When traveling, you have to be flexible

This morning I headed out on my own to make my way to Manuel Antonio. Let me tell you, I never seem to do things the easy way. I tried to catch the bus to Alajuela and the bus driver apparently didn't think I waved him down well enough, because he just drove off and never stopped. So, I had to make my way back to the center, luggage in tow and figure out another way. Luckily, Carlos was there to take 14 people to the Land of the Dogs. I was able to crash a ride with them to Alajuela. That was an adventure in itself, the van can comfortably fit 12 and we had 16 total. We were smushed like sardines and I bet when everyone piled out it looked like a clown car. Once I made it to the bus station, I hopped on a bus to San Jose. When we arrived in San Jose I tried asking for directions to the bus station for Manuel Antonio and either my espanol is terrible or the guy gave me the wrong directions, i'll let you decide, but I ended up further away from the station and had to get a taxi to get me there, which I should have just done in the first place. 

Either way, I made it to the bus station and was able to get on the right bus to head to Manuel Antonio. If you've never been on a charter bus when the roads are made for only one car, then you are in for an eye awakening experience, even though I have been through this before it's still scarier than all get out when they go around those turns. Even with the scary turns, it's such a beautiful drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio. The three hour drive does wonders for the thinking mind. You can drift off into your own world one this drive. I guess I let my mind wander so much that I forgot to tell the bus driver which hostel I was planning on staying in. He drove right past and when I got off he told me there'd be a bus that could get me there. Cool, fine, I was only a 5 minute drive away. Get on the bus, tell him, "Pura Vida Hostel". He understood. Next thing I know I'm back in Quepos, the bus driver forgot so he refunded me my money and sent me to the bus that would take me back to where I needed. This really nice gentleman had overheard the whole thing and actually escorted me to the next bus and waited to make sure I got on. He was originally from California but had been here for about 20 years. It's just great, the people of this town, they're so helpful and nice. 

After all of that, I finally made it to my hostel. The ladies that run this place were so welcoming and made me feel right at home. Once I took a small nap I went into Manuel Antonio for dinner. I ended up at the same restaurant Denise and I had dinner at four years ago. Nostalgia hit so hard and it was wonderful. Eating Maui tacos, drinking a mojito and watching the ocean while reading a good book, you cannot beat that. 

When I was finished with dinner, I decided to take a walk along the beach. There's nothing that beats your toes in the sand. On my way to the beach, which wasn't very far, I saw Butch, the guy who 4 years ago gave Denise and I our umbrella and drinks by the beach. The best part about the whole encounter was the fact he remembered me and couldn't believe it had been four years. Can't wait to see him tomorrow. 

I'm sure people probably think I'm crazy for traveling alone, but it's been a great experience so far, I've met some amazing people and think I'll continue to the rest of this week. It's also a time to get to know yourself and know what you like or dislike, plus you have no one to tell you what to do or not to do. If you're given the opportunity to travel alone, take it. You won't regret it. 

Taking a warm shower, having no mosquito net in my bed and have "Costa Rican air conditioning" (i.e. 2 fans) is already a step in the right direction. Can't wait to sleep in past 5:30 and not hear all the rescue birds chirping. 

Love,

Content with life