We arrived in the San Jose international Airport, and I must say, my first impression was, “Do airports usually end in a grassy field, and a fence next to a street?” If the plane had gone five feet further, there could have been major gridlock. But, once inside the airport, all was smooth sailing. That is, until our bags didn’t show up for half an hour. The baggage booth man was as relieved as we were to see them (surely far less work and worry for him.). Then, onto transportation. Now, here’s where they really get you; I guess most tourists are too frightened to travel with locals on buses and the like, but after hearing that it would cost us $170 (that’s American Dollars, not Costa Rican Colones-¢-of which there are roughly 500 to a dollar) to get to Manzanillo, we opted for the bus. This cost ¢4,200, or less than $10 each! So, when in San Jose, do as the locals do.
The bus ride was stunning. I have rarely seen such beautiful countryside and forests. Unfortunately, Joyce and I were awake for very little of it, not having slept much the night before. We also quickly realized that one major drawback to the bus was the lack of AC. It’s not that it’s so hot hear, but my oh my is it humid. You feel as though you’re drier in the ocean! After what seemed like an eternity of passing hotels that we weren’t staying in, and getting into remoter and remoter CR, we arrived in Manzanillo.
Now I would not describe Manzanillo as a booming metropolis, or even a booming bus stop, for that matter. What I would say is that it has beautiful beaches and plenty of bugs. We wandered around for a few minutes, feeling panicked at the prospect of having nowhere to stay in a town of twenty buildings, but then, hark the herald cabinas sing, our little hostel popped up! For only $25 a night, you get two double beds (we’re REALLY cramped, sleeping in one), three strategically located fans, a tv that gets four channels (all in Spanish, of course) and a bathroom. Now, the shower deserves its own description. It’s quite large and roomy, has a working shower head, and plenty of water. However, on top of the shower head is a small heater that is powered by electricity. Yes, it struck us as odd too; have electricity run through your shower head, a place that also has water running through it… Yet, we have managed to not be electrocuted. Now, you’re thinking, “well, there’s hot water; that’s nice.” Yes, it would be, if the hot water were not either extremely hot or extremely cold. A medium setting would have been appreciated.
