Tamarindo
(DAY070 : San Juan del Sur - Tamarindo : 150 miles)
(DAY071 : Tamarindo)
Costa Rica border was quick and easy to reach, but almost inpenetratable. As I approached the border, a gang of "helpers" started running towards me. I'm not sure what the etiquette is. Perhaps the first one to touch the vehicle is entitled to the prey. Yet I'm not sure how that's a good strategy because when I whizzed by they had to run all the way back to the official excuse for a dollar shack. When they caught up I had already paid my whatever tax, but that was only the beginning.
This border is a zoo, and exiting Nicaragua alone took me an hour. The kids actually helped me quite a bit while asking whether if they could help. The youngest one just wouldn't give up and kept advising me throughout the process anyway. A helper is not necessary, but when you're told to see the Police next, you don't automatically think that you're supposed track down this particular officer and have him sign something. But I had this little kid next to me, and he took me straight to this baseball capped dude who turned out to be the "Police". He sure deserved his tip.
Then, it was time to enter Costa Rica. Even remembering tires me, so I'll just say it was at least another hour, and a more ridiculous one at that. Want a tip? Avoid border crossings on Highway 1.
The only good thing about the Costa Rica border was the drive-thru bar right after it.
Costa Rica seems to be where Central America ends. Money's here for sure, but it doesn't seem to be used on building roads. Once I took a turn towards the coast in Liberia, crap was called road again. After a brief stop in Coco beach and Ocotal, I headed to Tamarindo which I had read to be a wonderful beach town. For its clientele it must be, but I strongly disliked the place from the get go. Take the worst of USA and Central America, and place them on a nice Pacific beach. Pretentious, expensive, and devoid of any character. Get a road before charging $3 for cold coffee!
Something special. I know exactly how YPVS sounds when you turn on the ignition but can only imagine how this puppy screams once you kick the starter. Only 200cc but anything less than 45hp and I'd be disappointed. Don't tell Kat I'm drooling.
My room at Cabinas Marielos was decent and close to everything, and cost $30 a night. There seems to be quite a bit to do around Tamagringo, but I didn't explore out. This is a great location for surfing, so right before I left, I took a 2 hour surf lesson but most of it was spent waiting for waves. (I'd rather be unlucky with waves) It's a whole lot of work for a few seconds of fun, but I have a feeling it's totally worth it once you get the hang of it. Maybe if I attach a sail on this thing...
(DAY071 : Tamarindo)
Costa Rica border was quick and easy to reach, but almost inpenetratable. As I approached the border, a gang of "helpers" started running towards me. I'm not sure what the etiquette is. Perhaps the first one to touch the vehicle is entitled to the prey. Yet I'm not sure how that's a good strategy because when I whizzed by they had to run all the way back to the official excuse for a dollar shack. When they caught up I had already paid my whatever tax, but that was only the beginning.
This border is a zoo, and exiting Nicaragua alone took me an hour. The kids actually helped me quite a bit while asking whether if they could help. The youngest one just wouldn't give up and kept advising me throughout the process anyway. A helper is not necessary, but when you're told to see the Police next, you don't automatically think that you're supposed track down this particular officer and have him sign something. But I had this little kid next to me, and he took me straight to this baseball capped dude who turned out to be the "Police". He sure deserved his tip.
Then, it was time to enter Costa Rica. Even remembering tires me, so I'll just say it was at least another hour, and a more ridiculous one at that. Want a tip? Avoid border crossings on Highway 1.
The only good thing about the Costa Rica border was the drive-thru bar right after it.
Costa Rica seems to be where Central America ends. Money's here for sure, but it doesn't seem to be used on building roads. Once I took a turn towards the coast in Liberia, crap was called road again. After a brief stop in Coco beach and Ocotal, I headed to Tamarindo which I had read to be a wonderful beach town. For its clientele it must be, but I strongly disliked the place from the get go. Take the worst of USA and Central America, and place them on a nice Pacific beach. Pretentious, expensive, and devoid of any character. Get a road before charging $3 for cold coffee!
Something special. I know exactly how YPVS sounds when you turn on the ignition but can only imagine how this puppy screams once you kick the starter. Only 200cc but anything less than 45hp and I'd be disappointed. Don't tell Kat I'm drooling.
My room at Cabinas Marielos was decent and close to everything, and cost $30 a night. There seems to be quite a bit to do around Tamagringo, but I didn't explore out. This is a great location for surfing, so right before I left, I took a 2 hour surf lesson but most of it was spent waiting for waves. (I'd rather be unlucky with waves) It's a whole lot of work for a few seconds of fun, but I have a feeling it's totally worth it once you get the hang of it. Maybe if I attach a sail on this thing...
posted by Serdar at
7:18 PM
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