COSTA RICIAN BLISS

When most people ask me what I thought of Costa Rica, I say it was like Puerto Rico on steroids!!! It was by far one of the more interesting and memorable of trips, as it introduced me to a whole new kind of locale..and one I most certainly would go back to again. On this final post of the trip , are three different things we visited.

You have definitely heard about Witch’s Rock if you are a surf enthusiast or have seen the famous surf movie, Endless Summer. Our guide Bencio took us to Witch’s Rock, a surfing destination located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. Known for its excellent waves, exotic beaches and verdurous rain forests. It is a small, mysterious place which is as interesting as its name. The mystical name, Witch’s Rock, is derived from a legend of a witch living in the island. The rock is located right off  Playa Naranjo beach. I found it very interesting, and no I did not surf. I enjoyed the scenery and watching the hot boys do all the work. We did hit a private beach spot though and had excellent nachos.

This was some kind of shark I think. I didn't plan on getting in anyway!

Daddy Warbucks captures another as I strike a pose! Vogue!

Thank goodness this was after the above picture.

This was more my speed....men watching!

And we can't forget Bencio....it was hard not to look at him. I asked to be just carried around. I told him in the US it was customary to carry the youngest of the tour group. He didn't buy it.

Another day found us in Cartago.Cartago is the country’s first capital and one of the oldest communities in Costa Rica. It was founded by Spanish settler, Juan Vasquez de Coronado in 1563. Although dubbed by Coronado as the most beautiful valley he’d ever seen, throughout history, the city would become faced with unforeseeable destruction. In 1723, the Irazu Volcano erupted and destroyed the city. In 1823, Cartago suffered from losing a civil war. In 1841 and 1910, the city experienced the ruins of two large earthquakes. But even though Costa Rica is not known for much architecture, it was still a nice respite from the  locale we had been in for a week and a half. Some of our points of interests.

.The Basilica de los Angeles  in Costa Rica, located in the city of Cartago and dedicated to the Virgen de los Pardos, officially known as Virgen de los Ángeles. The basilica was built in 1639 and was partially destroyed by an earthquake. 

The basilica has since been restored and constitutes a unique mix of colonial architecture as well as 19th century Byzantine style. As with Argentina, you know I love my churches.

Ruinas de Cartago. This now-ruined church was built in 1575 as a shrine to St James the Apostle. It was destroyed by the 1841 earthquake, rebuilt a few years later and then destroyed again in the 1910 earthquake. Today only the outer walls remain, but ‘the ruins’ are a pleasant spot for people-watching, bird watching and the views are beautiful. Legend has it that the ghost of a headless priest wanders here. It was quite tranquil and one of my favorite places.

I was loving the birds!!!!

I know we have seen these cuties before in other posts They are called Coati's. They would be similar to our racoons, rabbits and such. They could get very close. I wanted one in the worst way.

And the Central Market in San Jose was an interesting must.Costa Rica’s Central Market is a well-known place, where many tourists experience the real daily Costa Rican life.Costa Rica’s Central Market is not just a commercial place; in fact, it has a life of its own. From sunup to sundown, it has a particular bustle that attracts over 20 thousand people a day. It’s a place to experience Costa Rica’s culture and food and crafts. The market is a meeting spot where people gather everyday to greet and discuss current national affairs.

The same day later while eating at a eatery, this was in the window next to me. YIKES!

I TELL YOU I'm still itching! And yes...it was that big!!!!! That was the biggest bug I ever saw. Looks alien like right>>>>moving on......

Americans, the only culture offended by cock.It was unbelievably cool how many places had these. I bought about 10 sets. Can one really have to much cock?

The last two days were spent back in Manual Antonio to just soak it up while we could.

Our last brunch.

Heres is Camila!!! 

She was greeting us every morning. She's the one I wanted to take with me.

I don't know. I think I'm ready to go back. Any of you peeps game?

And a huge thank you to the  wonderful staff at  the Hotel Rio Celeste Hideaway for such stunning accommodations, service and excellent food and cocktails.  I highly recommend a stay here.