Puerto Viejo

Hi all!

For the last three nights we've stayed in Puerto Viejo, and we liked it so much, we've decided to extend our stay. Unfortunately, the hostel we've been staying in is booked up tonight and tomorrow, so we're moving down the road to Hotel Puerto Viejo. I say "unfortunately" only because we've become friends with our hosts Alex and Yanira, and because we're living in a mansion for less than the cost of a 2 movie ticket and sour patch kids/maybe a small coke. But, I'm sure that our new locale will bring with it, it's own unique charm and tales to tell.

Our balcony at Casa Caribe! :)

So, Puerto Viejo...for anyone thinking about making a trip to Costa Rica, we strongly suggest putting this place on your radar. For those of you unfamiliar with a map of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo is the one of the Southern most cities on the Caribbean side. And, Caribbean it is. Like Cahuita, there is a heavy reggae/rasta vibe here, plenty of Salsa music, and lots of places offering seafood and other Caribbean dishes. Also, Alex explained to me that the way in which houses are furnished is markedly Caribbean. We have also seen every style of dreaded hair possible. Neither at Brigette's or in Casa Caribe are there tables inside, but rather, there are larger outdoor seating areas where you have your meals/play cards/write blogs. Similarly, the more windows and ventilation a room has, the better. Unlike Cahuita, Puerto Viejo has a more rambunctious night life with discos and bars open till the wee hours of the morning and the infamous chicken stands outside serving mystery meats. Although, Grant did claim it was the "best chicken" he has a had in a while...I dare not go there. Though we had one fun night of dancing, it isn't the night life that is our cup of tea, per se, it is the bike rides along the beach road, the nearby little towns (Playa Cocles, Punta Uva, Manzanillo) and white sand beaches that we really enjoy.

Yesterday we hopped into a tiny 4x4 with Alex, Juanira and Michael (a young gentleman visiting from Washington D.C.) in search of a waterfall. We enjoyed the bumpy ride to BriBri, listening to reggae beats and taking in the view out of the window. It had rained a lot the night before, making the jungle moist and fresh. We got to the waterfall (after tailing down a slippery path) and all jumped in. We layed on rocks and drank from coconuts, and listened to the peaceful noises. At one point, we sat in the shallow water and threw in some bread to feed the fish. They were small but there were hundreds!!! They would swim around your legs and every now and then give you a litte nibble. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!

Grant's fishy feet.

One of the two waterfalls.

One thing we have come to appreciate here is all the vibrant colors. Even though the country is blessed with an abundant amount of green foliage and a turquoise sea (and in some places, like down the road from us, black sand beaches), many Costa Ricans choose to add bright colors color to the buildings and sidewalks. Everywhere you look there are yellows, greens, blues and reds that eminate a wonderful energy. Though Tawsh claims she will continue to wear primarily black/dark green/brown, she vows that she will surround herself with bright colors, like we are here, in Costa Rica.

The colors!! Also, one of the best meals we've had. A gazpacho, a jerk chicken sandwich and a homemade peanut butter cup. YUM.

 

By the way, today is our anniversary!!! For three years, ladies and gentlemen, we have been rockin' and rollin', and enjoying each others company. Thank you to all our friends and family who have accepted our better half, and welcomed us into your lives.

off to adventure!!
<3 tawsh and grant