Our day started Holiday Inn Express in San Jose. Last night we made arrangement to have a taxi to take us to the Water Gardens Park at 8:00 am this morning. After a nice breakfast, we met our driver, who did not speak any english and we did not speak any spanish, and headed north of San Jose to visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Park. The direction on the park's web site indicated distances between road intersections but not a total distance to the park. It seems that we were on the road forever but after an hour, we arrived.
The part is located on the side of large canyon with heavy foliage. There was english speaking staff that gave us a map and explained what areas were open. The park had heavy damage after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in January and some parts are not open. We headed down a stone stairs to the first area which was a large framed structure covered with netting full of birds in natural habitat.
We then went into the butterfly area which is also a structure covered with a fine netting.
Park staff shows Matthew and Lisa how the wing of the butterfly looks like a snake head.
Matthew takes advantage of the fact the the butterflies liked Chris' shirt.
Hundreds of steps, according to Matthew, but well worth the effort.
Before going down the stairs to the falls, we noticed this cart. When we returned from the falls it was hook up to a couple of bulls. The staff offered us a ride and Matthew and Lisa thought they could get a ride up to the lodge. Instead they got a ride around in a circle and then got to walk up to the lodge.
Matthew took advantage of the hour trip back to San Jose to rest up for the next adventure.
Upon returning to the hotel we picked up our luggage and took the shuttle to the airport to meet the rest of the Lindblad pasangers. Most of the pansangers were comming in from Miami on a American flight that was to arrive at 2:10. We got to the airport a little early so we waited outside the arrival area.
Chris and Lisa watched the luggage while Matthew found some other Lindbald pasangers.
Soon the niceest bus we have seen showed up with the Lindblad sign in the window. we were greated by Maguil, not magel, as we waited for the rest of the pasangers to clear customs we were givin bag lunches of sandwich, chips, beverage and a homemade dessert.
LINDBLAD MOMENT: When ever you are in the posesion of Lindbad all details are taken care of. Since most pasangers had been on a airplane from before noon and the airline does not have the class to serve lunch, Lindblad provided lunches.
Maguil on the bus
Lisa checking out her cabin
Caption Mark introducting staff before dinner
Welcome Abord Dinner
STARTER
Ensalada Caprese with Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic 'Vinegar
ENTREES
Chicken Breast with Leek & Mushroom Ragout -or- Grilled Local Corvina with Tropical Mango-Papaya-Ginger and Cilantro Relish -or- Quinoa Salad with Avocado & Red Wine Vinaigrette
DESSERTS
Chocolate Bread Pudding with a Chocolate Sauce -or- Fruit Plates, Ice Cream and Sorbet also available -or- Cappuccino, Café Latte, Espresso, Hot Chocolate and a wide selection of Mighty Lear Teas.
Tomarrow to will be at Manuel Antonio Nation Park and Curu Wildlife refuge.