The Pacific Beaches Northern Coasta Rica

Thursday, November 5th from Tilaran (near the Arenal Volcano):

The last two days have been checking out beaches along the Nicoya Peninensula. First Los Cocos, which turned out to be a little gaudy for my taste.  Then overnight at Tamarindo which was quite nice. I had a sweet little hotel right on the ocean. I could walk out the back door and there was probably 30 miles of deserted beach to my right.  To my delight, the hotel was owned by a French couple, and was a rendezvous for the local French expatriates and visitors.  There was a big French Bakery on the premises, and that meant fresh Croissants for breakfast. The only people I could find to chat up were Julian,the guy that had the parking lot concession for the main beach. and an old fisherman.

I accused Julian of being the richest man in town after he charged me 500 Colones to park for half an hour. That's about a buck and a half.  I showed him my spare tire and said he was just like the guy that tried to charge me duty on the tire.  "Wow, thats a nice expensive tire. You should have to pay." By then we were both in hysterics. I told him I would be back looking for a loan. He laughed danced and blew a whistle as I was leaving.

The old fisherman, I found about a half mile down the deserted beach. He wanted to know all about America, why we were so mean to the immigrants, and how I had got to Coasta Ricaa.  I wanted to know what kind of fish he caught,how many, what he did with them.

The next day was the Playa de Samara, a renowned surfing spot. You couldn't have proved it by me. The waves weren't any bigger than Cocoa Beach. But it probably wasn't the right day.  The most interesting people I met were 3 young ladies, an American, a Canadian, and a German girl. They were doing save the turtle work. apparently it'squite hard work. They were enjoying a day off. The beach was fabulous. I got a few pictures and a couple of video clips of it, had a nice fruit drink. (no alchohol)  and then headed back inland. That's where I am now. Tomorrow, off to the Volcano. Then to the Cloud Forest which is also nearby. After that head South. I'll put the beach photos on the side. It's easier but they don't give good detail.