Monteverde

Today marks the beginning of a new adventure as we leave the area around the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna. We've had an incredibly rich experience here and stayed in a very comfortable hotel. My personal highlight was the ziplines. First, however, we will refuel at the breakfast buffet, which offers a wide selection of delicious items. In fact, I discovered and grew to love the rice with beans that they serve here. The beans used are black beans, not kidney beans. They are cooked for a long time with various spices and taste wonderfully savory. Combined with spicy sauces, this is a perfect energy booster in the morning. Also very tasty and recommended with various egg dishes.

Today we set off towards beautiful Monteverde. We will visit the associated national park and take a hike. The bags are already stowed in the bus. We will meet dear Viktor again later, as the bus takes longer for the drive and Viktor has already left. Our group will be taken by two small vans to the nearby Arenal Lake. Today, we'll take a boat tour here. We are really lucky, as the weather is cooperating wonderfully and the Arenal Volcano shines in the sun. Just take a look at that! The sky is beautifully blue. The water surface of the lake reflects the lovely surrounding mountainous landscape. The crossing is very calm, and I listen to the conversation behind me. An American woman, who rewarded herself with a trip to Costa Rica upon her retirement, is chatting with a Dutch woman. From their conversation, I pick up the deep gratitude that I also feel. People of all ages are traveling from everywhere, whether alone or with someone. And I once again decide that I want to make the most of this life. As much as I can, I want to continue seeing the world that has a place for me. Discover new places and meet associated people. Have less fear and courageously and kindly start anew each day. What do I really have to lose? On this journey, I have left my comfort zone numerous times and doubt has crept in many times too. Am I okay just as I am or somehow strange? Do I belong? Do people like me? And I take with me that it is primarily my own connection to myself that matters. I am allowed to continue growing and learning and also to make mistakes. Mistakes are human.

On the other side of the lake, a small bus is already waiting for us. The drive to Monteverde is really fantastic. The nature here is very beautiful, and as we gain altitude again, the flora and fauna also change. We experience amazing views. I have already found Turrialba to be particularly beautiful, but I also really like it here. It is not so humid anymore, and we are slowly leaving the deep rainforest behind. We are all enjoying the national park as well. Here we experience the cloud forest. We are on the lookout for a Quetzal. We hear various bird songs and Jefrey knows them all, always ready with corresponding audio recordings and pictures. The national park is very well maintained. There is no litter anywhere. Everything is very well signposted and described. Our round trip is a little over four kilometers. After about 1.5 hours, we return to the starting point. Unfortunately, the