Okay, so I made it to Tamarindo. I took a small Tourist Bus, which is basically a European-style mini-van. It was about 1/3 the price of a flight and 3 times as long, much more scenic without being a cramped hot bus.
It was basically just me and the driver for most of the trip, we picked up a pair in Monteverde and dropped them off in Playa Falmingo, which looked like the kind of place for richies only. We also stopped at one point to give the driver's sister-in-law a ride into the local town. I took some pictures coming over the mountains and down to the ocean. By the end of the 5 hour trip I just wanted to find a place to stay.
I went for the driver-recommended Cabanas Zully Mar, which was listed as okay by Lonely Planet. One the one hand I could be staying in a much nicer place, but I'd be paying twice as much. The room is functional, sparse, but clean, with a fridge and air-conditioning.
With the money I'm saving I've decided to take a PADI/SSI certified open-water diving course :) That starts tomorrow. The only thing I'm concerned about are my contacts. It's 3 days of instruction and in the pool, then 2 days out in some islands 45mins away. That should keep me busy for 1/2 the days for most of my stay here.
It's wonderful weather here right now. The lack of my Spanish skills has been mildly annoying.
ENTRY RECOVERED FROM ARCHIVE.ORG
| 07 Dec 06 | The Great Barrier Reef | (1) |
| Vacation | ||
| 01 Dec 06 | Cairns | |
| Vacation | ||
| 24 Nov 06 | 5 Days In Australia | |
| Vacation |
