First Hours in Kyoto

We took our first shinkansen (bullet train) today.  We left Villa Fontaine Roppongi about 11am, bought lunch and the train station (to eat on the train), and boarded the 1.03pm shinkansen.  The train was amazingly fast and smooth. We were in Kyoto in about 2 1/2 hours.

We didn't arrive in Kyoto until around 4pm (and since it gets dark here around 5, we didn't have much time to explore or sight see).  In fact, we only managed to take in one temple before it was too dark to see much.

Higashihonganji Temple with Kyoto Tower in the Background

Many places are closed for the New Year holiday until January 3rd or 4th, including the Higashihonganji Temple, so we were unable to go inside.  

Higashihonganji Temple with Kyoto Tower in the Background 

The sun set and it was soon dark.  We spent some time wandering around small streets near our hotel (which was very near both the train station and the Kyoto Tower). We got hungry and headed back toward the hotel to find some food near the train station.

Nighttime view of the Kyoto Tower.  Our  hotel
was just around the block from the tower.

Greg checking out a wall of toy vending machines.

We spent the rest of the evening hanging out at the hotel watching Japanese television.  Although today wasn't very productive, we needed a rest after such an active New Year's Eve.  

We are using Kyoto as a base from which we will travel to Nara and Osaka.  Tomorrow, we will visit Nara.

Happy New Year from Tokyo!

Happy New Year! 

Tokyo Tower

So it's not January 1st in California or Texas yet, but it's morning on the first here. Last night we counted down to the new year at Zojo-ji Temple in Tokyo near the Tokyo Tower (Tokyo's homage to the Eiffel Tower) and later today we will journey by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.

Zojo-ji Temple, Tokyo

The temple was abuzz with people excited about 2012.  Hundreds and hundreds of people were standing jammed together.  They waited, talked, watched the fire, held onto their balloons (which were later let go for good luck), and looked at the Tokyo Tower.  We stood clumped together with a few Americans and a couple of British guys.  We were all waiting for the moment.  Every few minutes we heard the countdown from someone in the crowd, "Eight minutes left."  

The Tokyo Tower had been lit when we passed it on our way to the shrine, but the time neared midnight, and the lights were turned off.

And finally, the moment came. It was January 1st, 2012.

Zojo-ji Temple with Tokyo Tower in the background.

The Tokyo Tower lights flashed back on with the beginning of year.  Hundreds of people let go of their balloons.  

As 2012 began, the crowd thinned out and we were able to walk around.  We witnessed monks chanting and playing instruments, people throwing their old good luck charms in the fire and purchasing new ones, men in costume pounding dough with large mallets, and people ringing bells and banging gongs for good luck.

We made our way through the crowd of people leaving to go home and walked back to the hotel, stopping at a convenience store for a snack on the way.

That's how our year started, at a temple in Tokyo.

Here's to a fabulous start of 2012!

First Day in Tokyo

Today was my first day in Tokyo, and I'm already exhausted.  We ate breakfast at the hotel, then hopped on the metro to go to the Meiji Shrine.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo.

The shrine was my first real taste of Tokyo.  Last night when I arrived, it was already dark and I wasn't able to see much from the train.  We went to the downtown Roppongi area to find food, but didn't see much other than some neon lights and African hawkers.  So today, I was excited to experience Tokyo with Greg.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo.

The Meiji shrine is a popular place to go on New Year's Eve.  Millions of people visit the shrine during the New Year holiday.  We heard that the line to get in New Year's night is 3 hours long so instead we went in the morning of New Year's Eve.

There are two primary religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism.  I've read that there are over two million Christians in Japan as well.  Shinto, an ancient religion, means, "the way of the gods," and centers on closeness to nature and ancestor worship.  Buddhism came from China during the 6th century.  Shinto and Buddhism are often practiced in tandem.  The Japanese believe in religious freedom and often incorporate various religious characteristics into their belief system.

The Meiji shrine is Shinto.  Tossing coins at an offerings box is traditional at a Shinto shrine. To worship in front of the main shrine, you throw a coin into the donation box (usually a 5 yen coin), bow twice, clap your hands twice, then bow again.

We messed up and forgot to clap, but we had the best of intentions.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo.

From the shrine, we walked to the JR station, got on a train, and got off at the Harajuku station.  Harajuku was a fun district crowded with interesting people and interesting clothes.

Harajuku, Tokyo.

Toward the beginning of the street, we bought a crepe filled with cream, custard, and strawberries to share and walked slowly through the crowds people-watching.  The Japanese are obsessed with French desserts and the crepes in Harajuku were awesome!

Harajuku, Tokyo. 

About halfway down the congested pedestrian only street, we went into one of those multi-level shopping centers and walked up the stairs to the food court where we found and Indian place that satisfied both of us.

Harajuku, Tokyo.

We entered a clothing shop or two, but unfortunately, we are both much taller and therefore bigger than the average Japanese person.  Greg tried on a couple of shirts at an H&M, but they were far too small, and the correct size wasn't in stock.  I often buy clothes and accessories when I travel in Europe, so I was a little disappointed when I realized I wouldn't be able to in Japan because of sizing issues.  In fact, we both gave up on the possibility of purchasing clothing.  

Since we had purchased day passes for the Tokyo metro, we rode the metro to our next destination: Shibuya.  We got off the metro a short distance from the train station, and meandered through the district and through the crowds.  We were amazed by the multitude of people.  The area around Shibuya train station, one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo, is a shopping mecca and fashion center, especially for young people.

People crossing the street in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Shibuya, Tokyo.

People crossing the street in Shibuya, Tokyo. It's hard to 

believe that this is actually an intersection there are so many 

people.

I thought the McDonald's ad was hilarious,
 particularly when paired with the Sexy Zone boy band.

People crossing the street at the intersection next to the train
station in Shibuya, Tokyo.

From the Shibuya train station, we took the train to Shinjuku.  Shinjuku was our last stop for the day.  Our idea was to see the west side of Tokyo today, and the east side when we return in a couple of weeks before we go home to San Francisco.

Because I was already so exhausted and my feet were already sore, we didn't spend much time in Shinjuku.  It was also getting dark (even though it was still only afternoon).

Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo.

We wandered around Shinjuku a bit and found Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's red-light districts.  Kabukicho was named because a kabuki theater was planned in the area in the 40s.  The theater never materialized, but the name stayed.  Today, the district is known not only for its "red lights" and love hotels, but also for its entertainment, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants.  

Like I said, we didn't stay long.  I was grumpy, tired, and still recovering from a 15-hour time change.  We got back on the metro and went back to our hotel in Roppongi.  Today has already been a full day, and tonight is New Year's!  We are resting at the hotel for a few hours before we head out to celebrate 2012.

Off to Japan!

I've been up all night packing my bag and doing last-minute preparations. The first leg of my flight to L.A. leaves at 6am, so it's time to leave for the airport now. I'll be in Japan the next time I post!

Until then...

Takeoffs and Landings

G left for Tokyo this morning, and according to the airline's website, his plane landed about 30 minutes ago! I am excited, nervous, and a little worried. I'm hoping things go well. He had a list of tasks he had to check off even before he left the airport. I am hoping to hear from him soon and am sure I will feel better once I do.

I'll be leaving for Tokyo in about 30 hours and I am really hoping that everything goes according to plan. A lot of things have to go right; G is supposed to meet me at the Tokyo airport. And Tokyo Narita is one crazy airport. The worst part is that I won't be able to contact him when I arrive and he won't be able to contact me either.

He is planning on renting a phone, but if he is unable to contact me prior to my departure, I won't know the number (and do payphones exist in airports anymore?). I remember using a payphone at Gatwick Airport in London a few years ago to tell them the flight had been delayed and my connecting flight in the US had been bumped. But that was 5 years ago. I admit I have a million negative worry thoughts floating around my head: "What if he's late?", "What if my plane is late/early and he doesn't know?", "What if he gets lost on the way to the airport or the train breaks down?"

Although I have a few more things I really should check off the to do list tonight, I think I will go watch Lost in Translation and go to bed.

Countdown until takeoff

G and I are both finishing up last minute preparations: washing, packing, etc. I still have a couple of days left before I leave, but G will be on a plane in 24 hours.

As for myself, I am about to start packing. I flew from San Francisco to Austin to be with my family for Christmas, and I will be flying from Austin to Tokyo (so no dropping off Christmas presents). I actually already sort of packed for Tokyo once already (when I was packing to come to Texas, I had to throw in anything I'd want in Japan as well). But now I will be attempting to squish everything I accumulated here in Texas in a carry-on sized bag.

Wish us both luck!

Excited about the New Year!

G and I are excited that we will be in Tokyo for New Year's!

Merry Christmas!

I'm happy to be with my family in Texas this Christmas. The time has passed so quickly; I'll be leaving for Japan in just 4 days. I'm excited to be going on a new adventure, but still a little sad to be leaving Texas and my family.

Wishing all of you a happy holiday.

Planned Itinerary

We fly into Tokyo and plan to spend New Year's Eve in the capital.  On January 1st, we'll take the train to Kyoto.  From our Kyoto base, we will visit Nara, Osaka and Himeji.  From Kyoto, we'll take the train to Kanazawa, and then continue on to Nagoya.  After spending a couple of days in Nagoya, we will return to Tokyo.  We will finish sightseeing and daytrip to Hakone to check out the views of Mt. Fuji.  And from Tokyo, we fly back home to San Francisco (area) January 11th.  And that's our whirlwind Japan trip!

Japan!

So Tuesday, I came home and G asked me if I wanted to go to Japan.

"Yes!!! Of course, yes!!"

He works for a Japanese company and it's amazing that he has this opportunity.  Basically, he'll fly over first and then I'll join him (after the work part is over with).

"We'll be leaving in 2 weeks."

This whole thing is last minute (our tickets were purchased less than a week ago).  We are scrambling to make plans and come up with an itinerary.

Even crazier, last Thursday I hopped on a plane and flew from San Francisco to Austin to visit family.  This Texas trip had been planned for 3 months, but because the times overlap, I am now flying directly from Austin to Tokyo (well, not directly - I have a layover in L.A.).  I had already packed for my Texas trip, but because of the last minute change of plans, I had to repack, fitting everything I would need for both Texas and Japan in the same carry-on sized bag.  I'm quite proud that in about 24 hours I went from initially finding out to having my whole bag packed.  And I wasn't even able to buy my Japan ticket until after I was in Texas (G and I had to wait for verification from his company that his ticket had been purchased).

So now we are trying to figure out what we want to see and do and where we want to go.  And all of this is long distance - he's still in the San Francisco area.

In the near future I will post our tentative itinerary.

Home at Last

After way too many hours on planes and in airports, I am home.  Exhausted, but home. As I type this (on a full-size computer), I am lying in bed after eating Indian food for breakfast.

And so ends another trip.  One month in Costa Rica and Panama.

The Most Amazing Experience!

I seriously just had the most amazing experience.  I had wanted to go on a horse ride while in Costa Rica and today I did it.  For $30, I got an incredible deal.  I was the only one on the tour (this off-season thing has worked well for me here).  Think how much a 2 1/2 hour private horse ride would cost in the US??

And the tour couldn't have better.  I have absolutely no complaints.  I was picked up at my hostel at 7.45 (very punctually) and driven about 30 minutes on unpaved, rocky roads to Finca Las Brisas (Breezes Farm).  My driver spoke little or no English so we conversed in my broken Spanish.  He put up with it and even complimented my Spanish (I've gained a tiny bit of confidence recently).

I arrived at the farm and was immediately welcomed.  I was given a helmet and led to my horse after I signed a waiver.  The guide (the man who owned the farm) immediately asked if I wanted a photo taken of me.  He was excellent about asking me at various stops if I wanted a photo of myself.

Yes, I know I look funny, but I don't care.  

I didn't have to know much or do much.  The horse knew exactly what to do.  Talia (not sure of spelling) followed the guide's horse.  I was told she was very tranquila (calm) and she was.  More than once she stopped altogether and decided to rest or have a snack.  She was also the gassiest horse!

At the very beginning of the journey, I saw a toucan fly overhead.  I knew then that the tour would be more than worth the $30.  And how often can a person see a toucan on a farm??  Farm may even be a misnomer in this case.  There were crops, of course, but most of the land appeared natural (although I really have no idea what they have to do to maintain the grassy fields and beautiful groves of trees.  

I saw some amazing views from the farm.  At the highest point (none of the land was flat, it was all rolling), I was able to see Puntarenas and Montezuma and the Pacific Ocean.  If if hadn't been cloudy, I could have even seen 3 volcanoes, including Arenal.

It's difficult to describe my experience in a way that explains just how incredible it was.  The horses hiked (it was more than just a walk) through mud and muck and a couple of streams, uphill and downhill, on grasses and on rocks.  At times, I was slightly nervous that I would fall off - the path was steep enough.  

Like the bus driver, the guide knew very little English.  So we spoke in Spanish as well as I possibly could.  He was really good about speaking slowly for me and using the same words to describe various things.  We managed to understand each other (although there were times that even after he repeated a sentence, I still had no idea what he was talking about, especially if he said it too fast).  (He told me my Spanish is good too!)

Grinding coffee and trying to think of a word in Spanish.
I believe the word was "heavy" because the pestle I'm holding
is very heavy.

This language barrier added to the value of the experience, believe it or not.  I am usually nervous and overwhelmed with the prospect of speaking only in Spanish for 3 hours, but I was okay with the guide.  Surely, he has had experiences with people who spoke no Spanish at all.  At least I was able to answer his questions about where I live and about my trip.  

After the ride was over, I was led back into the reception area to have a cup of organic coffee grown on the farm (it was rather tasty!).  They even had a plate of galletas (cookies) set out for the bus driver and me to share! AND they made the driver and me fried egg with tortilla (double yay).  I couldn't have been more impressed.  

When I finished, there was another surprise in store for me.  The guide showed up again (he had been taking care of the horses) and showed me some of the crops they grow on the farm.  I saw the beginning of pineapple trees, some banana trees, coffee plants, corn, and more.  

I was finally shown to the minivan that would take me back to my hostel.  

I am now relaxing at the hostel.  In a couple of hours, I head back to San Jose.  I have to be on the 2.30pm bus.  I am ready to go; I get to go home tomorrow!

El Ranario (Again) (But This Time at Night)

The Frog Pond of Monteverde

(While I took a photo of the nameplate, it's too dark and blurry to read and
I don't remember the name of this one)

Tonight was unexpectedly awesome.  I was exhausted and wet and cold after the tour of Santa Elena and didn't really want to do anything, not even book my horse ride for tomorrow.  I seriously considered going to sleep and missing out on tonight's activity as well as tomorrow's.  But I'm glad I didn't.  I'm really glad I finally forced myself after a 3 or 3 1/2 hour rest to get up and do something!

I went upstairs, booked my horse tour with the hostel owner, and set off in the wind and rain to the frog pond 120 (or so) meters away to use my ticket for the second time.  I had been told to try to come back at night so I could see the nocturnal frogs being more active.

Swamp Frog

The experience wasn't anything like I expected; it was much better. I was handed a flashlight in the visitor's center and set off to the ranario.  The large barnlike structure was completely black; I couldn't see any of the large aquariums housing the frogs.

(While I took a photo of the nameplate, it's too dark and blurry to read and
I don't remember the name of this one)

I could hear a tour being given, but I couldn't see them (every once in awhile I saw a bit of light, and I couldn't even hear them very well).  I felt like I was alone in the great black room (almost).  At the very end, a 2nd tour caught up with me, but I was at the last aquarium tank and had already taken the pictures I had wanted to take, so it was okay.

Hourglass Tree Frog

Using my trusty flashlight (I rather like calling things "trusty"), I explored the ranario.  I wish I had a picture of the inside so I wouldn't have to explain.  There is a circular route set up  with a sidewalk leading from aquarium to aquarium.  Since I went on the tour yesterday, I had a basic idea of where things were.  Surrounding the aquariums and in every little nook and cranny are native plants.  During the day, the room is really quite cool looking.

During the tour I went on yesterday, we managed to find an example of every frog even though some are diurnal and some are nocturnal.  Tonight, however, I was unable to find 5 or 6 of the frog species.  It's possible that those were the diurnal ones, or possible that they were hiding, or possible that they were resting near the back of the aquarium (where it was more difficult to locate them using a flashlight).

The Famous Red Eyed Tree Frog

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Overall, the experience was seriously awesome and I got a few great pictures.  Trust me when I say that taking photos of frogs (some of which move a lot) in pitch black is not easy.  I had to balance my camera and the flashlight at the same time.  The only light used in any of these photos comes from the flashlight.  Camera flashes hurt frogs' eyes.  Even if they didn't, I don't like the unnatural lighting that results from the use of a flash.

And now it's time for bed.  I am exhausted, but really glad I forced myself to get up and go.  Tomorrow will be a very long day as well.  I am going on a horseback ride (yay!) in the morning and in the afternoon I am taking the 2.30 bus to San Jose.  The bus will take somewhere around 5 hours.  I will find my hostel and then the next morning, very early, I go to the airport to go home!!!!

Santa Elena Cloud Reserve

Today I visited the Santa Elena Cloud Reserve.  The park is located a few kilometers past the Selvetura Park I visited yesterday.

Clouds Rolling into the Reserve.  Later on, the weather got
sprinkly/rainy and the clouds/fog came much lower.

I went a bit later in the day (leaving the hostel on the shuttle at 10.30am).  I had booked and paid for a guide in the park because I have realized that there is absolutely no way I can find all of the cool stuff they can.

I completely lucked out and was the only person signed up for the 11.30 tour spot.  (I later heard that the early tour consisted of 8 people).  So I got a private 3-hour tour for the low, low price of $15 (plus $7 park admission and $4 round trip transportation).  Not at all a bad deal!

Honestly, I don't feel like we saw a whole lot of wildlife, but I am far from disappointed with the tour.  I was shown a number of jungle plants (I figure that if the animals aren't forthcoming, the guides resort to plants).  And I did see a couple of birds and 2 or 3 nests and several insects and a couple of spiders.

Hummingbird nest complete with mama hummingbird on her eggs.

I assume we saw less because it was raining (monkeys don't really come out when it rains), and possibly because it was a little later in the morning.  I've heard that you see more wildlife early in the morning (maybe this is because you are seeing the nocturnal animals finish their day and the diurnal animals starting theirs?).

Unlike other days at other parks, I only took a few photos.  We saw mostly plants that I had previously photographed.  The insects were too quick to photograph, and even if they weren't I'm not terribly into insects or insect pictures.  And the birds were far away and hard to focus on.

And even without the appearance of the famous Quetzal bird (I did hear it though), I am satisfied with my experience at the Santa Elena Reserve and can now check "Cloud Forest" off of my list of things to do in Costa Rica.

Suspension Bridges and Frogs

It seems like all anyone talks about here in Costa Rica are the ziplines.  Especially here in Monteverde, one of the first questions out of another traveler's mouth is "Have you been on the ziplines?"

I am not particularly interested in the ziplines.  I thought about it and watched a youtube video of someone doing it, but in the end, I think I would be too scared to enjoy it.  Or even if I did enjoy the actual experience, the anxiety and stress leading up to it would negate the enjoyment.

So instead, this morning I got on the Selvetura shuttle bus at my hostel and road to the park where I walked a 2 mile course that included 8 suspension bridges, the highest at over 500 feet.

Suspension Bridge.  I believe this was the first of the eight.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), it sprinkled and rained off and on throughout my walk.  I saw almost no wildlife.  The park was quiet as well (ordinarily these forests and jungles seem to be teeming with bird calls and monkey howls and insect chirping).

The only wildlife I saw other than a couple of hummingbirds.

I was actually looking for frogs - I was hoping to see some since it had been raining, but no such luck.  I did enjoy some nice views and the bridges were kind of cool as well.  I managed to slowpoke enough that I was able to have the path to myself for much of the course.

I realize I look so completely dumpy, but I am wearing a 1 pound
money belt underneath my clothes and my handbag is underneath
my rain jacket, which explains all the lumps.

It was alright, but I wouldn't do it again, and I think $20 is a bit much to walk across a few bridges.  Maybe I would feel differently had I seen more wildlife.  I don't know.

Since I didn't see the frogs I wanted to see this morning, I went to the Ranario (frog pond) this afternoon. For $10, I had my own guide and I get to go back for a 2nd visit (some frogs are active during the day and others at night, so if you go twice, you can see all the frogs active).

The "famous frog" as the tour guide called it - the red eyed
tree frog on all the posters and t-shirts.

And now it's time to sleep.  Tomorrow will be a big day.  I'm going to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest in the morning.

Night Walk

Tonight I went on a night walk at the Ecological Reserve.  I have to admit I am a little disappointed - I don't feel like we saw all that many animals and most disappointing of all, I didn't see a sloth.  I did, however, see some other animals (including a couple of porcupines that were too far away and too darkly colored to photograph).

An agouti.  These rodents are active during the day, so we
caught them shortly before they went to sleep.

Orange banded tarantula.  I didn't actually realize that there was
more than one kind of tarantula, but there are dozens. 

Frog.  Not sure what kind.  I think someone asked, but I don't
remember what the guide said.

Cool-looking bird.  Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of it.
Trust me when I say this bird is more beautiful in real life.

Jeep-Boat-Jeep

Or more accurately, Shuttle Bus-Boat-Minivan.

Lake Arenal.  This lake is actually man-made.  This photograph
was taken from a viewpoint at the Observatory Lodge in La Fortuna.

 This morning, I took the 8am jeep-boat-jeep tour from La Fortuna to Monteverde.  This really is the only way to transport yourself between these 2 cities, the other options border on ridiculous.  The roads in this area (particularly near Monteverde) are inferior (to say the least).  (I am now wishing I had a picture of one of the roads to show, but I don't).  The distance between the 2 cities is not great, but there is a lake in the way and as stated, enormously bad roads to contend with.  There is a local bus, but I think the journey takes somewhere around 6 hours (maybe even more, as my journey took about 4 including a "rest" stop at a large tour operator).

Walking to the boat.

It actually rained quite a bit this morning, so I was more than a little concerned that it would start pouring on my journey.  While it wouldn't be the end of the world (I have no more flights with a 15 pound luggage limit), I still didn't want to be stuck with a bag full of wet, mildewy smelling clothes.

Fortunately, I didn't see any crocodiles.

Loading onto the boat.

I rather enjoyed the journey; it was scenic and relaxing, at least until getting off the boat on the Monteverde side.  At that point, the last couple of hours (I think it was only about 50 km) wasn't enjoyable and was actually kind of sickening (I don't do well with rocking motion and bumpiness).

Finally, I am in Santa Elena (Monteverde) and am on solid, non-bumpy ground.

I wasn't really going to do anything tonight other than explore the city, but I've already done that (there's nothing much to the town of Santa Elena) and there isn't even a park to relax and read in.  (I should probably explain that Santa Elena is the town I'm staying in which is next to Monteverde and the Monteverde Cloud Forest.)  Like in La Fortuna, every single business advertises their tours.  So tonight, I am going on a nature night walk at the Ecological Reserve (booked through my hostel).  I'm excited and hoping to see a sloth.

Later!

My Day in La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano taken from the park.

View from downtown La Fortuna.  Apparently the volcano is usually at least partially covered by clouds.

I've been here in La Fortuna a bit over 24 hours and that's enough.  Someone told me she spent 3 nights there and that was pushing it.  I suppose this is because the city doesn't offer much other than a nice view of the volcano and a million tour operators.  Pretty much the only thing to do while in La Fortuna is to go on a tour.  So that is what I did.

Spider Monkeys

I took what is referred to as the "cheap tour."  I suppose it was cheap enough at $30, but I feel like I've been on better tours for less.  Tours where I didn't have to see the older, larger guide in his bikini briefs.

The best toucan shot I got.  As you can imagine,
photographing animals isn't usually easy; they won't hold still.

I arrived in La Fortuna yesterday somewhere around 1 pm.  It was too late to do much of anything.  The problem with La Fortuna is that all the cool stuff requires either a rented car or an expensive taxi.  Since I didn't want to rent a car by myself and didn't want to spend as much on a taxi as on admission (additionally, there is the whole problem of what to do once I'm done wherever.  Will the taxi wait?  Will there be another one?)  I wanted to go to the hot springs and I was interested in a horse ride as well (neither of which is easy to do without the assistance of a guided tour).  These tours existed, but cost a little more than I wanted to pay. As I stated previously, every single business in the small town of La Fortuna offered tours.  

Montezuma Oropendola nests.  This bird makes a wild echo
kind of a noise. I actually heard the sound long  before I ever
saw the bird.  The male oropendola makes several of these
hanging nests trying to impress the female.  The female has
final say on whether or not the nest is good enough. (I am
unsure whether the male makes one nest at a time and tries to
pass inspection after each attempt, or if he makes several nests
and allows the female to choose which one she wants to live in.)

In my one La Fortuna day, I ended up going on a "try some things out" tour that took me to the Volcano Observatory Lodge (they had grounds they charge admission for).  The group of us, led by Franklin, walked through the grounds and on one of the nature trails.  We saw spider monkeys and a lone howler monkey, 2 toucans (I was able to photograph 1), a blue morpho butterfly (I'm never quick enough to photograph a morpho) and a dozen plants we were told the medicinal uses of.

When I was told about the tour, I was expecting something different.  I thought we were going to La Fortuna waterfall (we didn't) and to Baldi Hot Springs (again, we didn't).  After the hike at the Observatory Lodge, we went to the significantly cheaper version of these things.

We saw a waterfall, but it was on the Volcano Observatory Lodge property.  The waterfall was basically a photo op.  And we went to hot springs, heated by the volcano, but they were not the famous Baldi Hot Springs.  The hot springs we visited were "the free version."  Our tour bus was pulled alongside other tour buses and Tico cars and we walked a few yards down the road to a spot where we could climb down to the hot spring river.  I was more than shocked when the tour guide stripped down to his skivvies and joined us.  I was only too thankful that his skivvies were gray.  The springs were rather nice.  We were able to get in the water, which was similar in temperature to a hot tub.  I've read that at the fancier resort/spa/whatevers like Baldi and Tabacon, there are pools of varying temperatures.  If I ever make it back to La Fortuna (although in all honesty I probably won't), I will go to the "real" hot springs that you pay for.

The waterfall.

Don't get me wrong, both the waterfall and hot springs were nice, just not what I was expecting.  But I suppose, what should I really have expected for $30?  Baldi Hot Springs costs around $22 (if you get the tickets from a tour operator) and La Fortuna waterfall costs $7.

The hot springs.