Guatemalan football match

Met up with another Canadian, Jeff, in our Los Amigos hostel, and got him signed up with spanish lessons as well. He went off on some overnight volcano trek, and both me and Shane were ill from the market food (I think…could’ve been the cheap rum), so slept our Friday night away. Saturday, we met up with Mike and Shane Berraducci from Nelson, and took a hike up to Cerro de la Cruz for a lovely view on a gorgeous day—not a cloud in the sky. We wanted to do it on our own, but the information wouldn´t tell us how to do that…just old us we had to be escorted by the tourist police free service. Three volcanoes surround the town, one of which is active and constantly smouldering. I have yet to see the lava flow at night, but I hope that time will come this week, if the clouds stay away. After our hike, we mad plans to meet up at the Jungle Party Hostel later, but unfortuantely that never happened and the Berraduccis are in Honduras now. Shane and I bought some tickets for the football/soccer match today: Antigua vs Guatemala city Red. This morning, we woke up nice an early to move our gear into our student housing at the Spanish school, and then took a Tuk Tuk (3 wheeled taxi type thing), to the stadium for the match. We made it just in time to see the start. All the good seats were taken, so we decided to climb up the wall of the stadium and make our own best seats in the place…the only thing bad was on the way up, my camera fell out of my pocket and down on to the other side of the stadium. I ran around the stadium, jumped over walls, and ran from vicious dogs, to find that my camera had survived the fall…phewf.The game was a great experience, with fans chanting, fireworks…good ol soccer festivities, but not on such a huge scale as in Italy or Brazil. Still, the rivals matched up fairly well. Antigua had more scoring oppurtunities, but no luck with putting the ball in the back of the net, and the game ended 2-0 for Guatemala City Rojo.After that, went shopping for Nacho materials and now I’m here! Until next time, let it snow let it snow let it snow….but not here. Enjoy the slopes!
-Mitchell-

Photos: Antigua Cathedral lit up at night......Antigua vs. Guatemala City Rojo, start of 2nd half

Mitch in Guatemala

It was a long haul on the Tica Bus...16 hours total i believe and 3 border crossings. They did play 3 movies though: Lion, witch, and wardrobe (in english), King Kong and Princess diaries 2.
It was a two day journey and we spent one night in San Salvador at a crummy, expensive place. However, I am in Antigua, Guatemala now and will be here fo another week. It is a cute mountain town with Mayan people and keen travellers, mostly who are taking spanish lessons. I met up with Shane, the Australian from San Jaun del Sur, and we registered for a week of Spanish lessons at a good school. Very good deal, because we have accomodations, including 3 meals a day, 4 hours of one on one lessons plus materials all for $145 US for the week. The past few days we've been getting the partying out of our system because lessons while being hungover wouldn't be very productive.
So, other than sleeping, partying and wandering the cobble stone streets of Antigua and checking out all the cool churches and ruins, and the market (which like a city in itself), haven't done too much.

Photo: view of Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz

Leon experience

After wandering Granada for a morning, I made it JUST in time for the bus to Managua, where I spent 10 minutes in a Taxi to the Leon bus station, where I again JUST made it. Time efficient or what!
Checked into the popular Via Via, where there is alwaya a pool tournament going on, but unfortunately did not get a chance to participate. Wandered around Leon and checked out some of the churches and sights. I bought an icecream in the supermarket, only to be rushed by a couple streetkids asking for a little bit, but since I had no spoon to begin with, just gave them the entire thing. After that, wandered to the central park to check out the cathedral, where I bought some another icecream, and sat on the bench...only to be swarmed by streetkids again. Seems that if you sit in one place to long, they´ll find you and beg for icecream or something. Pretty sad, but it´s difficult explaining to them the difference between a backpacker and a rich person on vacation. After walking in the hot sun for a couple hours, I made an impulse decision to go watch Chronicles of Narnia, which was definitely dubbed in Spanish for em kids...but I understood most of it, hurrah. Darn enjoyable it was.
Today I made my way to the beach which was 20km away, to soak up some sun and ride some waves. Rented a board from a friendly hostel, then hit the water with a nice local. I wasnt sure if i should have left my return bus fare with my shoes on the beach, so instead i wrapped it up in a couple of plastic bags and stuck it in my velcro pocket, which was apparenty no match for some big wave. Yes, the ocean stole my money. A few people saw I was looking for something and immediately offered to help find it when they heard it was money. Never did find it, but my sufer buddy was way to kind and hooked me up the 12 cordobas I needed to get back, along with a Pepsi.
Back in Leon, I took the camera out for another stroll and played the tourist roll...and yes, a couple of the same kids found me. Don´t have a big night planned apart from sleeping before I have to get up at 5 to catch my bus to Guatemala. Went and saw another movie, this one in english with subtitles. Don-t remember what it was called, but was half decent.
That was my Leon experience. Later.
Mitchell

Photos: Cathedral...Leon City Transport (yep, they cram people into the back of these trucks and take you nearly anywhere in the city for 3 cordobas)

Bearded Monkey Around

On Friday, I had breakfast with Paul before he boarded the boat back to Rivas. He had a plane to catch in Granada (so many people I am running into are on their last stretch of travels). I decided to stay on the Island for another day, and rent a bike again. Before I took off, I had some lunch. Didn't expect my fish soup to have an entire fish just plopped in it...but it was alright.
This bike round, I biked to the reserve and hiked around for a couple of hours! It is a beautiful lagoon, with stunning views of the Volcanoes and the lake. A lot of beautiful birds, intricate trees, cactuces, tiny lizards, and I even came within feet of a family of Spider Monkeys. Unfortunately, when I went to take a picture, it beeped and displayed "Battery Depleted". Pretty huge bummer, seeing as I have yet to get photos of monkeys, but I hope to return yet again to the Island.
After my hike, I went for another swim and then headed back into town, where I met up with a couple from Norway (also on their last 5 days). We had a delicious meal, and good chat, then headed to bed. We planned to catch the 6am boat to Rivas, so had to be there at 5:30. I woke up at 5:40, and rushed to the dock...JUST in time. As soon as I hopped on the boat, she set sail.
At Rivas, a cab driver told us there wasn't a bus to Granada fro 3 and a half hours, and offered to take us there for $24...pfff. There are busses every 50 minutes for $1.25, he just wanted the dinero.
From the bus station we walked through the centre of town (very busy on Saturday), and then found separate accomodations. I decided to check out the infamous 'Bearded Monkey'. It's a wonderful place with a lot of things to do, from movies, to books, to board games, pool and darts, or just chilling with other travellers. All the guests get tabs, and you basically help yourself to the beer fridge and eat when you want to eat etc...then pay at check out. Nice, but perhaps a little dangerous. Also, discovered another Nicaraguan beer, Buffalo, and definately the best of the bunch.
It was a hot and sunny day, and i decided to wander the streets and check out the churches. It was a day well spent. Afterwards, hung out with a girl from Denmark, one from South Korea, a guy from Missourri, and a girl from Arkansas. We played mastermind for a bit, then endulged in a game of Cranium..much fun. The movie night at the guesthouse was '40 year old virgin', so i watched that and had some good laughs. At about 10:30, the bunch of us went to a local club called Cafe Nuit, where we danced to live music for a couple hours, at which point I was about ready for sleep...so did just that. Today, I am going to wander the streets for a bit more, then catch a bus to Managua (the Capital) and get to Leon as soon as possible. Hopefully will be able to surf tomorrow and then be on to El Salvador Tuesday morning, then to Guatemala! Woot!
Taker easy,
-Mitchell-

Photos: Iglesia (church) de Xalteva...Lounging area in The Bearded Monkey

The waters are fun and frightening

My few days in San Jaun del Sur were easily enjoyable. Again…I wish I knew more Spanish. The place that I stayed was not as much of a hostel as much as it was a surfer frat house with some wicked cool Nica surfers, and some from the US as well. Tuesday I basically wandered the town exploring, and then sat on the beach, swam and read until the sunset, at which point I hit up all you can eat tacos with a couple amigos…one from New Zealand, one from Australia, one from Marilyn and one from Michigan. Following that we were all too stuffed to drink much, so instead we headed back to the hostel/frat house and watched the beginning of Shawshank, before the power went out. Of course it was the only building in town with no power. Meh…so went for another little adventure in the streets and then slept.
Wednesday was surfing day, but unfortunately I did not have enough money to get a surf board so rocked out on the boogie board in the big waves. Nine of us squeezed into a pickup truck with our boards and made our way to a northern beach where the surf was rumored to be good...everyone else showed up as well, so it was good, but very very busy. So fun just messing around in the waves anyway.
Today, us all you can eat bunch, went to Rivas by taxi. Anyone in this country can be a taxi driver...all you need is a vehicle and the ability to cram as many people as possible into your car. Pretty safe eh??? From Rivas, the two from down under and chica from Michigan carried on to Granada, and Paul and I decided to go to Ometepe, the volcanic Island in Lake Nicaragua. Of course we picked the windiest and roughest day to go and it was the scariest boat ride in my life…also a bit of fun, so I’ll stick with “Most Thrilling”. The boat swayed back and forth and up and down and the waves came up through the windows. A couple people were sick, and more than a couple uncomfortably frightened…however, we made it in one wet piece, and the island is so amazing and friendly, it was much worth it.
We checked into a hotel in Moyogalpa with a private room with a private bathroom for 3 dollars a night and then carried on to the pizzeria for lunch. After the best pizza I’ve eaten in a while, we rented a couple of bikes for 4 hours. The two of us intended on going to one of the reserves to hike and whatnot, but completely forgot what it was called and passed it twice (way there, and way back), but still were able to enjoy the view of Volcan Concepcion from many different angles, considering we biked half way around it, and then went to a beach on the lake to watch yet another sunset (no matter how many I see, I will never get sick of them). A swim in the freshwater lake, which is the only one in the world with sharks, was a wonderful way to end an epic bike ride, followed by a few Victorias (the Nicaraguan cerveza of choice). I was thinking of heading to Granada for the weekend, but this island is so friendly I am not sure…we’ll see how I feel when 6 o’clock in the morning rolls around, assuming the boat will be running tomorrow, as we were the last ride over today because of the terrible conditions. Anyway, I’ll let you know what’s up in a couple days! Keep rockin!
-Mitchell-

Photos: Me biking around Volcan Concepcion (with style?), the little boat we came across on (the waters here are calm), and a refreshing swim in the lake after biking (yes ANOTHER sunset)

Mitch in Nicaragua

Haven´t updated in a while, partially because they have been busy travel days, and partially because internet access has been scarce.
The 13^th, 14^th and 15^th were days dedicated to meeting up with wonderful Annie who had my VISA card and new camera. It wasn’t as easy as I had hoped to get to where she was going to be because the roads on the peninsula are absolutely terrible, and busses do not travel many of them. For this reason I took the ferry back to Punterarenas and then another ferry to Playa Naranjo, from which I took a bus to Nicoya and spent a night. From there I took another bus to the cowboy town of Santa Cruz where they were getting ready for a big celebration and rodeo. Fireworks, cowboys and musicians on every corner is what I observed for the two hours I was there before hopping aboard the bus to San Juanillo. Apart from the uber bumpy road and the back of the bus wanting to fall off, it was a lovely ride and managed to have a half decent conversation in Spanish with a girl on the bus.
After two hours of dusty, pot-hole roads and crossing a couple rivers, I arrived at the magical Haciendo del Sur—a retreat where courses such as Yoga, Meditation, massage and re’balancing take place. If you get the chance, check out the website. The retreat is owned by a former Nelsonite, Menlha and she has done such beautiful work in little San Jaunillo. http://www.sunvacation.org/index.html

After one night in a tent there, I met up with Annie in Nosara where I spent another night. It’s not that exciting of a place, basically just a big American project with American prices. However, the beach is beautiful and the waves are more than surfable. Furthermore, saw my first Howler monkey in Nosara…such funny looking dark brown creatures and they are not nearly as big as they sound when they howl.
Early the next morning I caugt a bus to Nicoya and on the bus was a local bartender from, Mason, and coincedentally we both had the same final destination of San Juan del Sur, so made the journey together. From Nicoya, a bus to Liberia and then from there a taxi to the border (which was a little crazy, but manageable—beware of the money exchangers, I definatley got ripped off a bit), and then another taxi from the border to San Juan del Sur. We found a place to sleep, dropped our gear off and then headed to one of the beachfront bars and enjoyed a couple cervezas for 15 cordobas apiece (17 cordobas is equal to a US dollar, aka CHEAP). It is a beautiful place and I think I will have no problem spending the week here.

Photos: me and I’m aaaallllright with my new camera…and the sunset at San Jaun del Sur horshoe bay.

I Heart Montezuma (The Nelson of Costa Rica)

Montezuma has so far been my favourite place. It’s very chill and easy going, and there are a lot of things to do that don’t cost money. That is prime since I’m a little short on funds right now, so I’ve mainly been hiking around, swimming and reading…oh and can’t forget the $2 litre bottles of beer.A few days ago I discovered this wonderful swimming hole that reminds me so much of my favourite summer hang out, Paradise, only instead of being in the spillway of a damn, it’s a series of waterfalls straight out of the rainforest. On the other side of town about a 2-hour walk down the shoreline, there is another waterfall that pours right into the ocean; truly amazing, but mainly for site seeing rather than swimming because of the large number of massive boulders surrounding it.Camping on the beach has also been wonderful. Waking up to gorgeous pink and orange sunrises, crawling out of the tent and running down the beach to hop into the ocean is a fantastic way to start the day, as I have done for the last couple of them. However, swimming in the freshwater leaves the body feeling a bit nicer, so have mainly been spending my day at the waterfall, reading and swimming. I just finished the Da Vinci Code (recommend it, I definitely couldn’t put it down), and will return it to the library tomorrow morning before heading out to meet Annie.The trails that are all over the place could easily keep me busy for a couple of weeks, and during the little bit of wandering them lately, I’ve seen (and heard) monkeys, several types of lizards, many butterflies and birds, and I saw a funny ant eater roaming the streets last night. The howler monkeys can be heard from miles away, but have yet to see one...just the little white faced guys.
Really haven’t done anything ‘exciting’ per se, but been loving the relaxing days in the sun and in the water, and the nights chilling with the Salt spring boys, and other fellow campers.
With that said, hope you snow lovers are having a good ski season! Take care all,
-Mitchell-

Photo: the Montezuma watefall...the one just above it that you can´t really see is where I have been hanging out. This big watefall is suicidal and only loco locals know how to do it without dying. Still gorgeous to stand at the top of.

From the Mountains back to the Beach

After the adrenaline filled day spent zipping over and through the treetops, I just chilled with a girl from Massachusetts, Rebecca, for the evening, and for the following day. We decided we would like to spend the day hiking through the Montverde Cloud Forest. We had missed the bus to the park entrance by an hour, and the next one wasn’t for another hour and fifteen, so we decided to start our hike right from Pension Santa Elena. Finally after 5km of walking up the road to the park, we reached the entrance. It was a long tiring walk, but on the way we passed a tour guide who ended up giving us some passes into the park. Hurrah for saving seven dollars! The wind was blowing so hard, but the trees buffered it a wee bit. We must’ve walked at least another 5km in the park admiring the pretty flowers and the elaborate trees. We didn’t see much wildlife during our walk except a few redstarts (birds), but when we returned to the entrance for some hot chocolate, we heard the roar of a howler monkey and saw a couple of mischievous racoons.We then proceeded to the humming bird gallery that was incredible—humming birds of all sorts everywhere just buzzing around and chasing one another. It was pretty magical, as was the entire day of hiking, apart from the cold wind.

I went to bed nice and early for I had to get up nice and early to catch my 6am bus to Puntarenas. From Puntarenas, I caught the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera, and from there took a bus to Montezuma. The sun was hot and the beaches were beautiful…still are actually. After setting up my tent at a campground ON the beach (prime time I must say), I walked back into town and ran into the Yukon girls again! They’ve been here for a week, and I’m sure I’ll be able to spend a good chunk of time here as well. The five of us ventured into town and we ran into the Vancouver boys as well!! Small country or what? There are Canadians everywhere here: ran into some Saltspring Island boys that I had ran into in Monteverde and a few others from BC, Quebec and Ontario.The seven of us went out for some drinks before checking out Reggae night to see crazy Carlos (53 yr old man in charge of the local reserve) dancing like a madman. After that burst of entertainment and another long travel day, bed was looking mighty fine. Today I said farewell to Mila and Igor from New York and I’m going to go for a hike up to the waterfalls with Jeremy, Dane, Dave and Simon from Saltspring Island here shortly. Other than that, I’m looking forward to a super chilled week on the beach and little spending. Have to manage on 20 dollars a day until I get my credit card in San Jaunillo from wonderful Annie! Shouldn’t be too difficult considering I’m paying 2 bucks a night to camp. With that said, peace out!

-Mitchell-

Photo: The beach in Montezuma that I´m camping on (PS, not sunsets like Jaco, but the sunrise this morning was amazing)

Monteverde - Rainforest adventures

After a chill night with Reid (from Sacramento) in Puntarenas, we got up early the next day to catch the bus to Monteverde. Turns out the bus didn't leave from Puntarenas til 1:15pm, so we took a taxi to the Pan American Highway and hopped on the 9 o'clock bus from San Jose.
The road to Monteverde is an unpaved, trechearous winding and narrow road up into the mountains. At one point on the journey, the giant bus was taking up too much space on the road and a SUV ended up smacking into the side of it. Vehicles involved in accidents are not to be moved until the accident inspectors and police check it out and record some information. Of course, since the bus was taking up the entire road, no cars could get by (only dirtbikes), and being an hour away from civilization, there were a lot of people being held up for quite some time. It must happen all the time considering there was no room for 2 vehicles to pass on this narrow corner, so the real Costa Rican experience it was.
Finally, after waiting outside the bus and chatting with some midwives from New York, we were back on our way to Monteverde. We arrived and immediately checked into the super busy Pension Santa Elena, where Reid, Nicole and Glynn (from New York) and I shared a dorm. Soon after settling in and registering for some exciting adventures through the staff, we went for a quick bite to eat and some beers before catching the shuttle to our twilight tour.
As soon as we started the hike, our tour guide spotted an owl through the trees. These guides are worth the extra penny, because there is no way in hell I would've spotted the wildlife we saw on our own. Carrying on after the sunset, we managed to see a couple pit vipers and another deadly snake, two tarantulas, a sloth, some TINY leaf frogs and some giant grasshoppers. Also we managed to disturb a woodpecker from it's slumber and spot a hummingbird buzzing about in the trees. We also took a couple minutes to kill all the flashilights and just enjoy the night sounds of the rainforest...an incredible experience and highly recommended.
After our hike, we went to a cafe that is built around a large tree for some eats and chats, followed by a trip to the bar. It was a fun night chilling with the 3 from the bus and a couple from New York (one Russian, one Ukraine).
This morning, we all hopped on a shuttle to SelvaTura park where we got geared up in harnesses, helmets and gloves to do some fast paced, zip-line canopy tours. There was a total of 15 zip lines all of different lenghts and heights off the ground, but definately another amazing adventure. Not much wildlife spotted, but the view from above the tree tops was extraordinary. Again...definately reccommended. Following that adventure, we walked through the dense forest and enjoyed the views from a number of cable bridges that tower over the tree tops...beautiful. It was a good morning for sure, and exhausting as well. When we got back to our hostel/guesthouse, Reid, Nicole and Glynnis were caught a Jeep-Boat-Jeep to La Fortuna. I think it's just bus ride, boat ride, bus ride, but had to bid them farewell and decided to spend the rest of the evening just chilling here in Santa Elena.
That is exactly what I am doing right now in the mild, humid, mountain climate and loving every minute of it.
Until next time...keep on rockin!
-Mitchell-

Photo: Not mine, but an idea of what the zip line tours were like this morning. Instead of tehre being two people though, it's just one person at a time cruising at speeds from 30-60kph.

Fuerza Publica - Policia

After a fairly sound sleep in my semi-wet tent (or Spence's tent rather), got up bright and early for no apparent reason and took the bus into Quepos, because it is cheaper than Manuel Antonio. THe bus ride is 7km, but only costs 105 colones (25 cents). I found a soda and had a decent breakfast for a few bucks then wandered around Quepos. Instead of doing an ocean kayak, I ended up booking an ATV tour through the rainforest for a pretty penny, but being my first really touristy splurge, i didn't mind. The bus picked me up along with a father and son from Alaska, and two guys from Toronto. We drove through a forest of palm trees along a straight, yet bumpy road until we reached the ATV base...civilization miles away. A quick ATV 101 and we were on our way. Of course as soon as we started up the ATV's it started to pour rain, but more fun that way I suppose, driving through large puddles. One of the rivers was even flooded to knee level but we still drove through it. It was pretty cool being in the middle of absolutely nothing, but didn't see much wildlife either because it was raining, or more likely because we were on loud ATV's. We did see a large group of tiny white-faced monkeys and they supplied some good entertainment.
Two and a half hours afterwards, we returned back to base looking as though we had all gone for a fully clothed swim in a muddy river. It was a quite a lot of fun, but perhaps a little bit too pricey. THe lot of us then headed out of the forest and down the highway to a nice littel restaraunt where we had a typical Tico dinner. It was at this point I realized I didn't have my camera any more, so there won't be any photos until I get another camera.
I went back to the base to look for it, but no where to be seen and then just went to bed. Early the next day returned to Quepos to continue the investigation with little luck. I spent the morning with the Police and the OIJ (Costa Rican investigators) filing a report on my loss. There was only a small group of us (10 people max.), and including us on the tour and the workers, so I figure one of them snatched it. A super bummer deal but won't let it ruin my trip. Shit happens...
After that incident, I met up with the Mexicans again and hopped on the bus to head back North. They were on their way to Puntarenas but instead I got off in Jaco for another night...this time in a hostel. Shared a room with a dude from California (Reid) and an english chap from Cornwall (Scott). Nathon's hostel it was called, and definately the best place in town with A/C, cable TV, lockers, 24hr food etc...all for 8 bucks a night.
Today I surfed for the morning until the tide got too low and then just chilled before I'm on my way to Puntarenas with Reid where we'll most likely spend the night and then head to Monteverde the following day to check out the most spectacular place in Costa Rica (according to many). At the hostel met a couple guys from Marilyn and a girl from Nanaimo.
Other than chilling with these rad people, i've just been playing the waiting game for the bus, and will go continue doing that right now.
Later ya'll...

Photo: ...oh ya...no camera yet...grrr

Feliz Ano Nuevo! Woot 2006!

After bidding Duncan and Rich farewell early Friday morning, I met up with the Yukon girls and we went to the beach to laze about and swim in the Ocean for some of their first times. That Friday night, I hung out with four crazy awesome Swedish guys and two girls from Mexico. They are all quite worldly people--one of the Swedish dudes spoke english with an Italian accent, and one of the mexican chicas spoke with a British accent. We mostly lazed about Chucks Cabinas and drank cervezas (chelas in Mexico) and chatted before going to the Jungle bar and playing some foosball.
The following day, New Years Eve, was very very hot, and I rented a bicycle for one dollare per hour so I could bike to Playa Hermosa, which is a close beach with better surf. Four blocks of cruising and the chain fell off, so I walked the bike back to the shop and they gave me another. The seat was junk and the handle bars were loose, so by the time I had got to the end of the terribly bumpy street, I decided it wasn´t going to be worthwhile biking 5 km on a piece of junk...should´ve gone for the scooter I think. The Swedes and the Mexicans were off to San Jose for a big New years bash and invited me to join them, but I much preferred the idea of New years on a beach. Met some dudes from Norway, a group of surfers from Long Island California and camping next to me were two Mexican backpackers.
I started the night off in the loud, crowded Campground with the two Mexicans before heading off to Chucks Cabinas. There we hung out with the Long Island boys, Yukon chicks, Vancouver dudes, a couple from Texas, and then all made our way to the beach. The Norweigens were there also, and we were all there for the big count down...imagine this: a 3.5 km long beach with fireworks going off down the length of it from 11:30 til 12:30...AMAZING! It pretty much made the whole week long stay in Jaco worth it just for New years eve!
At 12:30, the Mexican guys and myself started the mad pub crawl and danced until our feet were sore and the sun was up. A few of the places had a $2 - 6 charge, but we managed to find entry wrist bands in the streets so used those to get in for free...Mexican style, as the two put it.
We got up afte 3 hours of sleep so we could start the New Year off with some surfing, but not only was the surf no good, all the shops to rent from were closed. At that point we decided we would check out Manuel, so caught the bus at 1pm.
Another hot day and Manuel Anotonio was crawling with people from all over the globe! Just a couple hundred meters up from the beach we set up camp, while whitefaced monkeys swung in the trees above and Iguanas scampered through the brush. When our tents were set up, we headed to the beach and me along with one of the Mexican guys got ourselves into a 2 on 2 beach volleyball match! We managed to get the score to 7 - 3, but i guess we choked, because we lost 11 - 7...a rematch is in order for today (Jan 2). First time i´ve done volleyball in a long time, but was good fun anyway. We bought some food to make sandwiches with then headed back to camp. As soon as we arrived, it began to rain...hard, and the power was out as well. The power came back on after 30 minutes, but the rain kept going on and off throughout the night. I still managed to have a wonderful sleep, after the lack of the previous night.
The park is closed on Mondays, so were kind of out of luck on that one. We got up early to take the bus down to Dominical to go surfing, but the bus ride is 3 or 4 hours both ways and we didn´t want to spend most of the day on a bus. Instead we came up to Quepos, because food and souvenirs etc are cheaper. The rain has stopped, and the sun has been trying to come out, and we´re praying it won´t be raining tomorrow morning when we go to see the famous Manue Antonio park. The onland portion of the park isn´t very big, but most of it goes out into the sea around a few islands. I might go check out an ocean kayak adventure around them.
Oh ya...and about Spanish lessons. The family I was meant to stay with decided to take off for the week and after browsing through my lonely planet some more, there is soo much to see and do in this country that I´d much rather just tough it out and start some real adventures rather then spend another week in Jaco.
That´s about all for now folks. Happy 2006!!!

-Mitchell-

Photo: Sunset volleyball on the First Beach in Manuel Antonio