Beach and bus

This morning I went for a walk on the beach before breakfast and sat in an area with lots of trees. I was rewarded by seeing two agouti (a rodent with the appearance of an enormous, tailless squirrel.   the brush and two or three feet away a black spiny tailed iguana plus a capuchin monkey above me. 

For breakfast I went to the same place as yesterday and noticed a cute sign. Again, I was their only customer so the sign states the truth, clients are needed, experienced or not!

I have noticed the fist bump is ubiquitous here. I'd rather shake hands and get a little more touch but a kiss on the cheek--isn't that standard in Latin America?

I went swimming in the hotel's upper pool for a change and found the pool rules a little odd. No music except the hotel's music and no amorous activities, oh my! Time to pack, once again.

We left on a right pink public bus at 1:00 after another exciting meal together (not really). The bus got very full and we made a 10-minute bathroom stop. I was amazed we made it to San José before dark. 

Then it was a van to the hotel. Nearly everything in the van was covered in plastic because it was brand new. I felt like I was at the dentist's. All that plastic is depressing. 

We checked in at the hotel, the Auténtico, where this tour started. Many of us took a walk to the ATM to get money to tip Daniel and then walked 10 minutes to the Peruvian restaurant, Machu Picchu, which I had been to before. This time it was crowded. The lively section of our group was in the middle, the talkative young men, and my end of the table was very quiet, the two German women turned away from me. After I had my meal I eagerly headed out by myself with a quick "bye". 

I am sad to say that I am so happy it's over. There were a few good moments, sharing excitement about seeing a sloth or anteater, for example, but I rarely felt a part of the group,  always behind everyone else, never laughing at some lame joke like everyone else. I was asked only 2 personal questions in the whole 2 weeks, I am sure! Julia asked me what kind of music I like. Nuno asked me what sports I follow. Simone asked me if I was feeling better. I think that's it, in 2 weeks, besides Daniel doing his job and finding out how I was doing, health wise.  I tried and just couldn't connect with anyone, in part because of the language barrier but also age is a big factor.

I think I need a good therapy session after this! 

But don't we all look happy at our last meal together at Machu Picchu restaurant in San José!

(From L to R) Julia (Swiss), Nuno (Portugal), Geri (Hungary), Anika (German), me, Carolin (German), Daniel (Costa Rican guide), Werner (Swiss), Simone (Swiss)