Playa Jaco (Jaco Beach)

On Christmas night, some friendly Virginians came to the Hotel, and we went out for a Chinese dinner…of course Chinese was the only thing open that day. I was going to go to the water park with them the following day, but met some French Canadians who were going to Jaco, so I tagged along. Seems all the Spanish I learned disappeared because I spent the day speaking frenglish with them (mostly French though). The bus was totally jammed pack, so for half of it we stood in the aisle holding on to the bars while we whizzed up and down mountains and through winding roads…a very scenic bus ride, even though not the comfiest. Even saw a family of crocodiles basking in the sun.
I was so happy to finally get out of the city and get to the beach! I found a good campsite where I have a locker for the week, and it only cost me 38 dollars! The extra cash will go to some touristy things and good food. That night, the two Canadians and I went to a delicious seafood place where we shared a platter of FRESH seafood (lobster, clams, crabs, shrimps, squid etc…) and were serenaded by a group of Spanish musicians…forget what they’re called. After the filling meal, we strolled up and down the busy and touristy streets of Jaco looking at art and other souvenirs. We were all pretty tired after the bus ride, and the huge platter of seafood, so stopped for a couple beers at a nice bar then went to bed.Today I got up nice and early because the birds wouldn’t let me sleep any more, and the sun was shining brightly. I took this opportunity to go for a nice jog along the beach before it got too hot, and then had a Tico breakfast (gallo pinto or beans and rice). At this point, I wasted no time and went swimming in the ocean. Probably spent half my day doing this, body surfing and laying in the sun…what I came to Costa Rica to do!
At noon, met up with the two French Canadians again (don’t know their names…weird), and swam some more before going to the bus stop to meet up with Duncan and Rich. They were know where to be seen so I walked up and down the streets in the hot sun looking for them, and after 2 rounds gave up and went back to swimming in the Pacific. All that swimming was making me hungry, so had a café lunch and headed on over to the Internet café. Coincidentally, Duncan and Rich were here to, so I have some British companions for a few days before they leave on the 30th.
First day in the sun and of course I got too much of it. Second day in the sun, too busy surfing to reapply sunscreen...I’m definately as red as a lobster on my face, arms and shoulders. I think i'm going to have to take a break from the sun here these next couple of days. Dunc, Rich and I are thinking about renting some motor bikes and going up to Hermosa, or maybe taking the bus down to Manuel Antonio park. A game time decision we'll figure out tomorrow at breakfast. That about wraps it up for now. It's doggy's night at the same bar the pictuer is in, which is free drinks for guys from 10-11pm. I can't not take advantage of this. Take it easy everyone!
-Mitchell-
PS Jaco is pronounced (Hawk-o)

Picture: Duncan, Rich and I enjoying some cervezas at a bar in Jaco