We went to see a whale in southern Costa Rica, but she refused to put on a show, so we got dolphins dancing with us as a consolation prize. We went to visit Boaz and Sivan at the school they established here. The children entered and immediately said: it smells like Betia's garden here... We chatted a bit and suddenly two kids from my future class appeared, who had come for a long vacation; one of them is returning to class in a month and was in shock and disorientation from the situation... What a small world

From there we returned to Tamarindo beach in the north, where we surfed six months ago. Yoala went for a day to the office for a final handover and to return the computer - a final cue of feeling missed opportunities. That's it, the last days, spending time by the sea-pool in an atmosphere of Eilat that has lasted way too long

No new insights and my mind is a bit in a fog, so I chose a slightly different perspective for the final column - about a month ago I photographed the kids for a relocation completion project in a “sorry for the question” format. I thought it would provide a nice closure that frames the period in a more balanced way (an extremely partial success). They agreed to cooperate on the condition that I wouldn’t send the video to anyone they know, so we'll settle for a few selected quotes

What strange/annoying things have you gotten used to in Colombia

Mati: Waking up at six in the morning for school

Micha: For Mati

Mati: That you can’t walk around alone

Micha: That I can’t talk to anyone

Mati: For Dad’s nonsense, he actually flew to meet indigenous people, alone. How weird is he

Ophry: For school

What do you miss in Israel

Mati: Everything. That you can just walk. That you can take a bus, get to a random friend’s house and knock on the door

Micha: Everything, friends, family, basketball

Ophry: Everything. Like Mati and Micha. Meeting friends - Arthur and Aldo

What will you miss from Colombia

Micha: A lot of little things, like candies that are here but not in the country, that there is mango all year round, that there are two-day weekends

Mati: Mostly two friends I met and connected with here in Colombia

Ophry: Raspberries with chocolate, raspberries without chocolate, blueberries that I ate before having bolognese pasta

What would you like to achieve before returning

Micha: To say goodbye to friends, to say goodbye to Piccolo

Ophry: Piccolo and that's it

What memorable experience do you have

Mati: A month of freedom in Costa Rica, where we learned to surf

Micha: You were always complaining that you wanted to get to Colombia and start school

Mati: Why are you revealing

Micha: The last Friday of the school year

Ophry: Going to the mall, bowling, and surfing in the sea

What memorable experience do you have for the worse

Micha: When we were at the airport in Costa Rica on our way to Colombia. You ran to get the bags from the car parked in a forbidden place, and I was left responsible for Toto and he was in a panic trying to run after you, it was very stressful

Mati: When we were at a cabin in the jungle that had no walls and was completely open, and I didn't sleep all night

Ophry: Now I'll talk about Micha and Mati - every day when we got home and Mati and Micha complained that they were unhappy at school

Do you regret traveling

Mati: I don’t regret traveling, I learned to appreciate how good I had it in the country, and I also learned English

Micha: When we come back to the country, every time it is difficult for us we can remember that it was much harder in Colombia

Do you regret leaving

Micha (laughing): Dad, are you kidding

Mati (laughing): Okay, I feel sorry for Mom who lost her job that she loved very much, but I am so happy that we are going back to Israel

One tip for anyone going on relocation

Micha: That it's not going to be easy, and take advantage of the first period at school when you are considered the new kids and no one expects anything from you

Ophry: If you come here for relocation then bring with you the Dixit that we forgot at home

That's it

Thank you for reading and supporting

See you in the country

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After a brief stop at the hotel, the four of us set off again. We leave the street where our hotel Fleur de Lys is located and turn left onto a busier street, the Av. del Libertador Juan Rafael Mora Porras. Here, you can see many cars, buses, and trucks, and the sidewalks have many more pedestrians. Just a real 'city hustle'.

We walk a few meters but must then cross a side road without traffic lights, while still on the same side. I notice that the sidewalks here, in comparison to the busy street, are quite high and vary in quality. You also see larger holes here that are not adequately covered. I wonder how mothers with strollers or elderly people with mobility issues manage. My thoughts, however, quickly fade away. On to the next destination and coffee. Coffee on one. We pass a number of people. Then we need to switch to the right side of the street, which is why we stop at an intersection with traffic lights. Here we pass the main road. We continue, and the Av. leads into the Carr. Interamericana Sur. Once again, we have to cross two side roads. We have already been on our way for approximately ten to fifteen minutes. I rely on my group and the navigation of a fellow traveler.

Suddenly, I feel the urge to check my phone. Why exactly, I cannot say in hindsight. Maybe I wanted to check the time. Perhaps I wanted to take a photo. Otherwise, I couldn't really use my phone during the trip, apart from in the accommodations, because, unlike many fellow travelers, I don’t have an eSim. So for me, no data roaming abroad. Up to this point, it has been fine. However, my opinion about this has fundamentally changed. Why, I will tell you later. So I reach for my shoulder bag to open it and simultaneously realize that it is open. Panic floods my entire body. My thoughts race. Why is the bag open? At the same time, my blood pressure skyrockets, and my heart races. I then realize that my yellow wallet is missing. At the same time, I say to the others, who are a few meters ahead: 'Wait a moment, something is wrong here.' The other girls immediately stop and are puzzled by my statement. I feel paralyzed. They ask me what happened, and I tell them that my wallet is no longer there. Confusion and dismay all at once. My bag isn’t particularly big. I check the contents again. It dawns on me what I intended to do. Checking my phone – that was it! The phone and passport are still there, but there’s no sign of the wallet. Helplessness. Not just for me – also for the others. How could this happen? How is this possible? How could this happen? I had carried the bag close to my body, just not in front of my belly, but on my back. I think I should have noticed!

I hastily decide that I need to walk back. I can’t go to the café at the National Theater, much as I would like to. At the same time, I fear moving alone in the city and making my way back to the hotel. But that's what happens, as none of the others say, 'I or we will accompany you.'

I still wonder why this happened? At the same time, a wave of anger rises within me because I don’t want to communicate my need or desire for companionship, or maybe I can’t. I think to myself, one ought to figure this out! I’m stubborn, which means our paths now diverge – something one shouldn't do in a big city at any time of day, in my opinion! Especially since I am also the person who has no mobile data. Of course, you can add this spontaneously through the mobile provider, but if it’s a quick need, you find yourself stuck. Just like I am now. In hindsight, I know this moment was an exceptional situation for all of us! I also believe that there was no help available to me in this situation. No idea. A wall has been erected. What do I need to do now? Block my cards! This should be quick, especially concerning my credit card. My most important to-do. What do I need for that? Internet access or I have to make a phone call. Another problem. Important phone numbers are in my backpack. Where is that? In the hotel breakfast room. I could scream. So, please remember this. Save important phone numbers directly into your phone or note them down.

The three girls move on. We agree that I will contact them from the hotel, where I have Wi-Fi access again. I turn back. I retrace the exact same route and search every corner. I examine every curb and every edge. I look into the holes. I tell you, in such an extreme situation, you grow beyond yourself. But I can’t find anything. Nothing. No one speaks to me either. I proceed until I return to the hotel. What do I do now? I approach a young woman from the hotel staff, and she is overwhelmed by the situation too. Everyone is overwhelmed. The language barrier doesn’t make it any easier, but I’m pretty sure she understood me. I ask her to unlock the breakfast room to check if I left my wallet there, although I am quite sure that is not the case. No such luck. I forget to take out the necessary contacts from my backpack. The staff member locks it up again. My room, which I have already checked out of, is also inspected in parallel. Every possibility is considered. I check the hallway and the restroom downstairs. But nothing here either. The pressure is building. And then I think I really need to contact my bank now. Then it strikes me that I still need those phone numbers, which is why I need to unlock the breakfast room, which is now essentially serving as a luggage repository. I think to myself, what impression am I leaving here? Maybe the breakfast room isn’t such a bad location after all!

I sit down in the lobby, type the number for my bank – for card blocking – with trembling hands and call. But only a Spanish announcement comes through, which I unfortunately do not understand or cannot place. I likely dialed the wrong area code, so my call doesn’t connect. Now is the point where I can no longer control my emotions. The dam breaks and the tears flow – and how! I feel miserable, small, and lost, and this alone-ness in this situation overwhelms me. But aren't we all similar in such situations? With things for which we've lost the routine? I dial the number of my former life partner, with whom I have been separated for a while now, because there is still that familiar feeling when I really need help – or maybe still a kind of dependency? I don’t know how else to help myself and I feel so relieved when he picks up. I express my urgent request, asking if he can also call my bank to block my cards. 'Please at least try,' I say. A big emotional chaos ensues. I am pretty good at that, unfortunately. He asks me where our travel guide is and tells me I should contact him. But that doesn’t help me at all in the situation. Because I don't know where Jefrey is either. And during the last 3 travel days, the feeling of traveling in a group has somehow dissipated. I think to myself, I don’t have time to call Jefrey – I need to block my cards! He suggests I should try it through online banking. I hang up and hope that he calls for me. Whether he did that, I don’t know to this day because we can’t communicate well anymore. I log in and indeed manage to do it. All cards are blocked, and I take screenshots. Better safe than sorry.

I think in a rush: what do I need to do now? I consider what was in my wallet. ID card, insurance card. Luckily no cash left; just a few Colónes coins, and at most 2-3 Euros. Irrelevant notes. I Google and read that you also need to report the loss of your ID card to the police. I think about it and decide that, due to the limited time resource, I will take care of this immediately upon my return to Germany. The hotel staff approaches me again. Nothing was found in the room. I was aware of that, actually. In the meantime, I could consider what I had done or paid for in the last hour. It’s now about – I estimate – 1:00 PM. I see that I received messages via WhatsApp. The small group is contacting me. They report that they checked again in the café where we were together and asked around, and also checked in the supermarket again. They say they couldn't get into the National Theater or the café. I am not even in a position to respond to their brief message. I reply that the bank cards are blocked.

I decide to walk the route once more and give it a second chance. I try to look even closer – with new focus and renewed courage. But unfortunately, again nothing. I need to keep an eye on the time, as we all need to be back at the hotel by 2:00 PM. Suddenly it occurs to me what else was in the wallet. My loose apartment key. But the fact that losing the key will lead to a much larger problem does not even cross my mind at this point! What to do now? What other options are there? I decide to go to the supermarket one more time and specifically approach someone from the staff. I arrive and see police, likely more of a security service. I take a deep breath and move forward. I ask the man, who seems to be about my age, if he speaks English, which he unfortunately denies. But he takes me to a staff member at a checkout who speaks a little English. I briefly explain the situation. That I was recently in the market and at which checkout I made a purchase. Since I can name the checkout and the approximate time, something totally crazy happens. In the background, the video footage is checked, which the security man later shows me on a tablet. There I see myself paying at the checkout, putting my wallet into my shoulder bag, holding the small groceries under my arm, and leaving the supermarket with my group. That was also my gut feeling – that the wallet was stolen after the brief stay in the hotel. Nevertheless, I am incredibly touched that I received such good help in the supermarket. I want to express a huge thank you! <3

At this point, I decide to leave it at that. I give up. I walk back the same route from the supermarket to the hotel as I did after our shopping and search here again. But again, unfortunately, nothing. I arrive at the hotel completely exhausted, sweaty, around 1:30 PM. The group I was with has also returned, as well as a few other travelers. Somehow the atmosphere is totally strange, and I give the 3 girls a brief update. I sit in the lobby until our group is complete again. I feel completely helpless. Jefrey is back too. I sit in an armchair and the tears flow once more. I have a brief conversation with Jefrey, who is also totally overwhelmed by the situation. He speaks to the hotel staff again, but there are no new updates. The couple from Frankfurt has also realized what has happened. They look at me with large, sad eyes. I can't take it anymore and directly ask the woman from Frankfurt if she can hug me, to which she agrees, and once again my dam breaks. This hug feels incredibly good!

The luggage is now being loaded onto our bus, and by now, the entire group has heard about what’s going on. I take my place in the back, where the woman from Munich has already settled in. We take a while to arrive at the airport. During the ride, I think, and the tears keep flowing. Somehow, I can't find any assurance anymore. Tissues are passed around, and suddenly someone from a row in front of me calls out and hands me a larger bill. And I am grateful and speechless at the same time. And I realize that, although fortunately, I have my train ticket (Rail & Fly), I am now completely without cash and have no option to withdraw money at the counter. It’s the fellow traveler for whom I withdrew Colónes during our trip (her credit card was causing problems here), as we could only pay cash for some items. She says: 'Keep your head up, it will be fine – you helped me out too!' And I am deeply touched. Thousands of thoughts fill my head. I think about how lucky I was that my passport is still there. Had it also been stolen, the whole situation would have looked much more dramatic. Just thinking about it scares me. I remember that I have another apartment key stored with a friend and neighbor. However, I realize this person is currently not in Hamburg. And again, my stomach churns. But then I remember that another key is with my parents, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, we arrive very early (around 3:00 PM) at the airport. Here it gets emotional again, as we thank Viktor, our driver. We also collected money for him, and a group member represents us and hands Viktor the envelope. He is very moved. Just like Jef was the night before at Sloth Coffee Shop. We surprised Jef there. Unfortunately, Viktor could not join us that evening. We all say goodbye warmly to both of them, and at that moment the joint journey with them ends. Jefrey expresses his sympathy to me once more. The sun is shining, and it is pleasantly warm. The group enters the airport together. Since we are there so early, no baggage check-in counter has opened yet. So we look for empty seats in a café area. The woman from Berlin again kindly tells me to let her know if I want to drink or eat something. However, the whole situation is just uncomfortable for me. I am still completely overwhelmed. Although a bit calmer, I still feel out of sorts. At the seat where I’m sitting, there is immediately a power outlet. I first charge my phone. I log into the airport Wi-Fi and check online banking again. Until our departure at shortly before 9:00 PM, I will do this frequently. I research once more about the ID card. And I fear that, in a short time, some form of misuse could occur. I am anxious about leaving the country and internally feel total paranoia. That doesn’t help at all and only drains more energy. I spend the waiting time sending out initial emails. Among other things, to my health insurance company. I will soon need some new cards. I communicate with my parents and inform them about the current situation. I cool down a bit. How long I sit there, I can’t say anymore, but certainly around two hours.

Now it’s time to go, as the Lufthansa counter has opened. Here, everything is well organized, and it goes quickly. I take a deep breath, and when it’s my turn, I present my passport. This goes well. When I place my suitcase on the scale, my pulse shoots up again because I have over 1.5 kg of excess weight, and I am simply flabbergasted by this. How can 23 kg of luggage be insufficient? But I can manage that, and I feel so ashamed for this. Of course, during the trip, I lacked nothing, and I could have outfitted my entire group in terms of clothing. But no one, including myself, needs so much clothing. There were opportunities everywhere to donate clothes locally and get them washed. I think of the song 'Light Luggage' by Silbermond and tell myself internally that next time I will do better. I actually knew so much before this trip. Much is learned and understood only when experienced first-hand. Thankfully, the staff member at the counter says nothing. And I can only think that I couldn’t have paid for excess baggage . No bank cards left. I might have been able to lay the €100 bill that I borrowed on the counter.

On we go to security control. Here, the passport is checked and signed again. I breathe a sigh of relief and think that I can fly home with the others tonight and don’t have to stay alone here or arrange a new flight. And again I feel deep gratitude. Everything goes smoothly. And while the others get lost in numerous shops and pass the time in different ways, my path leads me directly to the gate and the seating area. I sit there for a long time, just staring into space. And I try to recover from the morning. I don’t need anything. I have my water bottle, which I can refill at the water dispenser. And I reflect for myself that you don’t always need everything in abundance. I can also manage a few hours without food; also, I have a few cookies in my backpack. Completely sufficient. On the plane, there will be more food than I need. In the late afternoon, something very special happens that I first need to process. I see an email in my inbox. I receive a message that someone has sent me a message through my travel blog. I open the blog and find a message from Natalia <3

Dear Natalia,

If you happen to read this, I want you to know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your post. I deleted it immediately after reading your message because it contained your phone number, which I absolutely wanted to keep private. I want to tell you how much it helped me that you reached out, and I wish there were more honest people like you. It was so thoughtful of you to seek me out and contact me. Thank you for our conversation and the sense of security you gave me. I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica, and I will always associate this trip with the memory of you. Please also thank your friend who found me on Instagram for me. I wish you and your families all the best! And if you ever come to Germany and happen to be in Hamburg, please get in touch!

For all other readers. What happened? Natalia found my two bank cards on a public bus in San José, one that I never used. They were apparently lying loose on a seat. She picked them up and contacted me afterwards. Natalia lives in San José. Unfortunately, there is still no trace of the rest of my wallet. But knowing that at least the cards, which were already blocked, are not lying around aimlessly in the world, gives me some comfort. And it confirms my feeling that I was truly robbed. What kind of person does something like this and why? If cash had been in my wallet; honestly, I wouldn't have cared. But what does one do with blocked bank cards and IDs from another country? Why can’t this be handed in to the local police or lost and found? I will never understand that, and I probably won’t receive any further answers. The rest of the wallet? Unclear.

Just before 9:00 PM, it is time. Flight LH519 takes off, and I am on board (YEAH) along with a super cool flight crew. Have you ever – please don’t get me wrong – had older flight attendants on your flight? Even though I have flown often, I have always observed very young staff so far, both nationally and internationally. This flight is different, and the crew is incredibly friendly and really great concerning service and safety. And they always have a quick joke and a smile on their faces. We fly through the night and I 'overfly' the time change that Germany is facing tonight. Now there’s even an 8-hour time difference. I can even sleep a bit. We land on time on Sunday afternoon, around 4:00 PM, in Frankfurt. This is quite unfortunate, as we are all seated quite separately in the plane, and some group members have connecting flights, so we cannot say a complete goodbye. Part of the group heads directly to baggage claim; another part is already on the way to the new gate. Everyone goes their own way. I take another thorough look around because I would have liked to say goodbye to the woman from Berlin who helped me with the cash. I do find some fellow travelers again, for instance, the nice couple from Frankfurt, from whom I can still personally say goodbye. Many greetings also go out to Dortmund, Munich, Stuttgart, and Switzerland.

:-)

For me, it’s now from the airport to the main train station in Frankfurt and then by ICE to Kassel-W. Then another transfer and the last leg to Paderborn. Hamburg will have to wait a bit longer. I need my apartment key and am being assisted by my parents in contact with the police. I arrive in Paderborn shortly after 9:00 PM and sit at the police station for hours filing my report.

You’re almost done.

Why am I sharing this information with you?

Because I don’t want you to experience the same thing that happened to me!

Because I learned a lot from this and return with greater inner strength.

My most important tips as a conclusion for you. Think carefully about where you take your passport. It’s best not to have it with you while traveling; you can manage well with security copies, either printed or stored as a photo on your phone. And do you know what? I actually had that (the good old printout), but I simply didn’t want to leave my passport in that mysterious breakfast room, which in hindsight turned out to be a proper safe place. Crazy! Save important phone numbers directly in your phone or note them down; but never your PINs! Also, consider getting an eSim. I think I will have one on my future travels. If you should find yourself traveling alone at some point, which I don’t particularly recommend, you have the options to call up Google Maps, look up connections. You’ll be better reachable. Can access relevant info quicker. Think of secure hand luggage that you keep in sight. What you should definitely not do: never pack your house key in your wallet. And certainly not a master key.

Just don’t do it!

NEVER

:-)

Okay? Promise?

Thank you

<3

It’s best to not take any keys with you on vacation at all. There are plenty of other options!

And while I’m at it, if you’re moving into an apartment, as I am, which has a central locking system, please think about getting proper insurance, like a sufficient liability insurance. They are not so expensive. And the same goes for a good legal protection. I believe it's often the case that when one needs the relevant insurance, it isn’t available or is not sufficient, just like with me.

That’s life?!

Check your rental agreement better than I did.

And maybe one last thing. Don’t hesitate to talk about your feelings or communicate a need, e.g. 'Hey, I don't want to be alone right now. Can you accompany me?' False pride or sulking is unnecessary here. It brings nothing. It won’t help anyone.

I know I did my best in this situation. Cards can be replaced, of course; a bit of running around is involved.

The most important thing always remains that you are healthy!

That no one was seriously put in danger.

<3

Many of you are probably wondering how things will go with my key now?

I can tell you. It doesn't look good for me. But I will also get through this.

Since I’m in the midst of the process/solution finding, I can’t report on this yet.

For me, the right path is always the honest one.

That’s part of my nature and can’t be taken out of me.

But I want to thank everyone who supports me physically and mentally.

<3

I hope I haven’t bored you, and perhaps everyone can take something away for themselves.

We are almost at the end of this travel blog. I still plan to write a little conclusion about Costa Rica in general.

So there will be one more post, and then it will be radio silence here for now.

:-)

One thing is already certain. Regarding this day, I really do not like to look back. Because even now it triggers a lot in me. At the same time, I know that it is important for me to take a closer look at what happened to me. To return to that moment that overwhelmed and frightened me extremely. It starts off foolishly. I slept poorly and woke up several times during the night. Constant city noises all around. The realization that this beautiful journey is coming to an end and that we are heading back to Germany – back to reality. When I get up in the morning, it is warm, but the day is completely overcast. I get ready and go down to the breakfast room. Some group members are already sitting here. But the atmosphere is subdued. The others probably feel the same way I do. If only I could be on the road forever, yes, in motion.

One last time Gallo Pinto. I will miss this dish so much! Tried too late and then truly enjoyed it. With scrambled eggs and hash browns. Fresh pineapple and melon. Savoring everything once again. At my table, we talk about the reality that will soon come back and when everyone has to work again. I am lucky because after returning, I still have four more vacation days left. I am not yet aware of how much I will need them.

Nevertheless, the day starts with a small and final agenda item. A large part of the group gathers at the reception at 8:30 AM. Jefrey wants to show us some corners of San José. So we set off. First, we head to the Plaza de la Cultura. Here, in close proximity, is the Teatro Nacional of Costa Rica. It was opened in October 1897 with a performance by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Unfortunately, we cannot enter the theater. Our path takes us further through large intersections, deeper into the center. During our walk, I see many things that make me think deeply. Poverty. People who apparently live on the street and are in poor health. But where in a big city is that not the case? Generally, it is crowded and also loud. As tourists, we are of course approached more often. Comments that are not directly assignable. While I was able to gather so many beautiful moments during this trip, the stay in the capital feels foreign and uncomfortable to me. The buildings are in varying conditions. It is hectic, I see many power lines. Though these impressions are not unfamiliar to me, I feel out of place.

Our main goal is the Mercado Central of San José. You can imagine this as a very lively, labyrinthine market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, coffee, hot prepared foods, handicrafts, souvenirs, and many other things. Many locals actually gather here. As we enter the market, we immerse ourselves in a colorful world. It is very busy, and there are many small aisles, sounds, and smells. Each of us veers off in different directions. Some are picking up a few souvenirs. I would actually like to do that too, but somehow I can't decide, and I feel overwhelmed by the large selection. I sense that what I have experienced here in the last 2 weeks, all these feelings and impressions – they are more than sufficient for me. I don’t really want to engage with this market, so I find myself already at the agreed meeting point. Everyone returns on time, and when Jefrey joins us, everyone shares what they have purchased. By the way, one could also buy very good chocolate at the market. Jefrey has picked up fresh coffee. I realize that I am getting a little sad because I would have liked to take coffee beans with me. No problem. He goes back with me and another group member to the stand. Here we receive good advice, and it smells really nice. We buy beans for classic filter coffee as well as for espresso from the espresso machine. I am thankful.

We make our way back to the hotel, where we arrive at about 10:15 AM. At 11:00 AM, we have to leave our rooms, as many new guests seem to be arriving today, our group is checking out completely, and many rooms need to be cleaned. When I arrive in my room, I think that there's still quite a bit to do – I start to feel a bit stressed. First, my suitcase still needs to be packed. Simultaneously pondering how to best pack everything and what I won’t need anymore. I jump in the shower, wanting to freshen up before this long journey back. After I get dressed, and the suitcase is packed and closed, I think about how to organize my carry-on. We can leave the hotel only at 2:00 PM and will be taken to the airport. For carry-on, I have a backpack with me. However, since I do not want to carry this too heavily during the remaining time, I decide to leave as much luggage as possible at the hotel, and I opt for my small shoulder bag. Since the fact that our luggage will likely be safely stored in the breakfast room but still makes me feel uneasy, I decide to keep my wallet, phone, and passport in my shoulder bag. It somehow doesn’t feel right to leave any of these things behind in the hotel.

Once everyone is out of their rooms, the group discusses one last time. Three hours remain. A portion of the group decides to visit a museum. There are different options. On the one hand, the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, or the Museo del Jade. I join a small group, and the four of us decide to find a nice café and spend the time more relaxed. We reach the café “Capital Coffee Roaster.” Here we are greeted warmly, and soon many tasty things are ordered. Alongside Iced Lattes and fresh sandwiches, there are cappuccinos and a piece of vanilla cake. We are all satisfied and engage in conversation with the owner. He gives us some information about the beans. There’s also another opportunity to take coffee with us. We leave the café and decide to visit a supermarket one last time. Some of us, including myself, want to pick up a few little things. We find a nearby supermarket and grab banana chips, the famous Lizano Salsa sauce – which goes perfectly with Gallo Pinto – and Frijoles Molidos (prepared refried red beans). Just as Jef taught us, a great dip for classic nachos. Canned palm hearts also come with us. So off to the checkout and out of the supermarket. Since there’s still time left, we decide to bring our small purchases back to the hotel and visit the restroom. Always good to consider where to go in foreign countries for a quiet moment :-). We then plan to head towards the National Theater again. A very nice idea from one of the group members, I think. And perhaps one last chance to see some of the theater’s interior. Here is the “Alme De Cafe.” However, for me, everything turns out differently.

Good Morning!

It is 9:30 AM, and our journey back to the capital of the country begins. We are now leaving the Leyenda Hotel. Viktor and Jefrey are loading our luggage onto the bus, and then we will be off. We will be traveling for over eight hours in total. It will be a very long bus ride. Initially, everyone is optimistic and in good spirits, although I personally feel a hint of sadness, as the end of this journey is drawing closer. Unfortunately! If I had the chance, I would love to stay a bit longer. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, especially the people who live here have deeply impressed me. During the return trip, each group member does something different. Some take a nap, read, listen to music, munch on snacks, do puzzles, or look out the window. There is plenty of time to reflect on the many vacation moments. Unfortunately, we are stuck in traffic. The flow is slow, the roads are varied in quality - quite a bumpy affair - and we frequently encounter traffic jams. We often and for long periods come to a standstill. We stop at gas stations twice in total for restroom breaks and have the opportunity to buy snacks and cold drinks. Throughout the journey, I've shared the last row of seats with a woman from Munich. We enjoy some Imperial and Toña.

This evening we will have a group wrap-up of the trip. We are visiting the Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop. We are scheduled to meet there at 6:00 PM for some cocktail mixing and dinner. As we slowly approach the area around the airport, we lose a lot of time. The multi-lane road is completely packed. It’s a concert of countless engines and honking. Stop and Go feels like it lasts forever. We are on our way to our starting hotel, the Fleur de Lys, but we only arrive shortly after 6:00 PM. Check-in is quick, the suitcases are carried up the stairs to the rooms, and then off we go again. We have about a 15-minute break. This time, my room has windows and even a balcony. I quickly freshen up and head back down to the reception.

A short walk follows until we arrive around 7:45 PM. It is dark by this time. The city is bustling on a Friday evening. At Mr. Sloth, we are warmly welcomed first. We go up a staircase to the upper part of the venue. Here, we are served a small creamy cocktail with cinnamon. Next, we will make mojitos together. This is a lot of fun. Afterwards, we fill fresh empanada dough with pulled chicken, coleslaw, mixed pickled vegetables, and some spicy jalapeños, along with various sauces. It is so delicious. Amazing. After that, we enter the lower section of the venue and take our seats at beautifully set tables. A three-course menu follows. We have lemonades, beer, or sangria available, depending on everyone's preference. Very tasty traditional dishes follow. I wish I knew the names now :-) Definitely, there's a Caribbean-style chicken prepared in coconut milk, accompanied by Pico de Gallo and fried plantain slices. Everything tastes excellent.

When we finish eating, a very special surprise follows, which no one knows about. The room is dimmed, and a birthday song is played. One of our fellow travelers has her birthday today and is surprised with a rich chocolate cake with candles. Since she didn't tell us about her birthday, though Jefrey prepared something special, this is a very touching moment. We all sing together and chat happily. The cake is quickly eaten. We start to slowly head out. A small part of the group goes back to the hotel while the others are still looking for another bar. Eventually, we stop by 'El Lobo Mestizo.' Here, everyone gets another drink. We arrive back at Fleur de Lys satisfied, but also exhausted. I go straight to bed.

The morning begins quite calmly. When I arrive for breakfast, most of the group has already left. Where to, I am not sure. I have a strange feeling inside me. What I have spoken little about so far is that on a journey with other people, you are naturally also confronted with things or challenges that are not so simple. Different perspectives on how to spend a free day. What each person likes to do. When to leave. Everyone ticks differently. A lot comes together. NEEDS :). Jeffrey's idea of giving us as much freedom as possible during the two days in the area around Sámara has somehow not quite worked out. While we had previously 'grown together' as a solid unit, everything was now open. Some were missing the structure, while others knew how to use their time quickly and autonomously. I was the same. However, since we are quite far outside the beach areas, it is logistically not so easy anymore. The shuttle belonging to the hotel is too small for our entire group. Jeffrey and Viktor have withdrawn completely, which many of us did not understand. However, we were all not really able to communicate this properly with the two. But that's not what I want to go into detail about here. That would be unnecessary and annoying. I just want to briefly illustrate that we often had different viewpoints and there were also discussions. Quite typical for Germans. 

After breakfast, I first met up with four other group members at the pool. We initially enjoyed the morning sun and swam a bit. Reading was also part of it. Just relaxing. Together we decided to have the hotel shuttle take us to Carrillo Beach. Yesterday we were more in Sámara, so today we definitely want to check out Carrillo. Initially, I thought that eight of us would go to this beach. However, three other group members had already disappeared from the hotel area and were not at the pool in the morning. There was no communication about this - none whatsoever. So we had to 'cancel' or 'reduce' the reserved spots at the reception. Ultimately, there were only four of us left. The fifth person decided to take the public bus to go directly to Sámara. Totally fine, but somehow it's a shame that the group is so split up. That's how it was.

Once we arrived at Carrillo Beach, we were lucky to find a shady spot under the palm trees. Here, you have to be careful with the coconuts. And then it was time for me. I walked about 100 meters across the incredibly hot sand into the Pacific Ocean. And what can I tell you? This feeling is indescribable. The sea is so warm, it smells so wonderful. The waves are so beautiful. Letting them carry you, swimming through them. Realizing where you are and what a privilege it is to be able to swim here. And how worth it it has been to take this journey. I think back to how it feels to swim in the Pacific again. It is really wonderful, and I feel pure gratitude. And the others enjoy it very much too. The sun is intense. Everything shines and sparkles. Meanwhile, four more group members who spent the morning in Sámara have arrived at Carrillo Beach. One participant even walked along the beach from there. Along the way, she passed the lookout point Isolte Chora. Together with two lovely travel companions, I walked a short distance to a small stand, which is simply set up, to see if they have drinks or a cold beer. We got into a conversation with a nice woman who sells ceviche and soft drinks. No beer: she reports that alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be sold down here at the beach. She tells us that a small grill is about to be fired up, where meat, maybe also fish, will be grilled. Do we have any interest in this? The woman is very open with us. Nevertheless, we move on and enjoy our time on the beach. Surprising it is, but we eventually do find a cold beer.

I spend a wonderful day with two lovely traveling companions, a couple from Frankfurt, who have been very likeable to me from the beginning of the journey. We break away from the group and design the day according to our own ideas and wishes. Even if it might feel unusual at first to break away from the 'mainstream', or shall I say, to do or decide something differently, we will be surprised at the end of the day how much we experienced. After the intense midday sun and two swims, the three of us take the public bus not back to the hotel complex, but one more time to Sámara. And I am increasingly surrounded by the fear of whether I am overdoing it and whether we will safely return to the hotel in the evening. It takes a while to see the bus, and it is also very humid. On the bus there is some time to catch our breath, and the wind from the open windows feels good. Upon arriving in town, we stroll a bit through some small shops, stopping by a few stands. Finally, some time to meander and look around. Here we meet more group members who are also on their way back to the hotel. Together with the two from Frankfurt, I arrive at the stand. The afternoon sunlight is so beautiful. All the sounds at the beach. The roar of the sea, the music from the restaurants/bars. The rustling of the palms in the wind. Children's voices. Animals. It is really great. We visit 'La Dolce Vita' one more time and then change locations to 'El Lagarto'. Here we have delicious cocktails and enjoy a pleasant conversation. While the rest of the group has dinner together, also along with Jeffrey and Viktor, we remain three today and decide to take a taxi (the public transport times do not align with our plans) to a great restaurant and viewpoint.

Off to the 'taxi stand'. There are 2 or 3 men standing there, chatting animatedly. One of them has set up his grill. It sizzles. Right at the intersection of a road. We ask the people about a taxi. We have a quick chat, and soon a man comes out of a shop. This is the taxi driver and his car is not far from us. The ride costs, which is reasonable, we share. After about 15 minutes, we arrive at 'La Cuesta del Sol Bar'. Look how beautiful it is there. We are lucky and get a table. The owners are originally from Sicily and have been in Costa Rica for about 1.5 years. We are all quite excited about the dinner. There are fresh pasta with shellfish, risotto, and a very good steak. Time and again we are drawn to the nearby platform from which you can see the sunset very well and look directly into the bay. We enjoy. We sit under the open sky. Above us, there are fairy lights strung everywhere. It is really beautiful here. Then there is dessert, and we decide to walk the rest of the way back to the hotel on foot. It's about 2.5 km. First, we walk through a kind of residential area. Then we continue along the 'Rute Nacional Secundaria'. The phone flashlights give us security. Here you definitely need to be careful. We make another stop at a supermarket 'La Guardia'. At around 9:00 PM we are back at the hotel complex. We stumble upon a larger part of the group that is hanging out by the pool. And so we quickly drop our things and join them at the pool. The group comes back together and everyone exchanges their experiences of the day. It feels good. The evening is relaxed. Around 11:00 PM I lie down in bed after a hot shower. Tomorrow we will leave the hotel at 9:30 AM. Enough time to pack. Buenas Noches.]]>https://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/playa-carrillosamara-tag-iihttps://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/playa-carrillosamara-tag-iiSat, 18 Apr 2026 11:22:00 GMT9.6481432-84.6566165Our first stop today is the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Here we will take the Sendero Las Pailas hiking trail, which is approximately 4 km long. The national park is known for its impressive combination of active volcanic activity, tropical forests, and spectacular waterfalls. It is home to the volcano of the same name, one of the most active in the country, and offers visitors the rare opportunity to see geothermal phenomena, such as bubbling mud pits, up close. Today is very hot, and the region is quite dry. The waterfall has very little water. There is much to discover here and to experience with all senses, especially the unique scent that surrounds the national park. We will learn about the “Naked Trees” or find the impressive Kapok tree, known for its fibrous seed hairs, here.

Today we are making our way to finally reach the Pacific coast. We are heading towards Sámara or near Puerto Carrillo. This is where our new accommodation is located: Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa. A long journey lies ahead of us, taking over 3 hours in total. However, the drive is worth it. Sámara is a laid-back coastal village on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. The small village boasts a 5 km long sandy beach and a protective reef. After arriving at our new accommodation, a large part of the group decides to take public transport (bus) to Sámara. To board the bus, you stand by the roadside and raise your hand or arm as soon as you see it coming. We only pay 500 Colones for the ride. Here we encounter locals directly, which is very nice. The ride is pleasant, and along the way, we pass the beautiful Carrillo Beach. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The sand shines brightly, and the palms are illuminated by the sun. After about half an hour, we arrive in Sámara. The “Pura Vida” atmosphere here is impressive. Our path leads us straight to the beach and directly into the sea. The water is wonderfully warm. The beach is very clean. Meanwhile, the sun slowly sets. An indescribable feeling.

We enjoy the moment. During our time here, we visit “La Dolce Vita,” an Italian beach bar. Here we savor delicious cocktails and dinner, all accompanied by nice live music. We are having a great time together. For the return journey, we also take the bus again. Everything goes smoothly. Around half-past nine, we arrive back at the accommodation and take another dip in the pool. We gaze at a beautiful starry sky. Today was a very eventful day.

Our next stop is in Liberia. The city is located in the northwest of the country and is the capital of the province of Guanacaste. We stop here at a supermarket and of course buy local snacks, share them, as well as cold drinks. The drive continues. The landscape has changed dramatically. It is now noticeably drier and much hotter. Everything appears ]]>https://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/ankunft-rincon-de-la-viejahttps://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/ankunft-rincon-de-la-viejaWed, 25 Mar 2026 12:42:00 GMT10.7212114-85.4073018Today 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 ]]>https://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/monteverde-7https://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/monteverde-7Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:49:00 GMT10.3052198-84.81069149999999Today, we start our journey at 5:50 AM, as we embark on a tour to observe sloths in the wild. We drive a short distance with our bus and reach our destination. Here, we switch to a smaller bus and meet our designated guide and our driver. We are in the immediate vicinity of La Fortuna. Then, we explore various forest areas. In the bus, we receive initial information about the animals. Together, we search for the animals in the respective trees. We also receive binoculars. We frequently disembark and move through the forest. The guide also has a special telescope that is mounted on a tripod, allowing it to stand firmly on the ground. We are very fortunate, as we soon spot the first sloths. Most of them are quite calm and leisurely, as if they have deciphered the secret of life. We see females, males, and even a baby sloth. We also discover beautiful toucans again, alongside whales and sloths, my new favorite animals. The tour includes a communal breakfast, which is lovely. For this, we drive to a small lodge. There is fresh coffee and juice, rice with beans, toast, eggs, or pancakes. It tastes delicious, and it is incredibly nice to be with such kind people.

Around half past nine, we continue with our own bus. Today, we will take a lovely, primitive hike in the vicinity of La Tiagra, which will lead us to Jeffrey's mother Franziska's house. On the way to the starting point, we have a little surprise, as we pass by the house and pick up Jeff's younger brother and a small, very cute dachshund that belongs to the family. Both accompany us on the hike. We ascend high, and when we arrive, we have a great view, despite the cloudy weather. Along the way in the rainforest, we are surprised by a heavy downpour. However, since it is pleasantly warm, the rain does not bother most of us. Some group members are well-equipped and have rain gear with them. Since I am wearing linen pants and a shirt today, everything dries quickly and well. We pass meadows with cows standing in them. We hike past small, very secluded houses and get traditional insights. Sometimes, pleasant music can be heard from afar. Towards the end of the hike, we cross a river. For this, we change our shoes. Everyone now wears either water shoes or trekking sandals. It is wonderfully refreshing to walk through the water, and it feels great, especially since we are all sweating and the hike is quite strenuous. The hike spans a distance of approximately 9 km, and we take nearly 3 hours to complete it. When we arrive at Jeffrey's mother’s house, we receive a warm welcome. She has already prepared fresh juices and fruits for us. We eat the delicious pineapple that we received recently from the pineapple plantation. Franziska has two more dogs and several chickens. Together, we make empanadas. Franziska has already been busy preparing the dough from corn flour. It is served with marinated chicken (Pulled Chicken Style) with peppers and slightly spicy seasoning, cheese, or bean paste. We learn from Franziska how to shape the dough balls using banana leaves. Afterwards, the empanadas are fried over an open fire in hot oil. They taste very good. What can't be missed, of course? Right, fresh coffee. Fresh beans are ground and brewed by hand. It smells wonderfully pleasant. After eating, we sit together, and Jeffrey plays two songs on his guitar while Viktor and Franziska join in singing. It is a very special atmosphere that deeply touches me. I am grateful for these impressions away from tourism. In the end, we take a group picture. Everyone feels very comfortable.

Our return trip to Eco Lodge begins. Upon arrival, most of us freshen up first. There isn’t much time left, and we set off again. Today, the group splits, as some decide to go for a very well-known and promising night hike in the cloud forest, while others visit the nearby hot springs situated in the immediate vicinity of the Arenal Volcano. A very small part of the group decides not to participate in any activity. This is also always an option. They go to a restaurant and have dinner there together. The entrance fee for the hot springs is not entirely cheap, but the trip is worth it. We arrive at 6:00 PM, and it is already completely dark. There are several pools with different temperatures and also hot tubs. Cooling pools are also available. The facility is very well-maintained, and some of us are really breaking a sweat. In between, we cool off with delicious cocktails, such as Pura Vida and Caipirinha. Everything is included. Around shortly before 9:00 PM, we leave the springs and are picked up by Viktor. In the bus, the participants of the night hike are already seated. They had a successful tour and saw several poisonous snakes and the red-eyed tree frog. In the evening, we all fall into bed very exhausted. We have experienced a lot today.

At around 15:00, a very special highlight of the trip is coming up. We reach the Ecoglide Arenal Park. Today, we experience 11 ziplines and fly through the air. The whole group participates in this adventure and is already excited. First, we are equipped with the appropriate gear and receive instructions, which we repeat at a so-called test track. Then, we take a special vehicle into the rainforest and mainly upwards. All 11 lines are connected to each other by so-called platforms. The team that accompanies us is great. They are reliable and safety is highly prioritized here. Experiencing the various ziplines is indescribable. They range in length from a minimum of 100 to a maximum of 430 meters. We are at a height of about 25 meters. There is also a suspension bridge. During the tour, we take photos and videos. This experience provides a lot of fun. It releases an incredible amount of energy and positive feelings of happiness. The tour ends after about 1.5 hours. At the end, we are rewarded with cold drinks. My impression is that everyone would have liked to continue longer.

We make our way to our next hotel. It is called Eco Arenal. We are warmly welcomed here. The hotel complex is truly beautiful and the rooms are well maintained. We all settle in a bit. A large part of the group hands in dirty laundry at the reception that needs to be cleaned. During our trip, we have opportunities to do this again and again. At 19:00, we are scheduled to have dinner together with our tour guide Jefrey. We visit the restaurant La Fonda 505. Here, there is a very diverse menu that has something suitable for everyone. We enjoy the time spent together. The group is well in contact and exchanging with each other. When we return to the hotel, a small part of the group drinks a beer together. Around 22:00, we all are in our rooms. Tomorrow we meet already at 05:50.

We dock, and beautiful music sounds from a bar in the village. There is much to discover. We observe locals, various plants and flowers, and pass by a small school where classes are also held in the morning. In fact, at some point, the national anthem of Costa Rica plays here. We learn that the village has about 200 inhabitants. A large part of them are children, as families here are very “child-rich.” Our destination is a small bar on the edge of the village, where we will take a break. It is about 10:00 AM by now. Here, we first try some fruit from the tree. This has been cut into small pieces and fried for us. It is served with mayonnaise and tastes very similar to French fries. Delicious! We have the opportunity to try Nicaraguan beer (Toña) here. It tastes wonderfully mild. Other group members order fresh fruit shakes or iced tea. We have time to let the small village sink in. It is very pleasant here. Everything feels a bit dreamy and still sleepy. Around 11:00 AM, we make our way back. We are very lucky, as we spot two crocodiles, thanks to our guide Jef and his keen eyes. The captain also spots one. Everyone is amazed and filled with awe.

At 12:00 PM, we are back at the accommodation. Today, we can use the time until dinner for ourselves, which I really enjoy. As wonderful as it is to travel within a group, one also appreciates having some time to oneself. I relax, write a bit during this time, and take a calm shower. I take some self-care time and reflect. I enjoy doing that. Later, I go down to the river and continue reading my book there. From there, I also watch the sunset. Everything here touches me so deeply. This trip is getting under my skin. And then on to dinner, which is delicious again. Afterwards, a large part of the group goes for a night hike that Jefrey leads. We start around 19:45 PM. It is pitch dark, and various sounds come from the jungle. It is totally fascinating. First, we receive some instructions on how to behave during the night hike, and then we are off. Equipped with the appropriate clothing and flashlights, we take a little round tour. Right at the beginning, we observe various spiders, including the venomous golden silk spider. We are lucky, as we spot the red-eyed tree frog, which is our goal for today, and everyone is very impressed. Just look how beautiful it is. It is amazing how active the animals are. A small part of the group finishes the evening with cocktails. And then we head to bed, tired and satisfied. Tomorrow we continue our journey. To the Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna. I feel very good here.

Costa Rica is an unbelievably beautiful country. The nature here is overwhelming. The diversity of plants and animals is enormous. Time and again, you can pause, listen, observe, and linger in the moment. I wish that time would stand still; everything here touches me deeply—it feels very close to me. I feel comfortable, both alone and with the group, and I experience deep gratitude for this 'travel miracle' and the courage that has allowed me to make the decision to go on this trip. My first group journey. And although there is still a while to go, I can already say that I would do it again. Back at the hotel, I am greeted by a cold shower. It feels so good! And it’s time for dinner. With a direct view of the kitchen and the chefs cooking there. It smells wonderful, and I realize how hungry I am. I have chosen 'Breaded Chicken Fajitas' which come with fries and salad. I am on cloud nine; the food here is incredibly delicious. Alongside, there is a cold beer and later a gin and tonic. Shortly after nine, we all find our way back to bed, positively overwhelmed by all the experiences here. Content. At peace with myself. I can entirely leave my daily life behind.

*

Today we are scheduled to meet at 1:00 PM. Everyone is punctual at the bus and excitement is high. We are visiting the Tirimbina Reserve. Here, we will embark on a chocolate tour. We will learn about the entire manufacturing process, from the cocoa fruit to the bean to the finished chocolate. In between, we get to taste it repeatedly. I find it impressive how good the beans taste after roasting and what flavors emerge. The cocoa nibs (separated from the shell) are then processed with cane sugar and cinnamon, ground on a special stone and then milled further. Here we get involved, because we are turning the crank. A very special “cocoa liqueur” is created. This is then poured by Don Giovanni with hot water and stirred vigorously. We essentially have a natural hot chocolate here. We can flavor it with various spices, such as pepper or chili or nutmeg, but also with vanilla or rum. It really tastes good. We learn the theory regarding the further steps until the finished chocolate. This is melted for us, and we can eat it together with fresh pineapple or coffee nibs, or coconut flakes. There is also sea salt. In the end, we also enjoy dark chocolate. The presentation is really well done. Very dynamic, funny, and in very good English.

*

Afterwards, we take a hike through the reserve. We walk over a longer suspension bridge and cross the Sarapiquí River. We have a great view from the bridge. During the hike, we discover many depth and interesting plants again. Jef explains a lot about the flora and fauna in Costa Rica. When we arrive back at the starting point, cold drinks await us, such as soft drinks, beer, or fresh shakes. For a small part of the group, a great highlight begins in the evening. They go on a night hike with a guide and flashlight. Equipped with appropriate clothing and good mosquito repellent, they head out. The other part of the group, to which I belong, is taken back to the hotel. We meet later for dinner together.

We learn that the night hike was a resounding success, as there was a lot to discover. After sunset, the jungle awakens. The group sees spiders, frogs, snakes, numerous insects, and also discovers a sloth again. Really great 😊

*

Today, we are traveling to Sarapiquí, a place that is closer to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The travel time is about three hours. On the way, we make another stop at a supermarket. You can really feel it. It is getting noticeably hotter and even more humid. We take a lunch break at Maria's. Here, there is the opportunity to try a local specialty, namely palm hearts. Once prepared as a salad and once as lasagna. We also have fresh papaya juice. It really tastes delicious. 

*

Our destination today is a rafting tour on the Río Sarapiquí. So again, we can expect action and adrenaline. The tour begins again with safety instructions, where we learn the correct commands that are important for rafting. We each receive a paddle, a life jacket, and a helmet. However, for me, the tour starts first with a jump from a small cliff about 5 meters high into the river. Some others dare to jump as well. We let ourselves drift a bit and then climb into the boats. We sit sideways on the inflatable boat. The ride begins. We see crystal-clear water, gentle and roaring rapids. The river is surrounded by a tropical jungle with an incredible variety of animals. We see kingfishers, ospreys, toucans, and much more. The descent is so much fun. In between, there is a chance to jump out of the boat and swim a bit where the river runs calm. During the trip, we take another break, enjoying fresh pineapple, watermelon, and delicious cookies. After 1.5 hours, the adventure unfortunately comes to an end. After we all change, we make our way to our new hotel, the Selva Verde Lodge. The small bungalows are situated right in the middle of the jungle. I have a huge room with two large beds. Plenty of space. It is very clean here too. Everyone now has time for themselves to shower, unpack, or just explore the large property. Dusk is slowly setting in. The crickets are chirping, and you can also see fireflies. It really leaves you speechless. We have dinner together and end the day with some delicious drinks. 

*

We drive a bit further and take a hike of about eight kilometers. Our goal is the twin volcano Turrialba. In contrast to Volcán Irazú, this one is still active. What happens on the way is hard to put into words, as is the feeling that surrounds me. We learn that today is a special day, a kind of ]]>https://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/vamoshttps://vakantio.de/en/blog/costa-rica-im-maerz-2026/vamosMon, 16 Mar 2026 12:09:00 GMT9.9035224-83.6834702

The night was quite loud, and I woke up frequently. I realized that I was seemingly staying in a very popular nightlife district (Sachsenhausen) in Frankfurt. Yet, it was somewhat nice to experience this colorful hustle and bustle and to drift off to sleep amidst this 'sea of voices.' The bed was very comfortable. I feel at home here and somewhat sheltered. A feeling I long for. In the morning, I was pleasantly surprised by a small, fine, vegan breakfast and a friendly staff member who provided me with reassurance. I sat on a small chair with a side table – a breakfast experience like no other. Magazines and many fashion books were scattered everywhere. A unique atmosphere. Among other things, I discover the AnOther Magazine (about Fashion & Culture), which played a significant role while I was working on my Bachelor’s thesis. Memories from that demanding time resurface within me. I always find it amazing how many small and valuable things one can find in the often hectic daily life when one consciously keeps one's eyes open. I really enjoy looking for these things, as they remind me of what is truly important.

*

The first messages in our WhatsApp group arrive, and I notice that I am getting stressed inside, worrying whether I have set off too late for the airport. So, I take the tram towards Konstablerwache. There, I change to the train to Wiesbaden. Panic rises within me because many subway and train lines converge in this area, and I am uncertain whether I am on the right track and where I need to go. After a while, I find my platform and have to wait a few minutes. I really don't like waiting right now. Doubts start to creep in. What if I can't make it? What do I do if I miss my flight? I find it hard to rein in my inner critic. Around eleven o'clock, I finally arrive at the airport. Even though I've been here several times, it's a different feeling to be traveling alone. I register in a different way just how big everything is here. I feel warm and sweaty. I was able to check in online the day before, so now I just need to drop off my suitcase. Luckily, there were many Lufthansa staff members who helped with the self-drop-off. That went smoothly. I then proceed to security control. Here, I was extremely lucky, as I got through quite quickly. My passport was checked again, and I was on my way to Gate 18. There were many conveyor belts and elevators. I internally question whether I am indeed in the right place. I feel a bit of relief as I notice that, in the end, everything falls into place time-wise. I make a quick call to my mom and my stepdad. The conversation gives me strength and ‘reorients’ me.

*

And then it’s time. The first meeting with the group and many bright faces greet me as I enter the waiting area, and within me, relief, gratitude, and curiosity surface. Boarding is not far off, and I chat a bit with a pleasant couple from Frankfurt. Then we take a bus to the plane. What I feel as I board is hard to describe. We're seated on our LH518 flight (by the way, we're all flying from here) in different spots. A young, very nice student sits next to me, and we start chatting a bit during the flight. Overall, the flight was nice and relatively calm, though quite long. I think we were traveling for about 12.5 hours. I was very excited during takeoff. My first long-haul flight, no, I correct myself, my first flight alone, period. This fact made me quite emotional inside. My husband would always be there before, holding my hand. This time it’s the armrest of my seat. I tell myself internally, I can do this; I trust everything will be alright. The flight time passes relatively quickly for me. I am engrossed in the second part of the novel by Susanne Abel, ‘What I Never Said. Gretchen’s Fate Family.’ I progress well and am fully immersed in the story. Right before seven o'clock in the evening, after the new time, we finally land in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, with a seven-hour time difference. According to German time, it is just before 2 a.m. The immigration process takes a while, and the line is long, but overall everything goes smoothly, and when we leave that area, our suitcases are already there. We are a colorful mix of people, who, as I already sense, look out for each other. A couple, three men, and the rest women. From what I’ve gathered, we come from Dortmund, Mönchengladbach, Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. I immediately feel the tropical climate, and we soon meet our tour guide, who accompanies us to our minibus. Since it is already fully dark, I can't see much. However, I am filled with various thoughts and emotions, which are quite overwhelming. It is late, and I feel very tired. After about half an hour on the bus, filled with initial travel information, we arrive at our hotel, Fleur de Lys. We receive our keys. Mine says Jasmin. A beautiful flower, I think; with a lovely meaning. When I enter the room, I notice the different 'standard' compared to my home. It's all there that is needed, and everything works, so I decide to focus on that. Yet, I don’t feel comfortable, as everything is very dark and rustic with no windows. I choose not to overvalue anything, unpack a few things I need, appreciate the good and functional power adapters, and make myself ready for bed. I still hear voices in the hallway and notice how I quickly drift off to sleep. Around two in the morning, I wake up for the first time but manage to fall asleep again. Shortly after four, the new day slowly begins for me. I am curious about what today holds. We will rise early and have breakfast. We set off at eight o'clock, and we will hike and see volcanoes. I am looking forward to it.

In the morning, the rain drums on the roof of our 'Field House' in the lodge, and the fog is thick as it was in the evening, and it's quite cold as well.

We seriously consider canceling the visit to the crater of Poás Volcano because we assume that the view at over 2500 m altitude won't be any better and access will also have a rather early slot. However, during breakfast, it seems to clear up a little, and the receptionist mentions that around here, they don't take the slot time too strictly – Pura Vida!

So we set off, only to soon be stopped by construction on the road. Initially, we go downwards and come out of the fog; as we approach the visitor center, we do soon find ourselves in a line of cars, but visibility remains good and the sky is blue. The booking check at the entrance goes off without any issues; the ranger – reminds me a bit of Sam Hawkins from Karl May – is very friendly, and our half-hour delay for the slot appointment is not worth mentioning – yes – “Pura Vida”!

We set off hopefully from the parking lot; there’s quite a bit happening, and it seems that several buses full of tourists have also been dropped off. Then we stand at the rim of the crater and see – NOTHING! Wrong – we see the thick fog hanging over and in the crater. Bad luck! Also, our waiting in hopes of a clearing proves fruitless, and it's very cold and windy – we are indeed over 2500 m high – so we make our way back. I observe the webcam at the crater the next day – only after a week does the camera show a clear view inside; one must have luck!

On the return drive to the valley, there is already another roadblock, this time a living one, consisting of a long line of cows leisurely crossing the road.

Our destination is the Doka Hacienda, which offers tours on coffee cultivation. The entire setup is very professional and touristy but certainly interesting to visit. Our guide explains the planting and care of coffee bushes and the essential maintenance – namely pruning. A coffee bush can bear fruit for 25 to 35 years but is heavily pruned every 7 years, partly to facilitate harvesting (height) and partly to obtain strong shoots with more yield.

The coffee harvest has already been completed for several weeks, so our guide gives us a theoretical demonstration with the picking basket. The harvest workers are paid per filled basket using a 'Doka coin,' which they can exchange for 'real' money at the end. It’s piecework with delayed payment, ensuring that the workers stay until the end.

Between the coffee bushes stands a large sculpture of a 'Cabanis Ground Sparrow,' a bird that is endemic to Costa Rica and exclusively inhabits the coffee plantations of the Central Valley and Monteverde at altitudes between 600 and 1600 meters. The bird is about 15 cm tall, and the sculpture symbolizes the connection between nature, art, and the coffee culture of Costa Rica here at Doka Hacienda.

To conclude, we also see the bushes of the various Arabica varieties grown here, which determine the flavor of the respective coffee blends – alongside the roasting. We have already seen and described the further processing of coffee in Monteverde during the Trapiche tour. Here, Gerhard, as a mechanical engineer, particularly likes the “sloppy” transmission belts, with which the individual machines were once powered by water.

Our journey through Costa Rica is coming to an end, today we face a very long drive of about 250 km to the region of the Poás Volcano, north of San José.

After two relaxing rest days, we leave the Oxygen Jungle Lodge and travel along the west coast of Costa Rica again, this time heading north.

We will soon make a brief stop in Dominical. The local weekly market

Today we’re heading to Corcovado National Park. Due to its remoteness, the rainforest remained untouched by humans until the 1960s. However, a few years later, a gold discovery led several hundred gold seekers to invade the forest. Their activities caused rivers to become silted and the forest to be damaged. The national park was established in 1975, but it wasn't until 1986 that the gold seekers were finally expelled from the region by the government.

We have to get up early – we need to register at the tour operator in Uvita by 06:45. Luckily, our lodge provides us with a breakfast package that we can eat while we prepare at the operator’s.

There are a few regulations for Corcovado National Park: you cannot bring plastic bottles and must wear “closed shoes with good grip” in the national park. The shoe requirement is somewhat impractical since you have to board boats through the water; there are no docks. Thus, shorts and water shoes are also recommended. Equipped with life vests, we walk a short distance through the town to the sandy beach, where we board our rather wildly rocking boat. Soon, we’re speeding over waves towards the San Pedrillo ranger station – the ride takes about an hour and a half. Upon arrival, we wade through the water – thankfully pleasantly warm – and across the sand to the ranger checkpoint, where our identification, footwear, and backpacks are checked.

Then we head out on the trail – initially in the direction where the guide saw tapirs yesterday and a puma a few days ago. As feared, we are here on the “wrong” day, but we do see tapir tracks and some fairly fresh scratch marks on a tree that the puma used to mark its territory. Nevertheless, it’s a bit disappointing…

Our guide also tells us that for some months now, the guides have been prohibited from leaving the trails in search of animal sightings – he was recently caught doing so by a ranger and only given a warning; a second incident would result in him being banned as a guide for the national park for several weeks. These rather strict measures became necessary because the significant increase in visitor numbers disturbed the animals too much. Unfortunately, in his experience, this has resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of animal sightings for visitors.

We turn back, and past the ranger station, we first cross a small stream – off with the hiking shoes – put the hiking shoes back on – along a longer detour. The hike through the lush rainforest has its charm, and we do get to see some animals, or at least hear them in the case of the howler monkeys.

Back at the ranger station, there's a simple but good lunch – we stay at the beach and relax in the shade a bit. Some participants head out for a short hike but also don’t get to see any tapirs or pumas.

Then it’s time to wade through the water again and wait for the right moment to start boarding, and soon we’re heading back to Uvita.

NOTE ON MY OWN BEHALF:

I am quite behind on editing the blog – our schedule is very tight and I don't want to spend all my free time on the laptop….

In the meantime, we are back in Austria and suffering from jetlag. I will do my best to post the missing episodes as soon as possible.

We hope you've enjoyed reading the blogs so far and will continue to do so - it should be worth it

Today, we are going from the cooler mountain region with its fine drizzle back down to the coast – this time to the Pacific and further south.

On the drive down the quite good but winding road, we can nicely see the formation of the drizzle – clouds on the mountain ridge and, driven by the strong wind, the drizzle falling into the lower areas. We also have great views of the Pacific and the Nicoya Peninsula.

We make a detour to the town of Puntarenas, known as a cruise ship stop - there isn't much to see here - but at least there are good drinks and espresso…

Continuing on, we briefly stop at the Mirador Jacó – this viewpoint is famous and offers a nice view of the Pacific and the rather unremarkable town of Jaco. But here we at least see a huge toucan up close – unfortunately just as a figure…

Later on the drive, we again encounter one of the less environmentally friendly sides of Costa Rica, which prides itself on its nature conservation. We drive about 50 km through an

We will spend the next two days in the La Fortuna / Arenal region. On the first day, we will venture onto the rather “wobbly” hanging bridges in the quite touristy “Puentes Colgantes Arenal Mistico Park” - a well-developed and frequently visited nature reserve, where we will embark on a challenging nearly three-hour circular hike – up and down and also over 5 swaying hanging bridges, through the tropical rainforest with a guide. We could have found the way ourselves, but without a guide, as

Our upcoming destinations are dedicated to culinary delights…

First, we will travel many kilometers to the pineapple ranch "Roswitha" of the Swiss Dähler family. This family has a distinctly eventful history that we find very fascinating, so here is a brief summary based on reports in Swiss newspapers and the homepage of the Roswitha Ranch.

The Dähler family's story is a journey across three continents. In the 1980s, Johann Dähler began cultivating pineapples in Ivory Coast and quickly became known as the "Pineapple King." After political unrest, civil war, and the loss of their plantation and virtually all of their possessions, the family fled back to Switzerland. However, the dream of pineapple cultivation lived on.

In 2003, Johann Dähler moved to Costa Rica with his son Johann Jr. and founded the Hacienda Roswitha in Sarapiquí. With ideal climatic conditions and fertile soil, the family began cultivating pineapples again. Today, the plantation spans 780 hectares, with 450 hectares dedicated to pineapple production, while the remainder is protected rainforest and pastureland for water buffalos. The family exports between 300 and 400 tons of pineapples annually to the USA, Canada, and Europe.

A special aspect of the Hacienda is the raising of water buffalos, which is strategically used to optimize the moist and swampy areas that are less suitable for pineapple cultivation. The buffalos contribute to maintaining the landscape, promote biodiversity, and help preserve natural habitats.

Additionally, the family produces high-quality buffalo meat, which is valued in the region as a sustainable and healthy protein source. This integration of livestock and crop farming makes Hacienda Roswitha a model operation for regenerative agriculture.

For the Dähler family, sustainability is not an option but a matter of course. The Finca Roswitha relies on environmentally friendly cultivation methods, including erosion control, sustainable water management, solar energy, and continuous improvement of soil fertility.

Social engagement also plays an important role: the family supports local education and health projects, creates fair jobs, and offers further training for employees.

Thus, pineapple production not only becomes an economic success model but also a social and ecological showcase project.

In 2023, the native Appenzeller senior, known in Switzerland as the "Pineapple King," passed away at the age of just 70 after a short illness. The difficult times in West Africa had taken a toll on his health.

Meanwhile, his four children have taken over.

Today, the three sons run the company in Costa Rica, which is actually a holding with various subsidiaries, including the farm and the travel agency Swiss Tropical Tours. Johann Dähler Jr. is the operational head of the pineapple farm, Michael Dähler is the CFO and responsible for the water buffalos, and Stéphane Dähler leads the travel agency.

At the farm in Ivory Coast (now primarily rubber), which they once had to leave and repurchased in 2012, their sister Andrea Dähler is also involved, living there with her husband and also being an entrepreneur.

Swiss Tropical Tours, in collaboration with Tiroler Ideal Tours, has excellently organized our Central America trip (so far 😊) – many thanks also to our supervisor Pauline in San Jose.

We coincidentally meet Stéphane at the hotel in Sarapiquí – he is traveling with a Swiss group – and have a very pleasant conversation with him; Pauline had informed him in detail about our minor problems (which had nothing to do with the travel agency's work).

Over partially very pothole-ridden side roads – the main roads are mostly quite okay – we head to Roberto’s vanilla farm. The owner greets us very warmly; he has also experienced quite a lot in his life and lived several years in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Czech Republic, but has then returned to his family farm. Since he has long been involved in spice and fertilizer trading, he has now focused on vanilla as a high-quality and marketable product; he explains to us the different varieties and his choice of a special one from Madagascar, which he is one of the few to cultivate in Costa Rica. The selection of host trees for the vanilla vine is also crucial for success.

The harvest of the pods is already completed, so outside we only see a "sample item".

An excellent espresso in his (still unofficial, as the licensing process takes months – long live bureaucracy in Costa Rica) rounds off our interesting visit with him.

For today, we have no special plans; first, we'll visit the animal hospital very close to our lodge, which grandly calls itself the 'Jaguar Rescue Center,' even though there have never been any jaguars in the area and therefore none to rescue today.

The animal sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation of abused, injured, orphaned, and confiscated animals. Its main goal is to heal injured animals and release them back into the wild. However, in some cases, this is not possible, as the animals have lived too long or solely in human care, are inherently ill, or may pose a threat to the local population upon release, according to Costa Rican authorities.

The center was founded by Italian biologist Sandro Alviani (+) and his wife Encar García, a Catalan biologist, who runs it with the help of volunteers from around the world. The center is home to numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

The numbers for 2024 show that a total of 1146 animals arrived at the station. Of these, 513 could not be rescued and have died, 446 (almost 40%) were released back into the wild after receiving care, and 187 had to remain in the station for various reasons. As a normal visitor, you only see the animals that remain at the station; those that are to be released back into the wild are understandably kept as far from humans as possible.

The Jaguar Rescue Center is not funded by the government but relies on the support of the Cocles community, donations, and entrance fees. The lack of state support is interesting in that, according to a recent government decree, native wild animals in Costa Rica can no longer be kept in captivity by private individuals. If the police encounter such a 'pet' in the region, it is confiscated and taken to the Rescue Center. As this law is relatively new, previous owners are not currently being punished, but this is expected to change in the foreseeable future.

As this is our last day on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, we drive to the beach of Cocles. The nice beach bar 'Spicy Coconut' offers delicious tropical cocktails and good snacks. The friendly Hungarian waiter Laszlo, like many others in Costa Rica, comes from Europe; it is a destination for young and older Europeans, with many Germans and Swiss – we haven't met any Austrian expatriates yet.

After replenishing ourselves with reggae music, we take a stroll along the beautiful coast – thankfully, it's not raining for once…..

Now we head from San José northeast through Costa Rica near the border with Nicaragua, our destination is the Tortuguero National Park.

The shuttle bus picks us up at 6:30 AM, just after midnight …, from the hotel. The journey takes more than 4 hours, interrupted only by a breakfast break. After that, we transfer to a boat that takes us through the river system of the Rio Tortuguero to the Mawamba Lodge.

Our stay there is very pleasant; a beautiful facility, spacious “suite”, friendly staff, and decent food.

The first excursion – again by boat, as it's the only way to reach the lodge – takes us to the nearby town of Tortuguero. It doesn’t really offer anything special and is mainly geared towards the tourist visitors from the various lodges near the National Park.

The town of Tortuguero has only existed since about 1930, when a Colombian family settled in the area. By around 1940, the tropical rainforest was being logged in Tortuguero. River arms were turned into channels to facilitate the easier transport of timber. Today, there is very little primary forest left in the area, with most of the vegetation consisting of secondary forest.

Since the establishment of the national park in 1975, the area has been protected, and during this time, the secondary forest has developed into a real “jungle”. The main source of income for Tortuguero’s residents today is the growing tourism. In the town, some heavily rusted remnants of machinery stand as a kind of reminder of the logging days.

We walk back along the Caribbean beach to our lodge, the only facility in the area that includes shorelines both at the sea and along the parallel-running Rio Tortuguero. Swimming is not allowed on either side – not in the river due to crocodiles and not at sea due to very strong currents.

We manage to make the return journey while it is sunny with a partly cloudy sky. Shortly after our arrival, a heavy downpour occurs, which is replaced by sunshine after nearly an hour. A typical weather situation here at the start of the “dry season”.

The main highlight of our stay is the afternoon boat ride into the core area of the national park. Of course, we do not see the often-advertised large animals like jaguars. We can more perceive than see or photograph the various species of monkeys and sloths in the high tree regions, but the boat ride through the tropical forest's water labyrinth has its own vibe, and we do see quite a number of birds and reptiles.

For the evening, we have signed up for the “Dinner Cruise” on the restaurant boat “Katonga” – a lovely evening in a special atmosphere with good food and Malbec from Argentina.

The next morning, we go back by boat to the “transfer point,” where we climb back into the shuttle bus and set off for our next destination.