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Day 13 – Samara

Sunday, August 27th, 2006

After waking up and having coffee at Gilded Iguana we drove back over the bumpy road to Samara. On the way we stopped to fill up with gas at the intersection from the roads to Nosara and Samara. The gas station is cash only so keep that in mind if you travel that way. Just as we pulled into town we saw our friends Dave and Phadera waiting at the bus stop. We learned that they stayed at Casa del Mar across from the beach for $55/night which sounded a bit expensive for a room without a pool or a/c. We were still undecided on where to stay so we looked at rooms at Hotel Belvedere and Hotel Gadia. The Belvedere had a nicer property and larger room but it is located on the edge of the town and the long driveway was pretty muddy so we instead chose the Gadia which wasn’t bad. The room was small but comfortable with a/c and satellite tv and a small private deck overlooking one of the two swimming pools (the one in the back of the complex is the nicest with a grass lawn and chairs and tables for lounging). Breakfast was also included in the $55/night price.

Since we didn’t eat breakfast we were pretty hungry so we headed down to Shake Joe’s for sandwiches and some awesome blended icy fruit shakes (they are good with a shot of added tequila!). We saw a topless woman wearing only a thong at the beach who was getting a good share on gawkers. Personally I have nothing against nude sunbathing (and was enjoying the view myself) but I think it’s disrespectful to the townspeople to do it blatantly in the open. After lunch the beach was looking pretty inviting so we went back to the Gadia to change into our swimwear. As soon as we got to the beach it started to rain. So we walked back to the hotel to relax in our room and watch some TV.

After a few hours the rain stopped so we took a dip in the pool and then headed out to walk around and scout out a good place for dinner. Someone had recommended El Lagarto which is a few hundred yards west of where the main street dead ends at the beach. They didn’t open until 6pm so we had some time to kill. We ended up nearby at Las Olas just down the beach. Las Olas is a pretty big Tico bar with a few pool tables. I think they also serve food but the kitchen was closed while we were there. There are also some big tall benches outside that face the beach and is a perfect place to sit and people watch while having a few beers which is exactly what we did for the next hour or so.

Playa Samara

At 6pm we headed over to El Lagarto and ordered drinks. Seeing that the menu was a little pricey, I ran back to the hotel to get some more $$ out of the room safe. The restaurant has a giant BBQ along the side and specializes in chicken and steaks. We split a salad and both had big steaks with a large potato and vegetables. Our bill with tax and tip came to $56 but was well worth it. I saw someone being served the chicken which looked pretty good and was only $9.50. After dinner we were full and tired so we headed back to the hotel, watched some TV and then crashed out for the night.

Day 12 – Nosara

Saturday, August 26th, 2006

It was raining heavily when I woke up so I went down to the restaurant area and had some coffee (they put coffee out for guests at 7am) and read my book. Dave and Phadera were headed to Samara to see if they could get a bus up towards Playa Negra. We said our goodbyes and then headed to Blew Dogs for breakfast. We hung out there for a bit playing cards and scrabble. The rain finally let up, and the sun came out so we headed back to Guilded Iguana where Kat took a nap and I took a swim and hung out with Fred the bartender (very cool guy) at the pool bar. I decided to give the kitchen at Gilded Iguana another chance (after that plain breakfast) and ordered a hamburger and was really surprised how good it was! After a few too many margaritas with Fred and some other locals, I decided that I needed a nap myself and went back to our room and slept for a few hours.

After waking up we headed to Gardino Tropical for dinner but found it closed so we headed back to Gilded Iguana and had a really good grilled chicken casaso for dinner. Kat went to bed and I stayed up with the hotel owner and watched part of an NFL game on TV and then went to bed myself.

Day 11 – Nosara

Friday, August 25th, 2006
Woke up early to the sound of howler monkeys nearby. I went for another drive and ended up at Playa Pelada near Olga's restaurant. I saw what I thought was a dead dog laying on the beach surrounded by vultures. ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 10 – Day trip to Samara

Thursday, August 24th, 2006
After waking up early, I read for a bit and then decided to take a drive around town and scout things out. The Nosara area is pretty spread out and the roads are like a maze. The town of Nosara ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 9 – Nicoya and the drive to Nosara

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006
We took a somewhat better road out of Tamarindo to Santa Cruz where we headed south towards Nicoya. On the highway, I saw a speed limit sign just before a crest in the road and I checked my speedometer. The ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 8 – Tamarindo

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006
As usual I woke up early and took a walk around town and along the beach. I checked email at the office at Pasatiempo (free for guests). They now also have free wi-fi for guests as well. While eating breakfast, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 6 – Drive to Arenal

Sunday, August 20th, 2006
I woke up early and hung out with Collin while he prepared us a breakfast of French toast. After breakfast, we said our goodbyes and hit the road to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. On the road heading ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 2 – Drive to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Wednesday, August 16th, 2006
We woke up early and had the Orquideas Inn's famous and wonderful buffet breakfast by the pool. Breakfast included: fresh fruit, gallo pinto, potatoes, fried yucca, sausage, orange juice, tamales, plantains, coffee, juice as well as a made to order ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 10 – Manuel Antonio and drive back to Alajuela

Tuesday, June 14th, 2005
We decided to wake up early and go to Manuel Antonio Park for a few hours before having to make the drive back to Alajuela for our flight home the next morning. Coming into town we were flagged down by ... [Continue reading this entry]

Day 9 – Manuel Antonio

Monday, June 13th, 2005
Breakfast was included with the hotel and the food was pretty average. I had eggs with gallo pinto both mornings and my wife had French toast. Unfortunately we learned that Manuel Antonio Park was going to be closed today as it ... [Continue reading this entry]