Costa Rica...Day Two

Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Where: San Jose on our way north to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano

After one of the yummiest breakfasts of rice and beans (sound a little much for breakfast? Trust me, it was incredible) and fresh fruit we said adios to Antonietta and hopped in our "Tourismo" (tourist van) with Roman and headed to a bridge. Why a bridge you might ask? For this...






Believe it or not, I was so close to bungee jumping along with Esther and Tami, but the rational part of my brain kicked in said, "Alyssa, you have a sprained neck and suffered severe whip-lash in your accident, bungee jumping probably isn't the best idea." An hour later I regretted not going, but in the moment, looking down from the bridge to the rocky waters below, I was easily persuaded by the rational voice in my head.

After the jumping adventures of Esther and Tami, we had a 4-5 hour drive north to Arenal, the active volcano. Before we made it to the volcano, however, we made a few pit stops.

We bought these alongside the road. They are mamonchinos. So good. You have to peel away a pokey outer shell but the meat inside is sweet and delicious!



After a steep hike down, we went swimming in this:



And then hiked around the mountain and found an awesome brigde:





After a strenuous hike up the mountain we were ready for dinner. Oh, how much I loved this food.




Next stop, the hot springs! The volcano creates these natural hot springs that are all around La Fortuna. The hot springs we went in had 3 different pools with different temperatures from cold to scalding hot. After a long day of hiking and sitting in a uncomfortable van on bumpy roads, we welcomed the opportunity to soak. (Sorry, the pics are a little blury)




And finally...bed time at the Arenal Vista Lodge which overlooked the Arenal Volcano and a lake. Beautiful.