I never want to leave.
If I can find a way, I will simply sell all that I own and telecommute to a good job while living at Rockin J’s in Costa Rica. The murals should give you a good idea of the mentality here.
I read about the prevalence of drugs in CR. I heard about it. But nothing prepared me for the reality. I ate dinner with some folks and one of them simply brought out a bag of weed at the table. Then the waitress walked up and smelled it and offered to sell him some better weed. It was everywhere.
This place is something you have to see to believe. You certainly don’t want to stay in the dorms here. There is no rhyme or reason surrounding what time the music and partying begins or ends. However, in a private room I slept later here than I have anywhere in my whole trip, so it can be relaxing.
I am noticing a trend. the price quoted a gringo by a “reasonable” local is always 2/3 to 3/4 more than the accepted price for a gringo. This is generally 5 to 8 times higher than the price for a local. This is no different than I found when I went to rent a surfboard. Just ask for about 50% of what they are offering and you’ll wind up somewhere around acceptable. Just don’t expect pay the local price, which is often free.
North of Puero Viejo there is a superb break sporting big waves, and a very nasty landing on coral and rock if you mess up. I am terrible at surfing, but I still like it and go whenever I get the chance. That being said, I went a bit south of the city to the easy waves and the nice soft sand.
After about 4 hours, I could barely lift my arms to paddle. Every stroke was a mental exertion but I promised myself one last good ride. I tried about three different waves before I was finally able to ride one into shore instead of just getting pushed around by it. Today was my most successful surfing day in a short and ignoble history of attempting the sport. I loved it. The weather was perfect!
I retired to the hostel to spend a great evening hanging out with Simon and our new friend Mira from Norway. I am still undisputed Foosball champion of Costa Rica.
I slept terribly and awoke to a torrential downpour. I guess this is my sign that it is time to move on. The bus comes quickly enough, and I even manage to find a $1 pair of headphones at the asian market in Changuinola.
The passing to Panama is quick and easy. I am supposed to have a forwarding ticket to enter the country, but instead of going to the window, I just walked into the guys office and gave him a high five. He stamped my papers (yay, Panama!) without asking for a forwarding ticket and sent me on my way. Note: every single person that came after me had to go purchase a $10 bus ticket in order to get stamped.
Watching the sun set in the mountains of Panama was nearly a religious experience. Deep hurtful oranges, building a hellsgate in the clouds. Mountians built out of clouds built on other mountains. It was breathtaking. I was too caught up in watching it to actually get a picture, so you will just have to go to Panama and climb the mountains and watch it yourself.
The bus changes over in a city called David. I don’t believe that this is a coincidence, so instead of trying to grab the overnight bus to Panama City, I just got off the bus and started walking. About ten feet later, I saw a sign for a hostel called Purple House. I caught a taxi and it took me there.
Andrea, the owner, is a great person, and the place, though HOT AS HADES, is a nice place to kick back and relax. Clean and full of amenities. I think I enjoyed myself more getting a nights sleep before continuing on than I would have trying to get around Panama City at 4 or 5 in the morning after trying to sleep on a bus. My throat is a bit raw, though I don’t know why. Hoping I kick it in the next couple days.
Next stop, Panama City.
Also, Panama Cel Number is 011-507-8404-5218