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Journal Entry #33 - Posted on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm by Anne Watcher
This has been a fast, fun filled trip. We saw more parts of the country, more of the culture and enjoyed the sun, sand and surf. There is still so much more to explore and we have our list for next year already!!! The major difference this year was that we spent more time watching and enjoying the wildlife and the birds. We especially enjoyed spending time with the two legged variety of birds this year. Thanks Bruce and Nadine for a great time. You were an awesome part of the "Bird Watchers"!!
This Ferruginous Pygmy Owl was the object of Bruce and Nadine's
attention in the above picture.
This has been a fast, fun filled trip. We saw more parts of the country, more of the culture and enjoyed the sun, sand and surf. There is still so much more to explore and we have our list for next year already!!! The major difference this year was that we spent more time watching and enjoying the wildlife and the birds. We especially enjoyed spending time with the two legged variety of birds this year. Thanks Bruce and Nadine for a great time. You were an awesome part of the "Bird Watchers"!!
This Ferruginous Pygmy Owl was the object of Bruce and Nadine's
attention in the above picture.
Journal Entry #32 - Posted on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm by Anne Watcher
After the destruction of many of San Jose’s buildings due to the 1888 earthquake, three experimental metal buildings were constructed in San Jose. This one, Edificio Metalico, was designed in France by Victor Baltard. The Metal Building is a symbol of the public education system pushed forward by the liberal Costa Rican State at the end of the 19th century. Just like Morazán Park, it was constructed over a swamp, which was filled and dried, by means of a contract signed with a Belgium factory. It was constructed with iron that was brought by sea in pieces to be assembled in the country. Since the beginning of the 20th century, this building has housed two primary schools. For many years this was the largest building in San Jose.
Located at Ave. 5 and Calle 9 it is flanked by two beautiful parks, Espana and Moranza. This beautiful building is one of the historical buildings you will see if you take the walking tour of central San Jose.
Located at Ave. 5 and Calle 9 it is flanked by two beautiful parks, Espana and Moranza. This beautiful building is one of the historical buildings you will see if you take the walking tour of central San Jose.
Edited on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Journal Entry #31 - Posted on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 pm by Anne Watcher
A truly unique marvel of creation, the Blue Morpho Butterfly, is a site to behold. I always assumed this creature was a moth but have educated myself in this respect.
Shades of brown with eye shapes on their under wings, this serves as a protection from predators as it helps them blend in with the tropical vegetation of the forest floor. This is were they spend most of their time resting with wings folded. However in mating season they fly freely throughout the forest revealing their beautiful blue top wings that appear iridescent when the sun shines on them.
Blue Morphos live from Mexico down to Columbia and range in size from 5-8 inches (wing span). Their entire life lasts about 115 days so most of their time is spent eating and reproducing. As with a lot of other creatures deforestation of it's natural habitat is the main threat to the beautiful Blue Morpho.
Under side of wing shown "eye" design.
Beautiful blue top wing, edged in black.
A truly unique marvel of creation, the Blue Morpho Butterfly, is a site to behold. I always assumed this creature was a moth but have educated myself in this respect.
Shades of brown with eye shapes on their under wings, this serves as a protection from predators as it helps them blend in with the tropical vegetation of the forest floor. This is were they spend most of their time resting with wings folded. However in mating season they fly freely throughout the forest revealing their beautiful blue top wings that appear iridescent when the sun shines on them.
Blue Morphos live from Mexico down to Columbia and range in size from 5-8 inches (wing span). Their entire life lasts about 115 days so most of their time is spent eating and reproducing. As with a lot of other creatures deforestation of it's natural habitat is the main threat to the beautiful Blue Morpho.
Under side of wing shown "eye" design.
Beautiful blue top wing, edged in black.
Edited on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Journal Entry #30 - Posted on Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 at 5:03 pm by Anne Watcher
San Jose has many interesting and informative museums and the Jade Museum doesn't disappoint. Now located on the first floor of the headquarters of the National Insurance Institute ( Instituto Nacional de Seguros--INS-) it presents an up to date scientific exhibition about Costa Rica's pre-Columbian cultures.
The importance given to jade is demonstrated in the variety of objects produced in that material and in evidence of their use by religious leaders and members of high-ranking families. Objects made from jade, ceramics, stone, gold and other materials are shown. Accompanied by graphics and texts, they demonstrate diverse aspects of the organizational, technological and artistic achievements of the people of that time that inhabited the territory now known as Costa Rica.
Although no sources of jade have been found in Costa Rica (most comes from Guatemala) pieces were found here due to the Olmecs and Mayas traveling south looking for blue jade. Similar rocks have been found in rivers and beaches of Santa Elena, San Carlos and the central Caribbean.
"Social" jade however is found in Costa Rica. This includes precious and semi-precious stones like agate, chalcedony, quartz, serpertine, shells, and lapis lazuli.
Although no sources of jade have been found in Costa Rica (most comes from Guatemala) pieces were found here due to the Olmecs and Mayas traveling south looking for blue jade. Similar rocks have been found in rivers and beaches of Santa Elena, San Carlos and the central Caribbean.
"Social" jade however is found in Costa Rica. This includes precious and semi-precious stones like agate, chalcedony, quartz, serpertine, shells, and lapis lazuli.
One thing I did not realize about jade was the variety of colours that it comes in. There is the "typical" green shade but also one that is quite light and a couple that are almost black with a gold flec running through them.
Designs on the jade pieces represent social status and scenes of every day life. Most pieces carved in the Mesoamerica (Mexico mainly) and found in Costa Rica contain motifs and glyphs that narrate the history of the people. Like many other artifacts from that time periods, the higher ranking you were in the village, the more elaborate the pieces you wore.
Museo del Jade is located at INS Headquarters, First Floor, Avienda 7 and Calle 9. Open M-F 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission fee is $7.00
Journal Entry #29 - Posted on Monday March 2nd, 2009 at 5:55 am by Anne Watcher
Carara National Park is a crucial sanctuary for wildlife in the increasingly developed Pacific Zone and is the last noteworthy portion of primary rain forest left in the Central Pacific. The park is distinctive in that it encompasses both the wet rain forest of the southern Pacific and the dry tropical forest of the northwest. Located in this unique transition zone, Carara National Park hosts flora and fauna that you might see in both the Osa Peninsula and Guanacaste Province. It was opened in 1978 and covers 12,950 acres. Park is open 8:00 am to 4 pm. and entrance fee is $10.00.
Toucans, anteaters, agoutis, sloths, wild pigs and white-faced monkeys inhabit its varying ecosystems. Carara is also home to nearly 450 scarlet macaws, and is one of the country’s best areas to view these flamboyant birds. Guanacaste trees, strangler figs, cecropia, deciduous kapok trees and cacti are some of the park's native flora.
Located on the way to Jaco, Carara is just past the Tarcoles River Bridge. Take an extra few minutes to stop and walk out on the bridge to view some of the more than 2000 American crocodiles that call the Tarcoles River home. This is the planet's biggest population of these large reptiles and some measure more than 12 feet in length. At any time you can see a dozen or more basking in the sun or going for a swim up the river. The name "Carara" is an indigenous term meaning "river of crocodiles". If you take the 4 km. hike back the Sendero Laguna Meandrica trail you will end at the laguna were you can see more crocodiles basking in the sun and many water birds.
One of the many crocodiles that call this river home.
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Toucans, anteaters, agoutis, sloths, wild pigs and white-faced monkeys inhabit its varying ecosystems. Carara is also home to nearly 450 scarlet macaws, and is one of the country’s best areas to view these flamboyant birds. Guanacaste trees, strangler figs, cecropia, deciduous kapok trees and cacti are some of the park's native flora.
Located on the way to Jaco, Carara is just past the Tarcoles River Bridge. Take an extra few minutes to stop and walk out on the bridge to view some of the more than 2000 American crocodiles that call the Tarcoles River home. This is the planet's biggest population of these large reptiles and some measure more than 12 feet in length. At any time you can see a dozen or more basking in the sun or going for a swim up the river. The name "Carara" is an indigenous term meaning "river of crocodiles". If you take the 4 km. hike back the Sendero Laguna Meandrica trail you will end at the laguna were you can see more crocodiles basking in the sun and many water birds.
One of the many crocodiles that call this river home.
Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Carara also hosts gallery forests (secondary forest growing on land formerly used for agriculture) along the banks of the river. The primary forests, occupying most of the park, are thick with creeping vines and epiphytes. Over 400 species of birds inhabit the park and even for "virgin" bird watchers like Rob and I we saw 3 kinds of heron, 2 egrets, roseate spoonbill, a hummingbird on her nest, pygmy kingfisher, 2 trogans, mangrove swallow, northern jacana, male and female red-legged honeycreeper and many more. The high light for us was the pair of scarlet macaws we watched for at least an hour.
Red-legged Honeycreeper--Male and Female
American Pgymy Kingfisher
Boat-billed Heron
Red-legged Honeycreeper--Male and Female
American Pgymy Kingfisher
Boat-billed Heron
In addition to crocodiles, the rivers, marshes and forests of the park are home to a diverse population of animals. We didn't see many but did enjoy seeing 3 kinds and sizes of iguanas and lizards.
Black Igauna
Colourful Skink
Black Igauna
Colourful Skink
Edited on Monday March 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
Journal Entry #28 - Posted on Monday March 2nd, 2009 at 5:48 am by Anne Watcher
Viewed by many people as the most beautiful bird in the world, the Scarlet Macaw is a large colourful parrot that habitats the lowland subtropical rain forests and river edges of the American tropics. But due to deforestation mainly for banana plantations and capture for the pet industry, it's numbers in the wild have been decreasing dramatically.
Here in Costa Rica the Scarlet Macaw previously occupied about 80% of the country but by 1993 that was down to 20% of their historic range in Costa Rica. Now they are isolated only to two regions, the Carara National Park and the Peninsula de Osa.
Thus our trip to Carara. I had already crossed off a lot from my list of things to see and do this trip: 3 of the 4 monkeys, a sloth, toucan, and swan in the Pacific and Caribbean. I had seen a Crimson-fronted Parakeet but wanted to see a Macaw. Hoping to do so we headed out on the trail along the river. Bruce and Nadine had seen two flying overhead on their previous trip but we were all treated to a real display of a pair this time. A typical sighting is that of a single bird or a pair flying high above the forest canopy so we were happy when this male and female just hung around allowing for lots of photos.
Here in Costa Rica the Scarlet Macaw previously occupied about 80% of the country but by 1993 that was down to 20% of their historic range in Costa Rica. Now they are isolated only to two regions, the Carara National Park and the Peninsula de Osa.
Thus our trip to Carara. I had already crossed off a lot from my list of things to see and do this trip: 3 of the 4 monkeys, a sloth, toucan, and swan in the Pacific and Caribbean. I had seen a Crimson-fronted Parakeet but wanted to see a Macaw. Hoping to do so we headed out on the trail along the river. Bruce and Nadine had seen two flying overhead on their previous trip but we were all treated to a real display of a pair this time. A typical sighting is that of a single bird or a pair flying high above the forest canopy so we were happy when this male and female just hung around allowing for lots of photos.
They are easy to hear as they make loud, low-pitched, throaty squawks, squeaks and screams that can carry for miles. To me their voice does not match their absolute beauty. When they fly the sight is breath-taking as their red, yellow and blue feathers gleam against the bright sky.
Scarlet Macaws eat mostly fruits and seeds, including large, hard seeds. They also feed on nectar and buds. The Scarlet Macaw female lays two or three white eggs in a tree cavity and incubates the eggs for about 28 days. The babies spend the first year with their parents then leave for good but the parents stay together as Macaws mate for life.
Edited on Wednesday March 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Journal Entry #27 - Posted on Sunday March 1st, 2009 at 9:36 am by Anne Watcher
Earlier in the month I had noticed this large billboard on the twisty narrow mountain road but didn't stop to photograph it. I was determined to get back to do so because my family has been in the well drilling and pump business for four generations back home in Ontario. So when we were traveling that way again I made Bruce pull over so Rob could take a picture. It was at great danger to all our lives that we stopped because the road that it is on really has no where to pull over and Costa Rican drivers are CRAZY, but I had to have it.
So Ron and Paul (my brothers), I have found you a new advertising strategy - - - now all I have to do is find a narrow, twisty mountain road in Ontario!!!!!
Sign is found on the road between Atenas and San Mateo
So Ron and Paul (my brothers), I have found you a new advertising strategy - - - now all I have to do is find a narrow, twisty mountain road in Ontario!!!!!
Sign is found on the road between Atenas and San Mateo
Edited on Sunday March 1st, 2009 at 10:10 am
Journal Entry #26 - Posted on Sunday March 1st, 2009 at 8:44 am by Anne Watcher
Cahuita's variety in choices of lodgings is only rivaled by it's selection of eating establishments. You can literally have almost any style of cooking that you want. We ate at four different restaurants so thought I'd give you our impressions of them.
100% Natural
Fresh baked bread, home-made warm cinnamon rolls and an excellent cup of coffee, what more could you ask for? This is what you can expect from 100% Natural, our small, cozy and inviting choice for breakfast. As you walk up the street early in the morning (we were there at 6:30 am.) the smells of the kitchen greeted you and welcomed you inside.
We had the Grande Plate which included eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread, fresh fruit and blackberry jam. The next day I had waffles and Rob had a cheese omelet. Everything was prepared with fresh ingredients and had the "fresh homey made" look and taste. Excellent coffee, fresh juice and a large selection of teas rounded your breakfast.
Deep fried plantains
Supper has arrived
Grilled Chicken Jerke
Marlin Rondon
100% Natural
Fresh baked bread, home-made warm cinnamon rolls and an excellent cup of coffee, what more could you ask for? This is what you can expect from 100% Natural, our small, cozy and inviting choice for breakfast. As you walk up the street early in the morning (we were there at 6:30 am.) the smells of the kitchen greeted you and welcomed you inside.
We had the Grande Plate which included eggs, ham, cheese, fresh bread, fresh fruit and blackberry jam. The next day I had waffles and Rob had a cheese omelet. Everything was prepared with fresh ingredients and had the "fresh homey made" look and taste. Excellent coffee, fresh juice and a large selection of teas rounded your breakfast.
Miss Edith's
Afro-Caribbean Jamaican at it's best!! While researching information for our trip to Cahuita I often came across recommendations to eat at Miss Edith's if you want to experience the true tastes of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Located by the beach down a small gravel side street the walk to her place is worth every bit of time and effort.
Never having tried this flavour of food before we asked our waitress, sister of Miss Edith (we are sure Miss Edith was the one in the kitchen haggling over the price of today's catch with the local fisherman), what she would suggest. She said we should try a dish from the Rondon (cooked in coconut milk) section of the menu and a selection from the Jerke (spicy and hot) section and that would give us taste of the more popular two styles of Caribbean cuisine.
As we waited for the main course to arrive, we received a plate of fresh deep-fried plantains. Now we have tried to like plantains every time we get them but so far no real success. This time however, they were tasty!!! Smashed flat and deep fried and sprinkled with a little salt they reminded us of hash browns. Muy bien!!!
Rob decided to have fish in his Rondon and it was like a fish stew done in coconut milk. A variety of spices, white and tender Marlin pieces, a wide array of root vegetables and coconut milk made for a great taste. My Jerke also was flavourful and spicy hot with tender chicken pieces, onions, sweet peppers and banana peppers. It was served with rice and a tasty blend of vegetables. I was told it wasn't that hot with spice and even though I think it was, I enjoyed every bite.
Afro-Caribbean Jamaican at it's best!! While researching information for our trip to Cahuita I often came across recommendations to eat at Miss Edith's if you want to experience the true tastes of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Located by the beach down a small gravel side street the walk to her place is worth every bit of time and effort.
Never having tried this flavour of food before we asked our waitress, sister of Miss Edith (we are sure Miss Edith was the one in the kitchen haggling over the price of today's catch with the local fisherman), what she would suggest. She said we should try a dish from the Rondon (cooked in coconut milk) section of the menu and a selection from the Jerke (spicy and hot) section and that would give us taste of the more popular two styles of Caribbean cuisine.
As we waited for the main course to arrive, we received a plate of fresh deep-fried plantains. Now we have tried to like plantains every time we get them but so far no real success. This time however, they were tasty!!! Smashed flat and deep fried and sprinkled with a little salt they reminded us of hash browns. Muy bien!!!
Rob decided to have fish in his Rondon and it was like a fish stew done in coconut milk. A variety of spices, white and tender Marlin pieces, a wide array of root vegetables and coconut milk made for a great taste. My Jerke also was flavourful and spicy hot with tender chicken pieces, onions, sweet peppers and banana peppers. It was served with rice and a tasty blend of vegetables. I was told it wasn't that hot with spice and even though I think it was, I enjoyed every bite.
Deep fried plantains
Supper has arrived
Grilled Chicken Jerke
Marlin Rondon
Pizz'n Love
A cute little pizza joint with quaint bar and patio. The pizza topping combinations are a little "off the wall" and the titles sound more like a 1960's hit parade than pizzas. After some careful consideration we chose "LSD", which was shrimp, sweet peppers, black olives and mozzarella cheese. Add a nice cold beer, cheerful staff and you have a very interesting supper and evening.
A cute little pizza joint with quaint bar and patio. The pizza topping combinations are a little "off the wall" and the titles sound more like a 1960's hit parade than pizzas. After some careful consideration we chose "LSD", which was shrimp, sweet peppers, black olives and mozzarella cheese. Add a nice cold beer, cheerful staff and you have a very interesting supper and evening.
Corleone's
Opening only for the evening crowd this restaurant was truly Italian in menu, decor and wine list. The only thing that was Caribbean-Costa Rican was the staff. Nested in behind the trees and nice mood lighting made it an easy place to relax and unwind after a busy day of walking the beach. Although pizza and fresh pasta were the dominate items of the menu many other Italian favourites were oftered.
We chose a ham and fresh mushroom pizza and it was excellent. Sauce was nicely spiced, lots of cheese with a thin homemade crust cooked in a wood oven. Served on a glass plate with parmesian cheese, flaked peppers, spiced olive oil and hot sauce we both agreed it was the perfect choice for our final supper in the cute town of Cahuita. To really finish it off we couldn't resist a Postre (dessert) of Tiramisu for a traditional Italian flavour. Cream was sweet, cookies moist and a nice smooth coffee liquer blended it all together.
We were really impressed with the value of the pizza. Large enough for two, but many people we noticed ate a whole one each, they were priced between 2500-6000 colones. The one we had was 3,500 colones or about $7.50.
Opening only for the evening crowd this restaurant was truly Italian in menu, decor and wine list. The only thing that was Caribbean-Costa Rican was the staff. Nested in behind the trees and nice mood lighting made it an easy place to relax and unwind after a busy day of walking the beach. Although pizza and fresh pasta were the dominate items of the menu many other Italian favourites were oftered.
We chose a ham and fresh mushroom pizza and it was excellent. Sauce was nicely spiced, lots of cheese with a thin homemade crust cooked in a wood oven. Served on a glass plate with parmesian cheese, flaked peppers, spiced olive oil and hot sauce we both agreed it was the perfect choice for our final supper in the cute town of Cahuita. To really finish it off we couldn't resist a Postre (dessert) of Tiramisu for a traditional Italian flavour. Cream was sweet, cookies moist and a nice smooth coffee liquer blended it all together.
We were really impressed with the value of the pizza. Large enough for two, but many people we noticed ate a whole one each, they were priced between 2500-6000 colones. The one we had was 3,500 colones or about $7.50.
Edited on Wednesday March 11th, 2009 at 11:02 am
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