We cancelled our sales pitch meeting set for this morning.
They were reassessing our financial status being retirees and felt we were not
suitable candidates to invest. We had no intention of being shareholders but
they signed us up for some discounts if we spent 90 minutes listening to them
do their spiel. I was not comfortable divulging financial status with them at
any rate. There is a big sales push here at this resort and we are learning
most staff are very new to the area and country. Most have only been here a
month or so brought in from other resorts from Mexico and elsewhere. Again….
Growing pains for a new facility.
By noon we decided to try out one of the many pools. But
first we had to change into our swimsuits. Marilyn modeled her new suit while
struggled to adjust mine. It fit perfectly fine a year ago. For some reason I
was having a wardrobe malfunction. The rushing was fitting back to front making
the whole suit one sided. Try as I might to straighten it, I failed miserable.
No amount of wiggling, pulling, pushing was going to make this thing fit
properly. Marilyn looked it over and thought maybe a pin would hold things in
place. I wasn’t going to chance a reveal. I decided to start all over and
discovered that part of the suit was twisted making it impossible to lay
properly on the human form. Once it was flipped and pulled on, the bathing suit
I remembered that fit decently, was back! Marilyn and I laughed and laughed so
had it was like a scene out of “I Love Lucy” - me of course being Lucy and
Marilyn, Ethel. Off we went poolside.
Marilyn enjoyed the lagoon-like pools while I posted on my
laptop. Eventually I gradually entered the water letting my body acclimatize to
the coolness of it. This is my type of pool. Just over 4’ in depth so I can
stand up whenever I want. Of course, they have deeper pools throughout the
resort, but I kind of like this lagoon pool that winds and twists its way
throughout the resort. There is even a section in the resort where you can have
a swim up room as well as a swim up bar.
Everything of course is free (Well I should clarify – “all
inclusive.”) There is so much selection and fabulous food you feel almost
guilty not indulging in a little bit of everything.
After a brief afternoon snooze, we explored more of the
resort and found our way to the ocean. The swimming pools ebb and flow through into
each other through infinity pools leading all the way to the beach. We ran into
the couple on the plane sunning themselves as they laid out on long lounge chairs.
Then it was off to the spa.
We had pre-booked our massages earlier in the day and
arrived for the relaxing Swedish massage. Marilyn originally was to have a guy
work on her but when we arrive, it was female. We changed for the treatment and
headed off to secret rooms. I had filled out the medical information and noted
my broken foot. As the therapist and I walked to our room, I made sure she was
aware of my foot issue just in case the information had not been relayed.
As I disrobed and laid on the table the massage attendant
came in and began to work on me. Suddenly the images of Marilyn being pushed
and pulled by some guy flashed into my head. I started giggling. My therapist
must have thought she was hurting me as I tried to control the impulse to
laugh. I pulled myself together and tried to banish the thought from my head.
It felt like she was almost laying on top of me to release those tight banjos
strung muscles in my shoulders, calves and back. You would think a Mack truck
had ran over me by the force she was inflicting-+. When she got to my lower
leg, I was a little skeptical about her massaging my foot. I should have
listened to my instincts. Either the translation didn’t happen and/or my
medical information did not come to her attention, but she pulled on my toes
and dug her thumb into my foot. I yanked my foot back in protest! She left it
alone after that. For the next 30 minutes of so, my poor foot suffered from the
unintentional yank and prod. As we left to change back into our tourist
clothes, the therapist handed us a recommendation card. Marilyn should have a
session of reflexology while mine said a pedicure. I can only imagine her
surprise when she got to my feet that have been cracked and dry from a winter
wearing of work boots. However, I was not enthused to book a pedicure with the
fish who clean your feet. They would have been stuffed by all the dead skin
they could pull off of my heels. Somehow, I would find that totally gross and
very unappealing.
We went for dinner tonight in the “elegant” dress code
dining room. Afterwards we strolled into
one of the many bars and ordered a drink to take back to our rooms. While there
we ran into our plane companions again. They too have booked the trip to
Nicaragua tomorrow so we will see them bright and early.
 |
Just one of the infinity falls and pools that wind their way through the resort.
|
DAY 3
We rose early to catch the 6:30 bus to Nicaragua. We are
about 30 miles from the border but with 2 lane winding roads it takes twice as
long to drive the distance as it would on our highways. I was impressed with
our driver’s skill. I can’t imagine taking a small 2 lane road and being able
to squeeze 3 large vehicles by at speed. Somehow these drivers manage the
impossible.
I have never seen so many horses tethered and grazing on the
shoulder of a busy road. At one point we jockeyed by a rider on a mule ponying
a mare with her foal running along side. The big bus rolled by them with just a
kiss of space to spare. I was having heart failure.
As the kilometers slowly rolled by we finally reached the
border crossing. That was an interesting crossing. On we went pushing by the endless
transports waiting their turn to clear the border into Costa Rica. Our guide
told us it was not uncommon for the trucks to be parked there for 24 hours or
more. Kilometer after kilometer the trucks sat idle in the hot sun.
Our first destination was to a lake where we took a 40
minute boat ride. These waters are home to bull sharks and other salt water
fish which is unusual in itself. This tectonic origin lake is fresh water and
these creatures have adapted over time. As we putted about the waters passing
several luxury island homes, we arrived at the postage stamp size island that
is a refuge for a small group of monkeys. The story goes that one dedicated veterinarian
purchased the island as a home for unwanted pet monkeys. It is amazing how so
many people do not respect boundaries when it comes to animals. People still
want to feed the monkeys which disrupts their normal diet and can result in
unwanted and sometimes aggressive behaviour since they are more or less feral
now. Their benefactor comes weekly to ensure their needs are met and to assess
their health.
Next stop was the city of Granada which was set aside for
the tacky sovereign hunters in our group. (There were only a couple of people who
actually purchased anything.) Then it was on to see an active volcano.
The bus took us right up to the top. Our visit was to be
brief. Gases rising from the volcano can play havoc with the respiratory
system. You could lean right over and look into the mouth of hell. Way, way
down molten lava was glowing red ambers in the throat of the devil. The crater
was immense and awe inspiring. As we drove back down the mountain, it was eerie
to think that the belly of the earth was still smoldering beneath us and will
one day erupt in a horrific display of Mother Nature’s power.
We headed off to lunch. The restaurant overlooked another
volcanic lake. A group of trail horses stood in the hot afternoon sun tacked
with reins tied to the saddle below us. I was not one to do the T-shirt,
keychain shopping. Instead I wandered down to the horses and took some
pictures.
Although the horses stood patiently in the equator’s burning
sun, they appeared in good flesh and were shod. Still I anguished over their
heads being drawn in so tight to their chest with no release for their necks. You
see they were not halted tied to anything. They were loose but held by the
tight rein of the bridle. At one point a plastic bag blew into the holding area
causing one horse to dance in panic. I called out to the handlers to pick up
the bag. One attendant ran over and claimed the tumbling bag of nothingness. The
horse settled back to its semi conscious state.
Soon it was time to climb into the bus and start the long
travel back. While on route the bus slowed as a procession of mourners claimed
the highway briefly, raising a casket up and carrying it on their shoulders
while a band played the funeral march. Although a sombre sad event, traffic continued
to flow around the mourners as life continued as usual. Not even a pause other
than the slower speed of vehicles seemed to respect the occasion.
Our border crossing back into Costa Rica was more or less a
non-event. Passports stamped, bags x-rayed; wait and wait some more as the
street vendors pushed their trinkets on you to buy. We arrive back at the
resort around 6 pm. The bus had been silent for the remainder of the journey.
Everyone was exhausted and taking to their head nods and naps.
This evening we dined on an assortment of Mexican food. I
tried things I have never had before. Marilyn and I were just too tired to stay
out longer so were returned to our room and here I lay typing this day’s post.
 |
horses in the hot sun - Nicaragua
|
DAY 4
We rose and went down to our favourite restaurant for
breakfast. Marilyn had risen a lot earlier than I. She was hoping to catch the
garden tour walk at 8:30 this morning. After posting last night’s blog, my
brain wouldn’t shut off as usual despite taking my prescription sleep aid. I
turned the television on and lowered the volume until it was barely audible.
Meanwhile Marilyn was sawing logs in the next bed. An hour past and still I
felt no urge to find my pillow. My foot was throbbing after the long day of
travel so I decided to pop a couple of Tylenol and then … oh hell… why not take
another sleep aid. It still took another half hour before I felt somewhat
groggy. I tip toed around trying not to wake my friend. She was enjoying a good
few heaves as wisps of air rushed through her quiet mouth told me she was
resting well. Can’t say I’ve really watched other people sleep. I have enough
trouble understanding what slumber is myself. I turned the TV off but there was
still a light shinning from the long shelf above the beds. Sort of a nightlight
I would guess. I stumbled around in the room trying to figure out which switch
I needed to shut the damn thing off. There is a large curtain that separates
the bedroom room area from the washing station and shower. I quietly crept into
that area looking for any switch that might kill that overhead light. Nope… no
switch there. I went back to my bed and groped around the night stand looking
for a switch. There were 3! Eeny, meeny, miny, mo, which one do I flick? I clenched my teeth and prayed I chose the
right switch, otherwise Marilyn would have woken in a fright I held my breath
and pushed the switch plate. BLACKNESS!!!!
By 9 am I finally got up and we went for breakfast. Then it
was off to the shooting range. Marilyn had never handled a gun before so call
it beginners luck, but she was an Annie Oakley. A young boy originally from
Richmond Hill now living in Tennessee was curious to join us. He had done this the
day before. Our instructor and guide let him tag along with us. He was most
helpful, especially with the gusting winds that kept knocking our target over
and sending balloons flying off into the ponds. He walked in, clothes and all,
to get those flying balloons. I told the instructor she should hire him on. He
can be useful. Luca managed to hit one of the balloons. Now to be fair, one of
the riffles did not have any sights so it was pure guess as to aim and fire. I
complained that was an unfair advantage so I finally got to use the riffle with
sights. I nailed several dead on but you had to be patient and wait for the
wind to die down. I think Marilyn did so well because of her steady hands being
a nurse. She can be a crack shot so between her and I, nobody better not mess
with these grannies. I gave her a few handling tips of shoulder placement and
the fact you point the riffle to the ground and never up at someone. They were
just air riffles with small pellets, but still the essence of danger should
always be kept in mind when handling any firearm.
After the shooting gallery experience, we spend the
remainder of the day poolside. I did venture out on to the beach and walked in
barefoot with my sandals in my hands. The waves washed over my ankles and
calves, pulling the sand from beneath my feet with each withdrawal back to the
sea. That is the bravest you will ever find me in an ocean.
Marilyn and I swam/walked our way to the swim up bar and had
a Shanty. Since neither of us really wanted cocktails or beer, a Shanty was a
good compromise. We got our exercise going up the lagoons, under the bridge and
back. I swam a tiny bit and was comfortable being able to just stand up when I
was tired.
We also tried out the hot tub on one of the islands. Now
that was heavenly. We compared our arthritic hands and joints letting the
bubbling force of the hot tub soothe away our aches.
We decided to try out a new restaurant in the complex. It
was a surf or turf place. They didn’t mix the two because of seafood allergies.
You either ate in the steak section of the seafood. Since I can’t have seafood,
Marilyn had to settle for steak tonight instead of her love for seafood. I
think she could easily be a fish with her desire to eat so much of it. But then
I could be a chicken because my desire to choose it as my favourite meal. I
could sprout feathers and Marilyn could grow fins.
We just got a call to inform us that our tours have been
switched. Now it is an even earlier rise as we head off and ride the rainforest
on horseback and by zipline. We are reorganizing our apparel as I type. Boots,
helmet, jeans etc. etc.
DAY 5
“She flies through the air with the greatest of ease….” This
is Marilyn’s input for today’s post. And fly we did.
Our room service arrived right on time if not a little early
as we prepared for the long day of excursion to the rain forest. Our wake-up
call also made the announcement as scheduled and we were on way to Buena Vista.
It was almost a private tour as there we just four us in total. Our driver
picked up another couple who were from South Carolina. He was into cutting
horses and his wife rode recreational. It was a good tour for experienced
equestrians.
Our first adventure of the day was zip lining. Neither Marilyn
or I have ever done this. I knew the hanging part would be OK for me. It was
the stopping at the other end I was worried about. Marilyn was uncertain about
pushing off into thin air.
We were given a crash course in how to hang on and brake. We
were suited up in some heavy duty harness including a helmet. Burdened with a
load of hefty clamps and rigging we started the arduous climb up through the
canopy of the forest. I’m not sure if it was the heat or elevation, but
everyone was feeling the burn and shortness of breath. Eventually we made it to
the first of ten zip line stations. It would be the only climb we would have to
do at this location. Thank heavens we got to see a few others be guinea pigs before
it was our turn. Good Lord… It looked rather intimidating for a bunch of
seniors to fly through the forest on a steel cable. With our feet crossed and
our hands gripping the harness and line, off we went. Marilyn really got into
the swing of it (pardon the pun) by the second run. She overcame her fear of
being so high up but I think she really liked traveling at mach speed the truth
be known. I could just see her colliding with one of the Toucans that were
flying about. We never saw any, but our guide did. I think we were going way
too fast to notice anything in our blur. Soon it would be my turn.
I still had reservations about stopping myself in time. The
first run was OK. It was somewhere within the first few runs after that, that I
came within inches of a big stout tree. Despite triggering the breaker which
makes a large crack sound when you hit it a couple of meters from the platform,
I heard someone gasp as pulled down hard on the line to stop. I probably
stopped 6” from the massive tree. I can just see the headlines: “Canadian senior
smashes into giant tree while zip lining in Costa Rica and dies.” I continued on the runs until we found our way
back down. Several times I ended up going sideways as I twisted through the air.
The guy from South Carolina went upside down for one of his trips. We were
never going to be that daring. I’m still not convinced that I wouldn’t be
splattered all over the tree. Well you can check zip lining off my list of
adventures.
After zip lining we went to a local eatery to sample some
local sweets and cheese. Marilyn and I skipped the water slide through the
forest and we are so glad we did. The two Americans had a look of horror on
their faces when they finally dumped out of the slide in to the pool. They
later told us it was way too fast and hard on the body. He almost went right
out of the channel. It left one young man with scrapes on his arms. Despite
having an inner tube to sort of protect you from the concrete walls, apparently,
you could bottom out and slam your tail bone into the concrete as well. They
had leather pads you could wear like a diaper to save your butt. I shutter at
the thought of my back and old bones smashing into the concrete. No thanks..
We had a very enjoyable lunch before heading off for our
trail rider.
After more twists and turns with the road, we arrived at the
stable. There were at least 20 horses wearing tack. Four horses were produced
for us to ride. One by one, a horse was led out of the herd as the groom
pointed to us individually. Marilyn received a little paint mare. She climbed
the large concrete mounting block and stretched her sore leg wide trying to
avoid the high cantle in the back. Her stirrups needed to be raised, but
otherwise she was good to go. I was the last one to mount up. They pulled a
nice grey gelding out for me. I eased down into the hard leather seat that was
lacking of any padding. I found my stirrups. No adjustment needed. I picked up
the rope reins and off we went following a wide rock strewn path.
We traveled from bridle path to road meeting up with the
occasional tractor and vehicle. I gave my little gelding his head and let him
pick the path of lesser stone. I figured he’s done this route a thousand times
and knows best. The hills were steep and the declines just as nerve wracking.
The surface was like cement mixed with loose boulders and rocks making it rather
slick. These little horses were handy and surefooted. To our relief, the
terrain didn’t lend itself to any gallops. Just a stead walk was all that was
required and we were thankful of that. It allowed us time to enjoy the quiet of
a jungle forest. Thirty minutes later and one last steep decline that Marilyn
was uneasy to do, we arrived at our destination. I dismounted before the groom
could come to assist me. I gave my little guy a soft pat before releasing the
rein. It seemed really odd that these horses just stood in a group before
turning back and finding their own way home. All of the horses were well
behaved but in saying that, seemed devoid of any real character or spirit. It
was just another day in the hot sun taking tourists along a well beaten path.
Hopefully today they felt a difference with the riders on their backs. We were
kind to them in the 98 degree weather.
We hopped into a vehicle for a short ride to the hot springs
where we enjoyed a much-needed rest. Marilyn and I changed into our bathing
suits and walked into the soothing warm waters. Awe, that felt so good. Then it
was on to the mud bath. It was a sulfur clay slop you rubbed over yourself. We
walked the short distance to the ‘fresh water’ shower which meant cold water.
There we washed the grey mud off. Personally, I didn’t find it therapeutic. I’ve
experienced a similar thing when a horse splashes me when running through a
puddle. To me it felt like the same.
We began the long journey back to the resort, dropping off
the South Carolinians on route. This evening we dined at the buffet. We stopped
at the coffee shop where we met a couple from Newfoundland. They had just come
in after a 10 hour flight today glad to be rid of the snow and sleet they left
behind in Bonneville.
Marilyn and I have another early rise tomorrow as we head
out to Blue River and a nature walk in the rain forest. We decided to shower
tonight. It’s a good thing I did. I missed some of the mud that collected in my
bathing suit earlier. Glad to wash away the last traces of that mud bath.
