Volcano Arenal

A six hour drive up a long and winding road - and one more flat tire, a drive down a very long gravel road and up a very steep gravel hill that I really wondered if we were going to conquer - later, we could see Volcano Arenal. Just to set your sight on this volcano is incredible. It's said to be the third most active volcano in the world. They didn't even know it was a volcano until 1960, when it erupted and destroyed two villages.

We were referred to "a wonderful place that's a bit of a drive out of the way" called Essence Arenal. When they described this place as a Backpackers Resort, they really meant it. This is nicer than any hostel I've ever seen. We opted to get a private room with a private bath. The view is amazing. You can see the volcano right from the window.

Nico, the owner, is an extremely warm and welcoming person. He makes everyone feel like they're right at home. I say it's his fault that we stayed the extra night than what we were planning. There was a gourmet chef on staff at all times with a fabulous total vegetarian menu and a communal dinner every night at 7PM. Part of the dinner process was that each person got to participate in making a part of the meal - one night we learned how to make our own crepes, another night was Moroccan bread.

Fantastic meals:

Banana Pancakes

Eggplant something or other that was just absolutely to DIE for!!!

View from the front porch

Rocky being silly (LOVE this photo!!)

We took a horseback ride through the mountains to a beautiful waterfall with a tico who we exchanged some English-Spanish lessons with. We had so much fun. Rocky had never been on a horse before, so it was also sort of entertaining for me. He seemed to take to it pretty naturally though. Then our horses were competing for the front of the line and I just could not stop laughing as they're galloping away.

Beautiful waterfall...

Small note: Costa Rica does not make good wine!!! We were warned but we just had to try it for ourselves...

After a nice walk on the trail and an interesting talk with the howler monkeys and seeing some very interesting bugs and insects, it was time to say goodbye and head out. Hasta Luego, NICO!!