Birdwatching and a dream accommodation

What a great two days. Yesterday, I went to a birdwatching tour provider around 11:00 and asked if there was anything available for the same day. Fate had brought me here. Two days ago, I really wanted to go to the beach before I could get to the vacation rental in Jacó. I went to the beach in Tarcoles and discovered the office. The offer was $70 for 4 hours. Without much thought, I decided to go for it. I withdrew money from the ATM (depending on the ATM, there may be fees ranging from nine to zero dollars, so be careful) and spent the siesta at La Pita Beach. I returned at 2 (a little early) and received instructions on my Nikon D60 from my photo guide Alex (!). Aperture, shutter speed, ISO... Wow, amazing. Not just taking snapshots, a professional photographer was explaining how it's done. On the tour, there was an American couple, a German tourist, and me. Along with the photo guide Alex, his boss (a hotelier, amateur biologist, and tour organizer) served as the "spotter," and our boat captain Juan. It was a fantastic tour. I never thought it could be so much fun. Really nice people on the tour, lots of information about animals and photography (only with Nikon...), about the environment and life in general. A great day. Today, I continued my journey. From Jacó to the Nacoya Peninsula south of Samara. The first 3 hours of the drive were characterized by construction sites and rather dry vegetation. Still, it was diverse and interesting. But the last hour up to the accommodation was probably the most beautiful route I have ever driven. Good thing I have permanent four-wheel drive. Besides narrow asphalt roads, there were also dirt roads. Some parts were only doable in first gear due to the steepness. 30 km of pure beauty with gigantic views and wonderful nature. I thought of the saying that Costa Rica is the Switzerland of Central America. 1 hour later, I realized that my hosts are Swiss. What they have built here and share is a small, exquisite dream. High up, at some distance from the sea. Surrounded by the rainforest. As I write, the wind carries in the sounds... the sound of the waves, insects, frogs, countless unknown animal sounds, simply indescribable. The howler monkeys announced themselves during the sunset. They will probably be at it again tomorrow morning.

What am I grateful for today? For the coincidence that brings me together with so many great people and experiences.

The next few days are for completely unwinding. I am in the right place for it.