The rain stopped this morning. We could hardly believe it! It was sunny and crisp as we explored the gardens in daylight. Our hotel’s breakfast was served in the garden, a harmonious mix of fresh tropical fruits and foreign breakfast dishes. I had fresh starfruit juice, which tasted nothing like starfruit at home. It was divine!
Interbus picked us up from the lobby around eight, alleviating my fear that I had made reservations incorrectly. We also impressed the driver with our knowledge of about five Spanish words – hecks yes, we are listos!
The bus bumped and jolted through congested city streets, occasionally going at a breakneck pace on empty straightaways. We picked up five other people from hotels around the city, all from the states. When we had all the whities, our driver introduced himself as Randall and we headed out of the city.
It was a bumpy 3.5 hr bus ride. Our driver slowed down for pictures several times at scenic points and would tell us about crops being grown: sugar cane, decorative plants, papaya, and a coffee factory. He also would slow down for wildlife, including one butterfly, which we followed slowly for a while with the van.
We hoped out of our gringo bus at roca negra inn, just west of La Fortuna. Mt arenal towered over the landscape to our left.
It was so. Hot. Like take a nap in a hammock hot, or hold very still and zone out hot. The climate had changed so rapidly in a short amount of time!
We checked in with the delightfully sassy receptionist. The receptionist remembered that I had emailed her about 5000 times. She had patiently responded to all of my inquiries. My hero!
We chose our room at the end of the room block in the gardens (the proprietor also stopped to point out a butterfly on the way. People love their mariposas here). It had a view of the volcano, and you had to walk all the way through the lush garden to get there.
Roca negra is a paradise for people and animals. We noticed chickens and geese, and the owner kept five friendly rescued doggies on the premises. There was also a peacock, and we saw a lot of birds. Plus: butterflies!
Our day was pretty lazy. We napped, had pizza and traditional tico fare, and pool time. The little pool was neither heated not chlorinated and there was a cute waterfall at the far end.
We hit up the bar across the street, magic mountain sports bar, for some imperial beer. It was delicious! Foohoosia was a hot mess, can’t take her anywhere.
Tomorrow: zip lines and water falls!