Plan changes

Things don't always go as planned. A few days ago, I changed my jungle hikes based on recommendations. Now, I'm following a schedule of staying in Monte Verde, La Fortune, and San Vincente every other night. One day of driving and the next day of hiking. Yesterday's snorkeling trip was absolutely amazing. Unlike the other participants, I dove several meters deep. The visibility on the surface was limited due to the waves and currents, but it was much better below. I got to admire many beautiful fish and swim through schools of fish. Towards the end of the first part, just as we were getting back on the boat, I decided to dive down and see how deep I could go. Suddenly, a majestic spotted eagle ray flew gracefully underneath me, and I got to dive alongside it for a few seconds, about 2 meters above it. Wow!

The second dive didn't go as well. The water was all stirred up. In the evening, I danced for 3 hours. It was great after 2 years of Covid. Even though I was probably the oldest person in the place, I had fun.

Today was not so great. My planned and booked sailing trip on a two-masted schooner didn't happen. They said there weren't enough participants or something like that... Instead, they suggested I join a catamaran tour. Sure, but those are booze cruises on the sea (open bar). No thanks. I wanted to sail properly, not sing badly. Not even the persuasion skills of 5 Costa Ricans could change my mind. I think they actually found it amusing that I declined. One of them gave me some great tips for Monte Verde. He claims to be from there... Oh yes, the Ticos sure know how to talk. And now my dream accommodation in the Caribbean also canceled. No 5 days in my dream beach cottage. And to make matters worse, Booking.com is giving me a hard time about the cancellation. But I'm in touch with Alberto, the owner, through Whatsapp. Recommendation: Get a prepaid Costa Rica SIM card with your own number, it's worth gold for coordinating things on the ground. I've already made a replacement booking. It's all going smoothly online.

After breakfast (delicious pancakes), I discovered a great second-hand bookstore. I stocked up on some books, and they even had German ones for free. Then I bought some ice cream from the supermarket and relaxed in a hammock under the palm trees. Bliss.

What am I grateful for today? The ability to say no.

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Monte Verde.