I’ve been to Budda Cafe twice now only because it’s the best quality, non-carribean restaurant on the island. Yes, this is an island only accessible by boat or by plane. And there are not a lot of options. So you stick with what you know. Also, I’ve seen the cute guy 2 days in a row. And today, I made him laugh (IN SPANISH) so we’re bound to get married.
Besides this little telenova I’ve got going on, I hiked Tortuguero National Park. It’s not really a hike but you walk through the jungle and along the water. It’s the same path the turtles, or tortugas, take to get to the beach. Or maybe not. I don’t actually know but all I was told was that you can’t touch a turtle – only to help turn it around if it heads to the jungle and not the water.
This hike was easy but the coolest part was seeing monkeys in the wild! I got some awesome videos (on instagram) of them jumping from tree to tree. In addition to the monos, I saw lizards and one sloth! Here are some pictures from inside the park.
While walking back to town, I met a young guy named Mao. He takes almond shells (well native Costa Rican almonds) and carves turtles out of it using a file and “his knee.” He told me he was making turtles and walked with me for a bit. I felt kind of sad for Mao because even though I don’t have a job, am technically poor, I still have a lot more than him. So I passed his “booth” which is nothing more than a cardboard box standing upright and asked him how much a few turtles were. He said 5000 colones or about $8 for 3. I told him I would like 3 and I would come collect after lunch. He was so grateful and even offered to allow me to take some video of him working. I told him that was ok, that I’ll remember him and took off. If you’re in Tortuguero, go see Mao. Tell him the pretty girl named Amy sent you.
When that was over, I tried to go to Budda cafe but it was closed. So I went to the pool owned by my hostel. And that’s where I met a group of Spaniards. None from Sevilla or Budda Cafe Waiter would have had some competition. They didn’t think I spoke English so they kept asking “esta sola?” Which means, “is she alone?” I think they were hoping I had an entourage of pretty girl friends but my friends are all over the world. They offered me beer and since I’m not one to refuse beer, I joined in on their party. And then I got hungry. So I showered and went to Budda Cafe. And here I am now. Finishing up my meal and getting ready to depart tomorrow to head back to San Jose for 2 nights. And then, I’m done with Costa Rica. I would say for now but I need to come back, just not alone. Oh yeah, they found the missing American woman. Dead. They found her body. So sad.
There She Goes... 