-02-14T15:53:58Z

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COSTA RICA - Virtually all the logistics of our trip - 7 hotel reservations and 8 bus "transfers" - were made individually over the Internet. Our route carried us through the Central Valley ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - We began in the capital city of San Jose. Our first stop was at the Teatro Nacional - the National Theater. Easily it is Costa Rica's most stunning building.

2009-02-14T16:13:00Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - We began in the capital city of San Jose. Our first stop was at the Teatro Nacional - the National Theater. Easily it is Costa Rica's most stunning building.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The baroque interior of the National Theater was restored after a 1991 earthquake. It sparkled with the most gold gilding we had ever seen.

2009-02-14T16:14:05Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The baroque interior of the National Theater was restored after a 1991 earthquake. It sparkled with the most gold gilding we had ever seen.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Our tour guide through the National Theater was an energetic and dramatic Costa Rican who delivered her descriptions in both English and Spanish with a flair deserving ...

2009-02-14T16:09:43Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Our tour guide through the National Theater was an energetic and dramatic Costa Rican who delivered her descriptions in both English and Spanish with a flair deserving ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The National Theater was built after a touring prima donna snubbed San Jose in 1890. Wealthy coffee merchants imposed a tax on themselves and hired Belgian architects ...

2009-02-14T16:12:13Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The National Theater was built after a touring prima donna snubbed San Jose in 1890. Wealthy coffee merchants imposed a tax on themselves and hired Belgian architects ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The theater's concert hall is modeled after the Paris opera house.

2009-02-14T16:12:29Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The theater's concert hall is modeled after the Paris opera house.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Outside the National Theater we found this interesting and very modern sculpture of a flutist.

2009-06-12T11:40:25Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Outside the National Theater we found this interesting and very modern sculpture of a flutist.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - In the central part of the city we found the Museo de Oro - the Gold Museum - which contained the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry in Central America ( ...

2009-06-12T11:53:25Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - In the central part of the city we found the Museo de Oro - the Gold Museum - which contained the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry in Central America ( ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Downtown San Jose boasts numerous urban parks.

2009-02-14T16:14:05Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Downtown San Jose boasts numerous urban parks.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Peaking out from the lush vegetation of one of San Jose's urban parks is a statue of a conquistador, an almost obscure reminder of the Spanish conquest of the 16th cen ...

2009-02-14T16:13:38Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Peaking out from the lush vegetation of one of San Jose's urban parks is a statue of a conquistador, an almost obscure reminder of the Spanish conquest of the 16th cen ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Flanking the Parque Espana is a yellow two-story school building made almost totally of metal. It was fabricated in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in pieces mor ...

2009-02-14T16:13:11Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Flanking the Parque Espana is a yellow two-story school building made almost totally of metal. It was fabricated in Belgium and shipped to Costa Rica in pieces mor ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The appropriately named Casa Amarilla - or "yellow house" - is the home of the country's Cancilleria or Foreign Ministry.

2009-02-14T16:11:41Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The appropriately named Casa Amarilla - or "yellow house" - is the home of the country's Cancilleria or Foreign Ministry.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Mexican Embassy in San Jose was formerly a private home.

2009-06-12T11:52:33Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Mexican Embassy in San Jose was formerly a private home.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Perhaps the most striking monument in San Jose is in the Parque Nacional - the National Park. It depicts the nation's battle against an American, William Walker. I ...

2009-02-14T16:11:29Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Perhaps the most striking monument in San Jose is in the Parque Nacional - the National Park. It depicts the nation's battle against an American, William Walker. I ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Museo Nacional (National Museum) is housed in the Bellavista Fortress which dates from 1870.

2009-02-14T16:12:48Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Museo Nacional (National Museum) is housed in the Bellavista Fortress which dates from 1870.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Bellavista Fortress was still in use during Costa Rica's 1948 revolution. That year an exiled coffee grower Jose Maria (Pepe) Figueres led a civil war against a C ...

2009-06-14T04:45:56Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Bellavista Fortress was still in use during Costa Rica's 1948 revolution. That year an exiled coffee grower Jose Maria (Pepe) Figueres led a civil war against a C ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - One of the pre-Columbian sculptures in Costa Rica's National Museum.

2009-02-14T16:11:35Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - One of the pre-Columbian sculptures in Costa Rica's National Museum.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - One of the elaborately carved metates that date back to AD 500. The more ornate metates were not just for grinding corn but were often buried with nobles, presumably ...

2009-02-14T16:13:51Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - One of the elaborately carved metates that date back to AD 500. The more ornate metates were not just for grinding corn but were often buried with nobles, presumably ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - A statue of the country's revolutionary leader "Don Pepe" Figueres stands in the Plaza de la Democracia at the foot of the fortress. Somehow we expected him to be mo ...

2009-02-14T16:13:35Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - A statue of the country's revolutionary leader "Don Pepe" Figueres stands in the Plaza de la Democracia at the foot of the fortress. Somehow we expected him to be mo ...

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Our first hotel in San Jose was Rosa del Paseo, a converted private home once owned by a rich coffee grower.

2009-02-14T16:13:26Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Our first hotel in San Jose was Rosa del Paseo, a converted private home once owned by a rich coffee grower.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Rosa del Paseo was an elegantly furnished bed-and-breakfast.

2009-06-12T11:44:04Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - The Rosa del Paseo was an elegantly furnished bed-and-breakfast.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Around 5 p.m. each day a band of several retired musicians called La Neuva Marimba San Jose conducts an impromptu concert in the middle of the city.

2009-06-12T11:53:12Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Around 5 p.m. each day a band of several retired musicians called La Neuva Marimba San Jose conducts an impromptu concert in the middle of the city.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Several hundred people routinely finish their workday by gathering to hear La Neuva Marimba San Jose.

2009-06-12T11:51:03Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Several hundred people routinely finish their workday by gathering to hear La Neuva Marimba San Jose.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - As the band picked up the pace several ticos and ticas took to the plaza for a lively Latin salsa (or was it a rumba?).

2009-06-12T11:32:14Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - As the band picked up the pace several ticos and ticas took to the plaza for a lively Latin salsa (or was it a rumba?).

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Monuments are important to Costa Rican culture - especially those that depict the common worker.

2009-02-14T16:14:08Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Monuments are important to Costa Rican culture - especially those that depict the common worker.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Costa Ricans seem to embrace diminutives - the term "Tico" for example - and these statues outside of Banco Central are a good reflection of how Ticos depict themselve ...

2009-02-14T16:12:19Z

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Costa Ricans seem to embrace diminutives - the term "Tico" for example - and these statues outside of Banco Central are a good reflection of how Ticos depict themselve ...

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 ...

2009-02-14T16:13:48Z

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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 ...

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

2009-02-14T16:09:35Z

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

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

2009-02-14T16:11:03Z

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

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 ...

2009-06-12T11:35:39Z

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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 ...

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.

2009-02-14T16:12:08Z

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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.

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 tou ...

2009-06-12T11:44:31Z

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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 tou ...

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 ...

2009-06-14T04:30:53Z

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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 ...

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 ...

2009-02-14T16:12:54Z

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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 ...

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

2009-06-12T11:36:46Z

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

NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Lunch was at Freddo Fresas where the lunch menu choices consisted of "meat, chicken, or fish."

2009-06-12T11:27:19Z

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NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Lunch was at Freddo Fresas where the lunch menu choices consisted of "meat, chicken, or fish."

NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - However, at Freddo Fresas, we were introduced to a favorite mid-day drink of Costa Ricans - a strawberry (fresa) concoction that could either be ordered con leche ...

2009-06-12T11:43:53Z

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NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - However, at Freddo Fresas, we were introduced to a favorite mid-day drink of Costa Ricans - a strawberry (fresa) concoction that could either be ordered con leche ...

NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Outside of San Jose, we stopped alongside the road to look over the countryside.

2009-06-12T11:44:47Z

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NEAR SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - Outside of San Jose, we stopped alongside the road to look over the countryside.

GRECIA, COSTA RICA - We stopped by the small town of Grecia, once voted "the cleanest little town in Latin America" (although again, we couldn't determine by whom.) Its major landmark is a ...

2009-02-14T16:13:14Z

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GRECIA, COSTA RICA - We stopped by the small town of Grecia, once voted "the cleanest little town in Latin America" (although again, we couldn't determine by whom.) Its major landmark is a ...

GRECIA, COSTA RICA - Metal became the construction material of choice for the Grecia church in 1890 when previous churches at the same site that were constructed of other materials either bu ...

2009-06-12T11:35:03Z

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GRECIA, COSTA RICA - Metal became the construction material of choice for the Grecia church in 1890 when previous churches at the same site that were constructed of other materials either bu ...

SARCHI, COSTA RICA - The oxcart - or carreta - plays a very important role in cultural Costa Rica. In the 19th century, oxcards were the only means to transport coffee beans over the mountai ...

2009-06-12T11:39:29Z

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SARCHI, COSTA RICA - The oxcart - or carreta - plays a very important role in cultural Costa Rica. In the 19th century, oxcards were the only means to transport coffee beans over the mountai ...

SARCHI, COSTA RICA - We visited the last remaining establishment in the region that builds oxcarts by hand and watched one of the artists create the intricate geometric designs that make Sar ...

2009-06-12T11:56:54Z

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SARCHI, COSTA RICA - We visited the last remaining establishment in the region that builds oxcarts by hand and watched one of the artists create the intricate geometric designs that make Sar ...

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - We next traveled four hours from San Jose to the village of La Fortuna where we checked into the Tabacon Resort - an exquisite hotel that promised amazing views of A ...

2009-02-14T16:09:08Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - We next traveled four hours from San Jose to the village of La Fortuna where we checked into the Tabacon Resort - an exquisite hotel that promised amazing views of A ...

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - A sign near the resort's entrance provided an ominous warning that a volcano was near.

2009-06-12T11:34:15Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - A sign near the resort's entrance provided an ominous warning that a volcano was near.

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The warm steam rising from the geothermally heated water gave the resort a primeval feel.

2009-02-14T16:10:50Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The warm steam rising from the geothermally heated water gave the resort a primeval feel.

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The beautiful grounds of the Tabacon Resort featured a swimming pool heated by the volcanically-warmed hot springs.

2009-02-14T16:10:06Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The beautiful grounds of the Tabacon Resort featured a swimming pool heated by the volcanically-warmed hot springs.

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The only problem was that it was raining when we arrived. And the rain and heavy overcast never dissipated during the three days we were there. We never saw the fa ...

2009-02-14T16:08:09Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - The only problem was that it was raining when we arrived. And the rain and heavy overcast never dissipated during the three days we were there. We never saw the fa ...

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - So instead of sitting in the volcanically warmed pool and drinking exotic concoctions while watching a spectacular show of flowing lava, we simply sat beside the poo ...

2009-06-12T11:31:37Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - So instead of sitting in the volcanically warmed pool and drinking exotic concoctions while watching a spectacular show of flowing lava, we simply sat beside the poo ...

LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - Since we never actually saw the Arenal volcano, we had to settle for this picture from the resort's gift shop.

2009-02-14T16:09:10Z

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LA FORTUNA, COSTA RICA - Since we never actually saw the Arenal volcano, we had to settle for this picture from the resort's gift shop.

ON THE ROAD, COSTA RICA - We traveled through Costa Rica by pre-arranging eight separate "bus transfers" via the Internet prior to departing the U.S. Costa Rica has two transport services e ...

2009-06-12T11:33:48Z

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ON THE ROAD, COSTA RICA - We traveled through Costa Rica by pre-arranging eight separate "bus transfers" via the Internet prior to departing the U.S. Costa Rica has two transport services e ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - From La Fortuna, we traveled to the Monteverde "cloud forest." Here we first learned the word garua - defined as "more than a mist but not quite a drizzle." Unlike ...

2009-06-12T11:53:29Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - From La Fortuna, we traveled to the Monteverde "cloud forest." Here we first learned the word garua - defined as "more than a mist but not quite a drizzle." Unlike ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We stayed at the Hotel Belmar, two chateaus built by a Costa Rican couple who had previously lived in Austria. Perched high on a hillside, the hotel overlooks the G ...

2009-02-14T16:06:24Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We stayed at the Hotel Belmar, two chateaus built by a Costa Rican couple who had previously lived in Austria. Perched high on a hillside, the hotel overlooks the G ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - There's not much to the village of Monteverde. During our first excursion into the town, we stopped by this gift shop, featuring crafts and other items made by loca ...

2009-02-14T16:08:38Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - There's not much to the village of Monteverde. During our first excursion into the town, we stopped by this gift shop, featuring crafts and other items made by loca ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Hiking back from town and looking like a real naturalist.

2009-02-14T16:08:15Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Hiking back from town and looking like a real naturalist.

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We joined a guided hike through the cloud forest. Positioned atop the Continental Divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and P ...

2009-06-14T04:30:56Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We joined a guided hike through the cloud forest. Positioned atop the Continental Divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and P ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We saw a few birds through the guide's spotting scope - but most of the wildlife had better sense than to sit out in the rain posing for us. We did see a lot of rai ...

2009-02-14T15:59:58Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - We saw a few birds through the guide's spotting scope - but most of the wildlife had better sense than to sit out in the rain posing for us. We did see a lot of rai ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Among the flora and fauna we saw on our hike through the cloud forest was this bird (hummingbird?). We really have to get better in identifying our plants and anima ...

2009-02-14T15:58:20Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Among the flora and fauna we saw on our hike through the cloud forest was this bird (hummingbird?). We really have to get better in identifying our plants and anima ...

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Now we know these are hummingbirds (the feeder is a good clue).

2009-06-12T11:55:33Z

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MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA - Now we know these are hummingbirds (the feeder is a good clue).

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - After several days in the dampness of the rain-drenched Avenal volcano region and the Monteverde cloud forest, we were glad to see sunlight as we arrived at our next ...

2009-06-12T11:43:37Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - After several days in the dampness of the rain-drenched Avenal volcano region and the Monteverde cloud forest, we were glad to see sunlight as we arrived at our next ...

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - We soon discovered that the hotel - on the outskirts of the resort town - had so few guests that we generally had the two pools to ourselves. (But we also discovere ...

2009-06-12T11:28:42Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - We soon discovered that the hotel - on the outskirts of the resort town - had so few guests that we generally had the two pools to ourselves. (But we also discovere ...

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - Jeanne immediately took to a poolside deck chair to catch up on her reading.

2009-02-14T16:06:25Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - Jeanne immediately took to a poolside deck chair to catch up on her reading.

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - And I soon joined her with one of the paperbacks I had brought for the trip.

2009-06-12T11:34:00Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - And I soon joined her with one of the paperbacks I had brought for the trip.

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - During the early mornings we could walk along the nearly deserted beach.

2009-06-12T11:35:25Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - During the early mornings we could walk along the nearly deserted beach.

JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - In the evenings, we would take a cab into the beach resort town where there was always a margarita - and an emergency back-up margarita - waiting for us.

2009-06-12T11:49:05Z

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JACO BEACH, COSTA RICO - In the evenings, we would take a cab into the beach resort town where there was always a margarita - and an emergency back-up margarita - waiting for us.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - Another bus transfer took us from Monteverde to Quepos and our next hotel, El MonoAzul - the Blue Monkey.

2009-06-12T11:49:36Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - Another bus transfer took us from Monteverde to Quepos and our next hotel, El MonoAzul - the Blue Monkey.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The hotel featured nice, though somewhat spartan rooms with private balconies overlooking lush courtyards.

2009-06-12T11:44:35Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The hotel featured nice, though somewhat spartan rooms with private balconies overlooking lush courtyards.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The featured drink was the "Blue Monkey Blast." Jeanne had one, plus an emergency backup.

2009-06-12T11:37:48Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The featured drink was the "Blue Monkey Blast." Jeanne had one, plus an emergency backup.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - From the Blue Monkey Hotel, we could walk to the town of Quepos. Quepos was originally a bustling port during Costa Rica's banana exporting heyday. But when the banana ...

2009-06-12T11:49:35Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - From the Blue Monkey Hotel, we could walk to the town of Quepos. Quepos was originally a bustling port during Costa Rica's banana exporting heyday. But when the banana ...

QUEPOS, COSTA RICA - We had lunch at El Gran Escape, or as it is subtitled the "Fish Head Bar and Grill." At noon time we were too early for the customary Costa Rican lunch hour (which does ...

2009-06-12T11:45:35Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICA - We had lunch at El Gran Escape, or as it is subtitled the "Fish Head Bar and Grill." At noon time we were too early for the customary Costa Rican lunch hour (which does ...

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - Some of the brightly colored foliage outside of our hotel room at the Blue Monkey.

2009-06-12T11:33:50Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - Some of the brightly colored foliage outside of our hotel room at the Blue Monkey.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The staff at the Blue Monkey hotel was very courteous and attentive.

2009-06-12T11:42:21Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - The staff at the Blue Monkey hotel was very courteous and attentive.

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most internationally known designation. Its national park boasts some of the most beautiful, idyllic beaches to b ...

2009-06-12T11:39:33Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's most internationally known designation. Its national park boasts some of the most beautiful, idyllic beaches to b ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Having been on several guided tours with Costa Rican naturalists, we felt we could explore the trails of the national park on our own. So early in ...

2009-06-12T11:41:08Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Having been on several guided tours with Costa Rican naturalists, we felt we could explore the trails of the national park on our own. So early in ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - We stopped to view the first beach, appropriately named Playa Uno, except that we had entered the park along a beach which we believed should have ...

2009-06-12T11:35:28Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - We stopped to view the first beach, appropriately named Playa Uno, except that we had entered the park along a beach which we believed should have ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - We trekked along a winding path to emerge onto a 2nd beach (or was it the 3rd?). Reaching it required us to pick our way through a boulder-strew ...

2009-06-12T11:44:32Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - We trekked along a winding path to emerge onto a 2nd beach (or was it the 3rd?). Reaching it required us to pick our way through a boulder-strew ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - ....sending at least one iguana scurrying to safety.

2009-06-12T11:39:11Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - ....sending at least one iguana scurrying to safety.

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - None of the beaches seemed to be crowded.

2009-06-12T11:50:58Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - None of the beaches seemed to be crowded.

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Jeanne prepares a real "naturalist breakfast" - granola bars.

2009-06-12T11:37:08Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Jeanne prepares a real "naturalist breakfast" - granola bars.

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - As we continued our hike through the park, we were joined by several others either heading to or returning from the beach. We all stopped when a ...

2009-02-14T15:58:48Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - As we continued our hike through the park, we were joined by several others either heading to or returning from the beach. We all stopped when a ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Once there were more than 7,000 monkeys in the national park; now there are only about 400. Those that remain can often be found playfully jumpin ...

2009-06-12T11:30:22Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Once there were more than 7,000 monkeys in the national park; now there are only about 400. Those that remain can often be found playfully jumpin ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - A sight that is even more rare is the three-toed sloth. Seeing one is unusual, but seeing one actually in motion may be a once-in-a-lifetime expe ...

2009-02-14T15:58:30Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - A sight that is even more rare is the three-toed sloth. Seeing one is unusual, but seeing one actually in motion may be a once-in-a-lifetime expe ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Our final encounter along the trails of the park was in this clay bank alongside one of the service roads where we discovered a boa constrictor. ...

2009-02-14T15:58:47Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Our final encounter along the trails of the park was in this clay bank alongside one of the service roads where we discovered a boa constrictor. ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - By the time the crowds starting arriving, we have found our way back to the entrance. On our way out, we took one last photo of the deserted beac ...

2009-02-14T16:01:10Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - By the time the crowds starting arriving, we have found our way back to the entrance. On our way out, we took one last photo of the deserted beac ...

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Outside the national park is a public beach which had become significantly more crowded by the time we exited the park.

2009-02-14T16:00:05Z

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MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA - Outside the national park is a public beach which had become significantly more crowded by the time we exited the park.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - One afternoon we hiked from the Blue Monkey hotel up a nature trail to a lookout tower, from which we could look out over the village of Quepos.

2009-02-14T16:04:07Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICO - One afternoon we hiked from the Blue Monkey hotel up a nature trail to a lookout tower, from which we could look out over the village of Quepos.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICA - A note about Costa Rica's Pacific coast - there are no trade winds and very faint ocean breezes. It is hot - 90 degrees plus with humidity about the same. Mismo calien ...

2009-06-12T12:12:38Z

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QUEPOS, COSTA RICA - A note about Costa Rica's Pacific coast - there are no trade winds and very faint ocean breezes. It is hot - 90 degrees plus with humidity about the same. Mismo calien ...

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Another day, another rainforest. We took an excursion to a privately-run eco-conservation project called "Rainmaker" high up in the mountains.

2009-06-12T12:01:31Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Another day, another rainforest. We took an excursion to a privately-run eco-conservation project called "Rainmaker" high up in the mountains.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - When we arrived, the Rainmaker pavilion was in bright sunlight - a little unusual we thought for a "rainforest."

2009-02-14T15:59:26Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - When we arrived, the Rainmaker pavilion was in bright sunlight - a little unusual we thought for a "rainforest."

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Again escorted by a guide, we hiked along a forest creek into the jungle.

2009-06-14T04:28:42Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Again escorted by a guide, we hiked along a forest creek into the jungle.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Soon after our hike began, we abruptly stopped so our guide could point out a pit viper coiled around a tree alongside the trail. These snakes are pois ...

2009-06-12T11:38:43Z

1000places
BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Soon after our hike began, we abruptly stopped so our guide could point out a pit viper coiled around a tree alongside the trail. These snakes are pois ...

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Our guide pointed out more of the creatures of the jungle....

2009-06-12T12:07:51Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Our guide pointed out more of the creatures of the jungle....

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - ...including this lizard who will automatically latch onto any human part that happens to be in reach.

2009-06-12T12:14:40Z

1000places
BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - ...including this lizard who will automatically latch onto any human part that happens to be in reach.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Looking resolute as we approach and prepare to cross the famed rope bridges of the preserve.

2009-06-14T04:26:23Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Looking resolute as we approach and prepare to cross the famed rope bridges of the preserve.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - The main attraction of the Rainmaker preserve are its four hanging bridges, suspended upwards of 150 to 200 feet high in the rainforest canopy.

2009-06-14T04:25:44Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - The main attraction of the Rainmaker preserve are its four hanging bridges, suspended upwards of 150 to 200 feet high in the rainforest canopy.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - There are no metal supports; the wire cables of each bridge connect to an available and sufficiently strong tree.

2009-06-12T12:06:36Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - There are no metal supports; the wire cables of each bridge connect to an available and sufficiently strong tree.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - After a slight moment's hesitation, Jeanne became quite comfortable negotiating her way across the bridges and even stopping once for a photo.

2009-06-12T11:46:20Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - After a slight moment's hesitation, Jeanne became quite comfortable negotiating her way across the bridges and even stopping once for a photo.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - One one of the last of the hanging bridges, she even temporarily let go of the side ropes.

2009-06-12T12:06:44Z

1000places
BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - One one of the last of the hanging bridges, she even temporarily let go of the side ropes.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Each of the hanging bridges is from 50 to 150 yards long. Only four people are allowed on them at a time.

2009-06-12T12:08:29Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Each of the hanging bridges is from 50 to 150 yards long. Only four people are allowed on them at a time.

BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Along the Rainmaker trails and at the pavilion, we found colorful foliage and prolific flowers.

2009-02-14T16:00:56Z

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BETWEEN QUEPOS AND JACO, COSTA RICA - Along the Rainmaker trails and at the pavilion, we found colorful foliage and prolific flowers.