Travel Log: Day 18 (7/15), Costa Rica

I’m rolling this day together with others because after our eventful day yesterday, we did nothing noteworthy today. It was kind of awesome. The day consisted of coffee, meals at home, a nap, trips to the far and near grocery store, and that’s about it. Researched paid hot springs a bit. Also researched how to record gaming content for youtube since BC is interested in that. Played a game of cards with JC.

Travel Log: Day 19 (7/16), Costa Rica

You’re The Uber Driver Now

Have you ever ordered an Uber, and then been asked by the driver to drive the car? I have. Today we planned on going to the Kalambu hot springs which is a couple miles down the main road. It’s in the direction out of town toward the free hot springs where we had to run on the road due to no shoulder at spots. Because I didn’t want to repeat that for no good reason, we ordered an Uber. We’ve had nothing but good luck with Uber so far, but our luck ran out.

The lady who picked us up immediately seemed worried and kept mentioning police. I couldn’t totally grasp what she was saying though. She drove out of our neighborhood cautiously. Before we got to the main road she pulled over and I gathered she was asking if I could drive a manual transmission. I said yes, and then she asked me to drive because the cops wouldn’t pull me over. I was going to do it until I realized I didn’t have my license with me. We decided to cancel the ride.

We decided to just try again and ordered another Uber. A young guy picked us up and as soon as we got in the car he mentioned police. At this point we knew something larger was going on. Through broken spanish and google translate we gathered that the police had set up a checkpoint on the route to the hot springs. They were busting Uber drivers because I guess it’s not strictly legal for them to operate here. He said if we waited even 30 minutes the police may leave. From what I gather it was likely only an issue because there are four of us, forcing me to sit in the front seat. Whitey up front in the passenger seat is probably a dead giveaway that it’s an Uber ride.

Restaurante D’Balu

We took a break from the Uber issues and ate at this restaurant which had a 4.9 on reviews. It was a cut above anything else we’ve eaten around here. AC had pancakes with oreos on them, probably the worst dish amongst us. BC had french toast that was thick and beautiful. JC had a rice and avocado dish that was delicious and pretty. I had an omelette with potatoes that may be the best omelette I’ve ever eaten.

Regroup and Night Hike

After getting back to the house we briefly talked about attempting the hot springs again, but gave up on that idea since we wanted a full day there. Instead we walked to and booked the night hike for me and BC. The price was a steal at $56.50; BC turning out to be free. As we started the tour we realized we were the only paying customers. The only other people were the tour guide, his trainee, and the trainee’s girlfriend.

The animal sightings turned out to be better than I pictured in my head. The animals spotted included two coral snakes, blue jeans frog, bull frog, ninja frog, armadillo, sloth, eel, crab, giant spider, jesus christ lizard, and more.