Home again

Only today I am reporting back from six weeks of travelling through Cuba and Costa Rica. It took me a good few days to arrive, settle in again and take a deep breath. 

It’s good to be back home, in my own four walls, as close as they are together. I was really looking forward to our less than 10 sqm living space and am just enjoying every inch of it while looking out the window at Canyon Lake southwest of Austin. But now in order.

On to Magsasay Jungle Lodge

The last time I wrote was just before we left for the jungle. I was very curious what to expect. We were pulled by a tractor with an open trailer the last 12 km to our lodge. On the way there we had to get out once when we crossed a muddy bridge. On the way back, the tractor did not manage to drive up the muddy mountain, which was muddy from the rain, together with us in our luggage. So we walked a bit and then we got back on. 

I really liked our lodge, a simple two-storey house. Surrounded by a big, beautifully arranged garden, situated at a river, it is the last house at the end of the way. Manfred and I moved into a corner room, which could be reached via the large terrace on the upper floor. From our windows we looked out into the jungle or rather to the garden and the river. Four bathrooms were at the group’s disposal – that was completely sufficient for the two nights.

The large group room and kitchen almost completely filled the lower floor. Here we ate, sat together or danced. We were cooked by our hosts. At noon and in the evening we had a large selection of vegetables and other side dishes and always chicken, fish or beef or pork as well as a dessert. For breakfast we were spoiled with the typical selection of fruits, pancakes, toast and spread. On the second day we baked our own empanadas filled with chicken under supervision. So we did not starve to death…

In the Sarapiquí Valley

I really enjoyed the seclusion of the rainforest here in the Sarapiquí Valley. But I imagined something different under the jungle. As so often on our trip, I was allowed to realize that there is one or the other difference between my imagination and reality. But that is exactly what makes this trip, like travelling in general, so much more.

In my imagination the jungle is an impenetrable world full of flora and fauna and “dangerous” animals in absolute seclusion. That there would be paths laid out here, a small pepper plantation, fenced horse and cattle pastures, I had not suspected. But we only noticed the fringe area.

We had a great time in the Sarapiquí Valley, met a lot of animals on the night hike and bird watching at the crack of dawn (Aunt Karin, the early bird actually caught the worm here), rode through remote areas that no tourist usually sees, were instructed in salsa and sat together comfortably around the campfire in the evening. But I imagined something different under the jungle. As so often on our trip, I was allowed to realize that there is a difference between my imagination and reality. But that is exactly what makes this trip, like travelling in general, so much more.

In my imagination the jungle is an impenetrable world full of flora and fauna and “dangerous” animals in absolute seclusion. That there would be paths laid out here, a small pepper plantation, fenced horse and cattle pastures, I had not suspected. But we only noticed the fringe area.

We had a great time in the Sarapiquí Valley, met a lot of animals on the night hike and bird watching at the crack of dawn (Aunt Karin, the early bird actually caught the worm here), rode through remote areas that no other tourist sees, were instructed in salsa and sat together comfortably around the campfire in the evening.

Watching a basilisk walk across the water

From the lodge we went on to Tortuguero, our second jungle station, which could only be reached by boat. The one hour drive and. departure were little adventures in themselves. Tortuguero is located on a headland between the Caribbean coast and the lagoon. Here is a national park, which we explored on foot and by boat.

In Tortuguero no cars drive. If you want to get around, you can take a bike, the rickshaw, a boat, the traditional way on foot or paddle, as we did on the second day. 

We spent three hours in a kayak – guided by a guide. Without him none of us would have found our way out of this jungle again. Never before I have paddled in such beautiful surroundings, past many birds, chameleons, basilisks, monkeys, snakes, turtles and caimans.

On the waves of life

On the last two days of our trip we relaxed at the Caribbean coast in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and swam extensively once again. Who knows when the water will be so warm again that even we dare to go into the sea… I even participated for the first time in a surfing lesson and I have to admit that it was very exhausting.

I am happy that we made the trip to Costa Rica after Cuba and also that we travelled with a group. Alone we would certainly not have seen so much in such a short time. Everything was well planned and worked smoothly. Thanks to our travel guide Eddie we learned a lot about the country and its people. 

Eddie, you put your individual stamp on the tour. Thank you very much for your calm and helpful manner. We could benefit from your rich knowledge and even get to know your hometown. I was also impressed that you had all the important information in your head, e.g. opening hours of bakeries, grocery stores etc. as well as costs and further information and that you could also tell us in which toilet the paper has to be brought to 😉
And also a thank you to everyone in our group. You have enriched the trip for me in your own way. To travel with a mixed English speaking group is a special linguistic challenge for me. But I would definitely do it again. Thank you guys 😘 – Pura vida!

Everything at the proper time

From my constitution, I certainly belong in the southern regions. My allergic reactions and the dripping nose were blown away for many weeks. To be outside from morning to night without freezing means pure life for me. How nice that this was now almost three months of everyday life.

Now it’s time to stop eating fresh, exotic fruits, some of which I haven’t seen on our shop counter yet, and freshly squeezed juices. I could have easily got used to it, as much as I like eating fruit for breakfast alone.

And also to let go of the Caribbean, exotic otherness of the landscape, which I couldn’t get enough of – I have to leave it behind too – also in order to be open again for new things, for what awaits us in the coming months.

Big city jungle we come

On our return to the States, thanks to a dedicated official at passport control, we were delighted to receive the extension of our visa. We are now allowed to stay in the USA until the beginning of August. So it is no longer necessary to leave the country for some time at the end of March. This gives us completely new possibilities, takes away some of our worries and saves us from detours. We had a toast to this in Houston before we left for Austin the next day.

The big city Austin welcomed us with its skyscraper skyline. From my point of view it could keep its cosy urban character. I liked Austin very much. Cyclists and pedestrians are welcomed here in a special way. There are many recreational areas in the area and music is very important in Austin. So, a city the way I like it. Unfortunately it was rainy and cold, so that we did not explore some things. After three months with 25-30 degrees we first have to get used to cold and fluctuating temperatures during the day.

In the last two days I looked at the pictures of the last six weeks and let everything affect me again. If you also want to see some pictures of the tour, just have a look here:

https://www.sama.report/digital-art/

Towards the sun

Currently we are on our way to Big Bend National Park, not far from the Mexican border. Here there are many trails, which want to be explored by us. And also the weather should get better again. A new adventure is waiting for us!