EMELIE & THE CARIBBEAN

The last of our visitors left this morning after a 10 day stay in the land of Pura Vida. Emelie is a former MTC bus driver that we have known for over 30 years. I had the pleasure of seeing her smiling face around the garage at least a few times every week, and we have kept in touch since she retired about 9 years ago. When she left the bus company, she also left Minnesota. Em has lived in Ventura, CA., since then and returns to Minnesota at least once a year. She took us up on our invitation (Finally!), and thoroughly enjoyed her time here.

We took her to many of the places and cities that our other friends have wanted to see, and she understands now why Deb and I have fallen in love with this country. Deb has been wanting to go to the Caribbean side ever since we came back to Costa Rica, so we used Em’s visit as the perfect reason to make it over there.

Normally we go to the Pacific side, and this was our first time going to the Caribbean in the 13 months we have lived here. We found out how different the two coasts are, and we now know how much fun they both are! The Caribbean coast definitely is more laid back, with a strong Jamaican influence obvious in every place we went. The food, music, stores, and residents all screamed out Jamaica! It was so much fun Deb and I plan on returning at least one more time next winter, and probably staying for more than just 2 nights. The three of us rented a house in Cahuita, and spent almost all of our time in Cahuita and the town of Puerto Viejo. Both of these towns are on the southern end of the Caribbean side and very scenic. We didn’t get to do any snorkeling as the water only had a clarity of about 80% due to the high winds. Maybe next time.

I could keep writing and explaining what we did and saw, but I will let the pictures tell this story. Many of the comments, both in emails from our friends, and in person, are about how much everyone likes the pictures we post on this blog. I will post at least thirty pics, most from our trip to the Caribbean.

The first set of photos are from the town of Cahuita, where we stayed for 2 nights, then I will post photos from the town of Puerto Viejo. Hope you enjoy.

The house we rented and some of the flora around it. The last photo is of a small stand of bamboo, about 100 feet behind the house.

El Cangrejo Loco was the first soda (café) we ate at. Good food, not expensive at all. Located right in the middle of the busiest street, great people watching. The name, El Cangrejo Loco translates into The Crazy Crab!!

These photos are of a few of the shops and sodas on the main street of Cahuita. The use of vibrant colors is typical of the entire country. Buildings are painted in bold beautiful colors, and often businesses and sodas have murals on them. Ocean blue is used a lot here as Cahuita is located right on the Caribbean shore.

We ate breakfast at Miss Edith’s in Cahuita, about 150 feet from the water. Eggs with sausage, rice and beans, coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice. About $7. Very tasty.

This is a beautiful little clothing store in Cahuita. Deb and Emmy both liked it. A Lot! Everything there is designed by the owner. Money spent. They had fun!

The rest of the photos are all from the town of Puerto Viejo. A Jamaican atmosphere everywhere in this town.

A welcoming sign in the main street of Puerto Viejo, and a sailboat lying on it’s side just off the beach there. A number of boats and ships have gone down in the waters just off of this town. Strong, high waves are not unusual. Surfers love this stretch of the coast.

A wonderful, beautiful woman, and two young at heart lovers. Tienda Del Mar translates into Sea Shop.

Various street scenes in Puerto Viejo. Colors, colors, colors everywhere. Deb and I both love the colors. Emmy agreed. The last picture is of a small portion of the morning catch of a local fisherman who was selling fresh fish from his boat.

I wanted to stop here and look around inside. Deb said No.

We had the most wonderful breakfast at a soda named The Hangover. The name should tell you all you need to know about how alive and fun Puerto Viejo is. I had Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancakes. I would have them again. And again. And again. But the best part of this place is the woman pictured here with Deb and Emmy. Her name is Mahta. She is Iranian. Her family moved to Cincinnati when she was 14, and she moved to Costa Rica when she found sanity!! LOL. She is obviously beautiful, but her personality outshines her physical appearance. She is sassy, takes no crap without giving it back, and is irreverent as we are. The three of us loved her. I told her that she and our daughter Kara could be sisters from another mother. If any of you find yourselves in Puerto Viejo, this place is a must stop.