Manuel Antonio

Jan. 25, 2004-Resort Report
(photos:Beach in our backyard,
Tropical Sunset)

We really appreciated that the roads between Arenal and Manuel Antonio were all paved. The mountain curves were still hairpin but it was an easier ride than we thought it would be. We passed nurseries with fields of plants whose relatives I have killed. I can’t name them all but there were rows and rows of corn plants and dieffenbachia among others. Impatiens grew wild on the hillsides. I was reminded of my black thumb.

Our hotel, Playa Espadilla, is across from the beach and 100 meters from the entrance to the national park. We had lunch at the hotel and prices here seem slightly higher than elsewhere. Breakfast is included with our room. We met a nice couple from Iceland, of all places, & chatted away. I think we’ll try to fly through there on our trip to Scandinavia whenever that will be. We’re on one trip & already planning another.

I wonder why paradise can’t be bug free. David and I seem to have gotten some kind of bites. They’re not of the mosquito variety. I’m guessing flea or spider but they seem to appear on different parts of our bodies on different days. They itch. We’re using cortisone cream which helps.

We booked a guided walking tour of the park directly at the park office rather than through the hotel. It’s less money that way. Hope the weather holds.

This sun worshipper’s Mecca is peopled with beach bums & scantily clad beauties. Unfortunately some of the scantily clad aren’t beauties including the trio we saw changing clothes on the beach European style. Whenever we enter an area we raise the average age significantly. There is also a gay presence. We spotted a rainbow flag emblem on a hotel as two men walking arm in arm entered it. There were several other men who seemed comfortable showing minor forms of affection in public. I wonder how safe this country is for them?

We tried to walk to the next town, Quepos, but even though it isn’t far, it’s all uphill on a narrow road. Everyone told us to take a cab and after we walked a half hour we agreed with them. We turned back and will most likely cab it tomorrow.

We finally found hot weather and plan to enjoy it. It´s about 90 here but has been cooler in the other places. We’re going to walk to the beach now for sunset.

Toby