taco's & toucan's travels ~ 2019

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DAY 63

Week 9

QUEPOS (Puntarenas, CRI)

Thursday May 16^th, 2019

TODAYS MILEAGE – 11 miles / 18 kilometres

TRIP MILEAGE – 21,764 miles / 35,026 kilometres

Lila and I headed out around 6:15 AM to grab a coffee and something to nibble on to start the day. As we had our own set of wheels, we decided to drop the 'Planning Committee' off at the gates of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio around 7:20 AM. Upon arrival, the itinerary changed a little to allow access to an ATM and to visit at a nearby breakfast joint. I returned back to Quepos to collect Lila and by 8AM we were strolling through the gates of the national park.

We spent the best part of 4 hours exploring the park from the well laid out and maintained nature trail. We were able to view white face monkeys, lizards and crabs of all shapes and sizes and a huge array of birdlife and insects.

We decided on lunch at Samui Thai, but upon arrival we found out that it didn't open for another hour or so. No dramas, we up the road to ride the Zip Coaster at the nearby Manuel Antonio Adventure Park, as Lila was dead set keen on the riding the sit up, bicycle style zip line ride, rather than hanging from a line and harness. Just so happens that we hit the site as they were undertaking maintenance on the line and wouldn't be open for another couple of hours.

Not ones to let such things become a setback, we rolled up at the Claro Que Si Seafood & Grill to grab a bite to eat and take in the sweeping views out over the Pacific Ocean.

While finishing dining, Lila noticed a Spa treatment at the adjacent Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge and availed herself of the 90-minute treatment with an accompanying 20% discount for dining at their facility - score!!!

As no amount of Spa treatments would improve my natural good looks, I headed back to town to try and catch some shots of the “El Hefe” iguana we’d seen by the stream yesterday.

I collected Lila, and while fueling up and returning the rental car, I received a WhatsApp message to meet with all the “Avocados” at our hotel lobby - the Le Priss Inn, for a 7:30 PM 'group' dinner at a local restaurant.

As Lila generally does not do dinner, I mentioned that I’d probably go find somewhere else to eat or a local pub to hang out in, as I have done throughout the trip. She’s says really, why would you do that? Because when you’re not there Lila, I am no part of any conversation, my presence barley recognized or acknowledged, except for a couple of sentences with Sonia, which is generally interrupted with others wanting her attention. She says really?? I said yup.

To both my surprise and appreciation, Lila turned up at the meeting point and said to me – we’re going to dinner. All six of us bundled into two cabs and headed to the Runaway Grill, a short 2000 Colón/5 minute cab ride away. I ordered a pretty decent Shrimp Po-Boy and was treated to a spectacular electrical storm light-show, while seated at the covered open air venue.

By now the “Hummingbirds” had simply wandered off, all but abandoning Patricia, Lila and myself, so we made our leave and grabbed a cab back to our hotel. Upon arrival Lila and I spoke of the fact that in two hours, other than conversations with Sonia and herself and an offer of someone’s jalapeños that they didn't want – not a word was spoken to me and barely anything was said to Patrica as well. I said to Lila that this has been the way for the past 10 days or so, as they seem to be off in their own little worlds. Thier behaviours are largely self-centred and unless they are wanting something or are in need of assistance, you’re practically non-existent.

Anyways, I headed off into the night and found a local sports bar for a couple of night caps. I managed to end up in a shout with a German couple - Wilhelm & Heidi, as well as an ex-pat Kiwi – Stevo, and actually had a great time solving all the world’s problems, while blowing the froth of a couple of coldies.