Esterillos Beach, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Leaving the Central Highlands
When
we left it was still fairly cool... over small roads thanks to google
map we went around San Jose and came to a really big Megasuper. Ok
they didn’t have the pop in bulk either... so we bought several
bottles and some kleenex: looks like Paul is getting a little bit
sick.
As
we drive through some tiny towns – we also could see over to San
Jose... And what really fascinates Paul is the wiring on the electric
poles: there are so many wires hanging around, it is amazing that all
is still working. Also some of the roads are quite narrow and beside
the road is a deep concrete ditch, ou really don’t want to end up
there – gine had some nearly heart attacks and is glad, that she is
not driving. And it’s the first time we see a sign “lizard
crossing”
And
as we leave the central highland it gets really dry and also the wind
was warmer.
Time
to pay for the road
overall
4x we came to a toll station and yes when driving you learn some
spanish: paeje (toll) or velocidad maxima (max speed limit),
adelantar (passing), ceda de paseo (give way).
Ok
the toll was not that pricy, but the amount was as per Gine really
stupid: like 390, 780, 590 ... really!!! so
we got the 5 and 10 Colon pieces back – I mean that money is really
not worth a lot when 10 colon are 2 cents. Also this Hwy was
switching back and forth between 1 and 2 lanes, so overall not too
fast.
Tarcoles
– Crocodile Bridge
after
another 1.5 hrs we are halfway there and stop at the famous Tarcoles
river: the Crocodile bridge
- here is the highest concentration of crocodiles: they say when you stop at the bridge you should be able to see at least 30 crocodiles
- right here is also the Carara Nacional Parque: and carara means crocodile
and
for the tourist they made a parking lot right before and after the
bridge: so we walk on it and see there we see all the crocodiles
lazying around in the sun and water – most didn’t move a lot...
but it was still cool. Paul is not at his best today – so we
decided to skip the crocodile tour. When we came by the Carara NP, we
decided it was too much money to walk around in that heat (because
here it is quite humid and hot) especially with Paul being not
totally fit.
Road
constructions!!!
and
then it comes to a stand still – we stand on the road and wait and
wait... finally it moves, that is when we discover there is a
construction going on, but: we were so unlucky, that they stopped us.
And then we couldn’t believe it it took literally forever that they
let the cars from the other side drive – and what I thought was the
best of all: the other side came to a standstill and blocked the
construction site... something doesn’t make really sense here. And
to top it off we had a little bit later another construction site –
but then you also have to feel for those poor buggers who have to
work in that heat.
Playa
Hermosa
was
the first beach we read about... and because we are eager for the
beach we pulled out and it was kind of funky the road went along the
beach and you saw several little spots where people pulled there car
in. So we did it too and: the sand was greyish and extremely hot!!!!
so we head for the water which is breaking quite a bit but it didn’t
look too bad... but when we went into the water we discovered how
strong the currents were – Paul nearly lost it’s swim trunks and
we had sand everywhere: in the hair, the bikini top and in the
bottoms... after a short battle with the waves we went out: had an
apple and then triedto get rid of some of the sand – nearly
impossible. Let’s hope the next beach is more swimmers friendly.
Playa
Esterillos
the
turn off is already gravel and then there is this beautiful palm
lined road going along the beach... parking under palm trees... the
sand is beautiful and white we love it. No one is one the beach and
it is perfect – so Paul gets his get better in the sun nap and Gine
went for a walk along the palm trees towards the little town and
found even a little mermaid out in the waves... and here the water is
perfect nice and warm – some few waves to make it fun but not so
much that you get drowned in the sand.
And
then after our first 1 hour of sunshine I think it is time to leave
the sun again not that we get burned on day 1 on the beach. And after
another hour of driving we are in famous Quebos – a quirky little
town....
Casa
Nelda
leaving
the town going via some windy roads and you wonder where you end up:
we come to Casa Nelda. We have a beautiful room and our own bathroom:
when you stand in the shower you overlook the jungle it is beautiful.
And outside is a little pool perfect to cool down our warm bodies and
get all the salt water and the rest of the sand of us... with a cup
of coffee we feel nice and refreshed and we love it to sit in the
jungle and listen to the noise, having always company from the dogs
which are super friendly.
Street
names & house numbers – what is that???
as
we already discovered in Cartago there are no real house numbers –
but at least in Cartago they had street names. Here they often don’t
have street names. So we checked with Tim and he explained to us,
that often your address is a description like he lives: 300 m south
of Kolbi Supermarket and 200 m north of whatever spot. Funny part is
that Kolbi Supermarket closed down 10 years ago and does not exist
anymore. So often the people gave their house a name and this is on
Google Map or Wave and then you can find it.
our
first Costa Rican supper
since
we do not have an apartment here – it is perfect to learn some of
the Costa Rican cuisine. And right up the hill (yes you have to do
some work before you can eat) there is this cute little restaurant
and we have our first typical supper (that means Gine has the typical
supper) – Paul had the american version of it.
Let’s
go home and send Paul to bed, so that tomorrow he is back and healthy
again and ready for the beach. And Gine sits outside writing the
diary. But both of us listen to the jungle noises.
Waking
up with the roosters
ok
the original plan was to sleep in: but when you listen to the jungle
and hear the rooster and the sun in sparkling into the window and
tells you it’s time to get up: then Gine needs to get up. A cup of
coffee and breakfast on the nice patio and we are ready for the day.
2025-05-23