Journey to Escazu and then Journey to the OC

The next morning I have some more "world famous pancakes"!  And start talking to some Americans.  These guys are from New York.  We haven't met any New Yorkers on the trip, which we both thought was odd but just figured they like their urban jungle more than the actual jungle. One of the guys looked like he was a cartoon character - for real! His hair was so gelled that is was ridic.

Our ride picked us up and we were off.  I knew it was the last time I'd get to see the parts of Costa Rica that were interesting and beautiful.  I could only imagine San Jose to be dirty and city-like.  I haven't heard good things about San Jose but oh well.  We had to get there somehow to get to the airport the day after. The ride was uneventful except for this amazing full double rainbow. I love rainbows. I love color.  I got a double dose with this perfect double rainbow.

Our final destination was this wonderful little bed and breakfast in Escazu.  The owner used to live in the United States and work in real estate before the market went sour.  She has an adorable 2 year old daughter that can speak Spanish and English.  The day we arrived, we walked around Escazu.  Escazu is made up of 70% ex-Pats and Europeans.  It had a lot of resorts and country clubs, not unlike Orange County.

We headed down to San Jose later that night.  It was pretty uneventful.  There were a lot of illegal vendors on the streets who all seemed to be extremely interested in selling Smurf memorabilia.  The Smurfs were everywhere.  We needed into a church in the middle of the city.  Neither of us are religious but decided to walk in and marvel at the beautiful details.  I also took a moment to reflect on my dear friend Neil Saigal.  He was a really great friend.  He was my first friend at UC, Irvine.  The world lost a magical person (Jan 1985 - September 2011) and I will always miss him.  His birthday was the day before and he would have been 27 years old.  I miss him.

 Outside of Church                           Inside of Church

The night progressed.  It had to end pretty early because it's not safe to be in downtown San Jose as only 2 females. We caught a taxi after dinner.  The cab driver didn't know where we were going...the kicker...the cab driver was listening to Spanish radio porn.  It was ridiculous. We had an early evening and there was a blackout.  It was pretty tame.

The next day, it was time to travel home.  After a lovely breakfast, we went for a walk.  We saw this awesome tree that seemed to peel from orange to green.

We got to the airport early - don't forget to pay the tax at the airport - and headed home.  I had to go to Panama City first.  I was frisked a number of  times but everything went well.  It was a little tricky at the airport because I broke my phone - yay! and I was sick yet again.  I've been sick so many times in the last 4 months, I can't even count.  One sickness rolls into the next.  I'm still fighting to kick it.

Overall, it was a great great trip! I think everyone is jealous. :)

XOXO Rachel