Beautiful and a bit homesick

Spent a lot of time in the hammock reading these past few days. Perfect for recovering from sunburn. The supermarkets in town and the Reggae Bar next door provided me with the essentials. Occasionally, I felt a bit homesick. Our cat at home wasn't doing well. Had to go to the clinic. I also realized how lonely solo traveling can be. A bit of homesickness is just part of it. Yesterday, I did my second major hike through Cahuita National Park. Along the beach, through the rainforest. Truly beautiful and highly recommended. Probably even better with a nature guide. One of them was kind enough to show me a snake in a forked branch. Far enough away from the trail. The warning signs about the crocodiles are also interesting: Do not feed and do not swim here. Playa Cahuita was the turning point. If you want, you can add another hour. But after 4 hours, it was enough. By the way, I photographed the sloth at the beach bar, right at the park exit. Cool little guy. After that, I treated myself to a really delicious Italian meal (Spaghetti Carbonara, Tiramisu, and a wicked Sangria). Right by the sea under palm trees. Had a really nice conversation with a Canadian named Clint. He was there to eat with his three children. Somehow we ended up talking about politics. But it was really good. He's a native Inuit. He sees the world more from the viewpoint of the North Pole. Fascinating.

Today, I'm heading to Orosi. My back is hurting from yesterday. You can get anything, right? So, taking it slow. 5 hours drive. After every curve, I could get off and take pictures. But I won't, because of my back.... This country changes its face every hour of driving. Inland, I'm initially puzzled. What are these plants? And why do they transport so much dry wood here? Turns out, it's sugarcane! Learned something new again. Then the mountains and hills. Up and down. First gear, second gear. In front of me, a bus. Behind me, a tanker truck. The roads are good. But 30 minutes of traffic for a construction site is also part of it. Task: laying sewer pipes at 32 °C in a mountain landscape. I sincerely give the workers their well-deserved siesta.

In Orosi, I found accommodation with all the amenities and a jacuzzi. Just what my back needs. Had dinner in town, chicken with rice and salad. Delicious and affordable. After that, I wrote the blog. It's dark now. Time for a bath.

What am I grateful for today? That our cat at home is feeling better now. Get well soon, Mona!

Tomorrow, I'm heading from here to Quepos, my last stop before San Jose. Manuel Antonio National Park is nearby.