October 11, 2014
... As soon as I was done "checking out" of Nicaragua, I felt some kind of "organisation" dealing with the Costa Rican officials. Yes, of course, there were papers to fill out, passport to get stamped, photo copies to be made and insurance for the bike to being purchased. But, the whole process felt less, well, chaotic. There was actually a border official who spoke English and was willing to help. Refreshing!
Can I avoid having to ride through Nicaragua, Honduras and El Sal again? Man, would that be sweet. Not looking forward to that one again!
I had spend the night at a "posh" hotel in Leon, Nicaragua and aimed to hit Puntarenas, Costa Rica before sundown. I didn't pick either city for it's beauty, that's for sure. It just (the"j" on my keyboard doesn't work,PIA) so happened, that I had passed through these cities when the sun went dark. So, I stayed for the night.
Leon seemed very industrial, lots of heavy truck traffic, dusty, dirty, uninviting. I ate fast food for dinner at a nearby gas station, had a couple of local brews in my room and called it a night.
Next morning, I woke up, and my door was ajar. WTF!!! Luckily, I had put the chain on. Did someone try to get in or did I forget to close the door? Unlikely, because how would I've been able to put the chain on with an open door. Sttraaaange....
Puntarena could be a nice little beach town. But, guys, you need to clean up that beach and while you're at it, your town. I promise, it'll increase its value and tourists will come. Just a thought...
My Puntarena hotel.....big room, close to the beach.
I was actually able to find a place that sold a cup of coffee in the morning. Wow!
Puntareana beach...a nice clean beach it is not.
One night was enough "exitement" for me, so I headed out of Dodge, down along the Pacific coast to a town called, Uvita. I was actually really looking forward to pitch my tent at a cozy little spot on the beach tonight, but...
Rain, rain, rain. Again. I managed to stay semi dry. As soon as I felt the first drops past Quepos, hittin my visor, I pulled Big Bertha under a one of those road side shelters constructed out of four wooden posts and a roof. I guess, locals use it as bus stops or to socialize under. No idea, but it worked for me. I must've stayed there for a good hour or so.
Puntarenas beach promenade
I paid US$ 20 for a room in Uvita, in Leon it cost me US 53. In La Libertad, the shabby love motel with the curtained off garage, US$ 20. No rock bottom $$ in this part of the world for sure.
Policy checkpoint: 1 ( checked my drivers license, no "gift" exchange)
Decided not to go for a swim today...