Onward to Manuel Antonio Park

Today was mostly a day of transit from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio but we did make a couple of nice stops. 

First was a stop for bathroom, coffee, etc. where I got a carrot/celery/apple juice, freshly made, for 1,400 colones ($2.60) which needed more apple or even, god forbid, sugar. 

The next stop was in a light rain to see crocodiles from a bridge with heavy traffic passing close by. Today was a light day, only four crocodiles. Daniel showed us a photo he had taken a couple of years ago with at least 30 at the same spot. But on the way back to the van we saw some gorgeous scarlet macaws.

Our next stop was in the town of Quepas at the home of Sr. Rojas and his wife, Dora  Azofeifa. They used to own a restaurant but lost it due to the pandemic. Now they serve lunch to Intrepid Travel folks. We got to choose from a small menu and then some of us helped cook. It all happened in their garage but it was very pleasant. I got seafood soup with coconut milk. It was good and I loved the watermelon refresco (juice).

Warner, Anika, Simone and Carolin cook

         Sr Rojas, Nuno and Sra Dora

 We then went on to check in at Hotel El Faro in Manuel Antonio.  It was pouring but that didn't stop the young people from jumping in the pool. I joined them but, as usual, not in their chattering circle. 

My room. I wondered about these long narrow rooms and from the reviews I learned they were shipping containers! And it's on a steep hill and the elevators to go up to the other rooms don't work. Hmmm, this 3 star hotel might not be a great place, after all.

The pool outside of our rooms with 3 of our group's young people 

There is another pool up a few flights. I was hoping it would be an infinity pool but, no, it wasn't one of those. 

We saw capuchin monkeys close to the hotel and heard howler monkeys. 

Daniel and I went for a walk so he could show me a shortcut to get to the beach, about a block or two away. 

There were 3 young people frolicking in the water; Geri, Julia and Nuno had already found the way. They seem to have endless energy!

There is a restaurant in the hotel where I am eating tonight and not follow the group at a "soda" (like a diner). 

While waiting for the food I saw a shape running near me and instinctively raised my legs. It was a raccoon,  seeking garbage to eat. It quickly ran away. The waiter says they always come at night.