Monteverde

After leaving Alajuela, we ventured north to Monteverde. I visited here in 2003 and while I have strong memories of all that I loved about my time (particularly seeing a male Quetzal), I have equally strong memories of unpaved roads and an extremely difficult time getting cash (only one ATM machine that did not work and so I kept buying things at the super mercado and getting cash back) and no one took credit cards, so I definitely had a few stressful moments. So, we came prepared with cash and an expectation to have to use it. However, the changes blew my mind- no longer a sleepy mountain town, but a bustling tourist center with paved roads and the ability to accept cards wherever we went- not only one kind, but about five different card options. And with these changes, much, much higher prices. So, a very positive visit, but also a bit sad to have it be such a tourist blob.

We stayed in one of my most favorite places ever- Arco Iris Eco Lodge... a lovely little retreat that feels secluded from everything, but is a short walk into the town and lots of natural wood. We took a night hike into the forest and saw some sleeping birds, tarantulas, leaf cutter ants, a frog, and of course, coatimudis. The next day was truly the highlight- we went hiking in the Cloud Forest, which was spectacular and we were super lucky with awesome weather. At the very end of the hike we saw a female Quetzal- not as dramatic as her male partner, but still gorgeous and am glad she made an appearance for us.

We also flew through the cloud forest on zip lines. I do not know what possessed me to sign up for this given my terrible fear of heights, and that I love hiking thoughtfully through landscapes, but I suggested to Mike that we do it. And so, away we went! The zip lines were a series of 13 lines hundreds of feet in the air and ranging from 90-1300 feet in length. You get strapped in by a harness and then zip through the air above the cloud forest. I decided to go with a guide, so that I did not have to deal with managing my speed and my sole job was to view the forest and hang on for dear life. It was absolutely spectacularly amazing. Mike and I agreed that we were really able to see the contours, colors, shapes, and beauty of the forest in a whole new way. We hope to post some videos of us zooming along. I surprised myself by totally loving it. It culminated with a Tarzan Swing where we leap off of a 50 foot platform and swing through the air. The only thing that got me through was having done a trapeze class with Annelise, which was actually scarier than the Tarzan Swing (so, Annelise, thanks! I thought of our time multiple times and I think it´s what got me to climb up to the first platform and not run away into the woods). It is good to be back in Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!