Week Fourteen in Costa Rica
Wow, it's getting so close to the end! With less than a week left, it’s hard to believe that almost four months
have gone by. I remember when I had more than 100 days left before I headed
back to the States, but now I’ve suddenly hit single digits. I think it’s time
to start savoring every part of Costa Rica that I can.
The week before Easter, called Semana Santa, is a big vacation and travel week for many Costa Ricans. Although most people in rural areas just take it easy rather than traveling, the Central Valley heads to the beaches. We had our own little vacation up in Monteverde – we only had to work two days this week – and we spent our downtime relaxing, with a small day-trip to Cañas on Friday and a canopy zip-lining tour earlier in the week.
First, we headed to the Centro de Rescate: Las Pumas, a rescue center that is home to five of the six big cats found in Costa Rica, as well as smaller animals such as monkeys and toucans. The center was started by a Swiss couple in 1989 who rescued wild animals that people had taken as pets or were injured. The picture above shows an ocelot cooling off in the shade.
Second, we spent the afternoon at Llanos de Cortez waterfalls, which were busy with people swimming, grilling, dancing, and drinking in celebration of Good Friday. Although it was packed, we had a good time hiking up to the top of the waterfall and finding a smaller waterfall for swimming, where we also took a few jumps off the waterfall.
It turned out to be a beautiful day as we headed into the cloud forest for a zip-lining tour with Monteverde Extremo. The tour consists of 16 lines, two of which they call ‘superman’ where you lie on stomach and stretch out your arms. It was an exhilarating couple of hours that wore me out enough for a very good night’s sleep.
Lastly, of course, I must share my
food/drink adventures for the past two weeks. For living in a tropical paradise
for three and a half months, I had yet to try the famous pipas frías or coconut water. I enjoyed the coolness and natural
taste of the drink as we hiked around the waterfalls.
A forever favorite of mine, as well as the rest of the volunteers at La Bella Tica right now, is the Orchid Coffee Shop in downtown Santa Elena. I’ve made a stop here every time we’ve come into town and it has the whole deal – great coffee, delicious pastries, tasteful music, good vibes, and of course, free Wi-Fi. My go-to snack was always a strawberry macaroon and mint coffee in either hot cappuccino or cold frappe form, depending on the day.
Be on the lookout for my final post in the coming weeks as I wrap up my time here in Costa Rica! Pura Vida!
Stay Beautiful,
Sadie
The week before Easter, called Semana Santa, is a big vacation and travel week for many Costa Ricans. Although most people in rural areas just take it easy rather than traveling, the Central Valley heads to the beaches. We had our own little vacation up in Monteverde – we only had to work two days this week – and we spent our downtime relaxing, with a small day-trip to Cañas on Friday and a canopy zip-lining tour earlier in the week.
First, we headed to the Centro de Rescate: Las Pumas, a rescue center that is home to five of the six big cats found in Costa Rica, as well as smaller animals such as monkeys and toucans. The center was started by a Swiss couple in 1989 who rescued wild animals that people had taken as pets or were injured. The picture above shows an ocelot cooling off in the shade.
Second, we spent the afternoon at Llanos de Cortez waterfalls, which were busy with people swimming, grilling, dancing, and drinking in celebration of Good Friday. Although it was packed, we had a good time hiking up to the top of the waterfall and finding a smaller waterfall for swimming, where we also took a few jumps off the waterfall.
It turned out to be a beautiful day as we headed into the cloud forest for a zip-lining tour with Monteverde Extremo. The tour consists of 16 lines, two of which they call ‘superman’ where you lie on stomach and stretch out your arms. It was an exhilarating couple of hours that wore me out enough for a very good night’s sleep.
A forever favorite of mine, as well as the rest of the volunteers at La Bella Tica right now, is the Orchid Coffee Shop in downtown Santa Elena. I’ve made a stop here every time we’ve come into town and it has the whole deal – great coffee, delicious pastries, tasteful music, good vibes, and of course, free Wi-Fi. My go-to snack was always a strawberry macaroon and mint coffee in either hot cappuccino or cold frappe form, depending on the day.
Be on the lookout for my final post in the coming weeks as I wrap up my time here in Costa Rica! Pura Vida!
Stay Beautiful,
Sadie
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