Our last day in La Fortuna was filled with few activities and several conversations with other travelers. Gavin and I walked with a hostel manager and another US traveler to a nearby rope swing called “El Salto.” I had a pleasant conversation with the manager, named Lu, who is from San Jose and she was very sweet to watch our stuff while we jumped in the water because she was nervous it would get stolen. I’m having a hard time balancing the awareness I need to have of my surroundings and safety with a relaxing mindset. I’ve met several female travelers who don’t seem to take any extra precautions (traveling in groups, not going out at night, etc.), but Lu was telling me that she doesn’t feel safe walking in San Jose alone. It’s been interesting hearing the different levels of safety each female traveler feels.
Once we got to the rope swing, my mind stopped wandering for a bit as I flew in the air with the rope and felt the cool water on my skin. This was such a cool spot to go to in the humid afternoon air. Later in the evening, Gavin and I attended the “welcome drink” at the hostel and met several friendly travelers, two of which we spent all night together sharing travel stories, comparing lifestyles in the US v. Holland, and enjoying the karaoke at the hostel restaurant. A group of Germans all found each other as two of them sang a popular German rap song – it was my favorite performance to watch. The Dutch woman we were talking to all night sang beautifully to an Ed Sheehan song and we discovered that the Dutch couple met in a band.
After a fun social evening, we left early the next morning for Playa Potrero. We met a man named Ivan from Canada who moved to Costa Rica over a decade ago and happens to be a pickle ball fanatic. We learned about the pickle ball community in Tamarindo and may even play when we are there. I love the universal obsession with this goofy sport. I’ve learned that while being in vehicles you have to be ok with driving on the wrong side of the road with oncoming traffic. White it seems like aggressive driving, the drivers offer little honks as they pass by. I haven’t heard one aggressive honk, only friendly ones.
We arrived to our Airbnb and used only Spanish when communicating with the security guard at the entrance and the Airbnb host. I was pleased to understand everything they were saying, I felt as if I didn’t even miss one word! The Airbnb is a nice spacious environment and feels especially nice after sharing a hostel with 6 people.
Gavin and I explored Playa Potrero the first night and were surprised by the black sand. We walked along the beach as long as we could until we had to exit toward the road to get to the supermarket. We’ve been taking advantage of the nice kitchen and cooking all of our meals.
The following day we decided to head out towards Playa Flamingo. We walked on the black sand then the road and then light colored sand. We were shocked by the variety of the beaches, especially the sand color. After about 5 miles, and already being dumped on once, we found a restaurant to stop at that also seemed to be at the end of the road for Playa Flamingo. It was eerie in some parts due to the desolate neighborhoods filled with empty mansions and second homes where only workers were present maintaining the spaces.
After taking a car back to the Airbnb, we met my lovely friends Cara and Sarah. We decided to head out to Playa Penca, that is the other direction and a short walk. It was absolutely beautiful and like some locals have told us, the best spot.
The next day we decided to head out to Playa Penca in the morning. It was hot and sunny; a perfect morning to be at the beach, especially one that has few other people and white, soft sand. Strolling towards one end of the beach, you can see a sign that warns people not to feed crocodiles. The swamp looking water appeared to have just logs in it but upon comparing Gavin’s photos that he took about 5 minutes apart, one of the logs moved quite a distance. We wouldn’t dare get close enough to check but I’m certain we saw un cocodrilo.
We swam in the ocean, found a canopy of trees to lay under, and read while we heard soft waves crashing and felt the warm air blow. I think it was the most peaceful way possible to spend a morning. We later took a car back to Playa Flamingo to walk along it once more and enjoy the sunset. I continue to feel as if I’m jumping in and out of reality of what the next 6 months look like for me. All my life I’ve planned, up until now, and there’s both discomfort and reassurance in that.
We will stop at Playa Conchal on our way to Tamarindo!
Your trip sounds amazing!!!