Graphs the Paths of Chance
I’m back, folks, and I couldn’t have been happier with my trip to Central America. Below are some photos showing off the outfits I wore (which were primarily comprised of one of several bathing suits, my tattered skirt-cum-dhoti, and a dress or two) and, much more impressive, the incredibly scenery. Stay tuned for a tutorial on packing for trips like this one.
*Title via Costa Rican poet Osvaldo Sauma’s “A Woman Dances”
Graphing the Paths of Chance: with my ladies in the airport. Notice the feathers on the hat (Target, $7.99). Hate 'em! I ripped them off once I got to Costa Rica and the heat melted the glue enough to not ruin the hat.
Under attack by a palm front
Erin and me with the town sign. This ridiculous white get-up was my beach gear for most of the trip. My favorite white peasant skirt got tucked, Indian-style, into a dhoti and made an amazing pair of flowy pants, great for hiking or ambling the beach. I looked dumb, but I felt awesome! :)
The dhoti returns for a hike in the jungle
The curve of the coast from a jungle cliff
Examining a giant piece of hollow drift wood with an internal tide pool
Clear, warm water+warm sand+toe nibbling fish=perfection.
In Puerto Viejo, a nearby town, where I was forced to wear somewhat presentable, non-beachy clothing. How'd I do? Dress (Target, $15), belt (2, Unique Thrift Store), necklace and bracelets (H&M, $3), Kelty Backpack (expensive, but worth every penny), hat (Target), shoes (Target, irrelevant for beach life).
Man on cellphone on the ubiquitous wooden boats, Puerto Viejo
Our favorite beach with its leaning palm
Adios, Costa Rica! In the airport in San Jose, sporting a new necklace (random shop in Puerto Viejo, $10), calmed nerves, and a nice tan.
Wow – this looks like an amazing trip! Gotta admit … I’m a little jealous
Hello, We are heading to Manzanillo/Viejo area in a month. Can you recommend any places to stay or things to do (non-obvious).
Thank you. Looks like you had a great time.
Thanks for your comment! I spent most of my time lazing on the beach, so I didn’t really play the tourist much, but I’d be happy to tell you what little I know about the area. I stayed with friends at La Bella Sirena guest house (http://www.bellasirenacostarica.com/), which I can highly recommend. Set back from the road and surrounded by trees, it’s very laid back and private, though the care-taker is available when need be. There are three rooms, each with a kitchen. You can rent the entire house, or just a portion of it, as my friends and I did. The house is a five or so minute walk down a tiny road to the village of Manzanillo and its beautiful beaches. In the village there are a few little sodas or food stands, and one restaurant called Maxi’s, which serves good seafood (according to my companions) and some vegetarian food. There’s easy but pretty hiking around the area, and when we went there was no lack of private, silent beach access.
We spent a day in Puerto Villejo, which is great for a bit of nightlife and a wider range of food options. I prefer the peace of Manzanillo, but if you’re looking for more service or activities, PV is the way to go. Also, the Salsa Brava is there, if you’re a surfer, though I found great waves off Manzanillo, too.
Whatever you choose, you’re going to have an amazing time in the area. Let me know if I can be of further assistance!