Back into Costa Rica (1/29/11-2/1)

Sixaola

a bridge too narrow

A boat ride back to the mainland from Bocas to Almirante - rougher water this time - and back to Big Yellow who's been patiently waiting for 5 days. She looks to be unharmed so I give the guard a small tip and then it's a one hour drive to the border. With gas being about $1 cheaper per gallon in Panama, I make sure to top off the tank. But Panama is no bargain, either, and it and Costa Rica will probably be the most expensive of this journey. Not coincidently, they are the most popular countries for white people with money.



my 26 days in Panama.
click to enlarge

 You can see by the picture that the crossing between Panama and Costa Rica here on the Caribbean coast is via an old railway bridge. It's now used by locals walking, people like me, banana trucks and tourist buses. It's been described as a scary ride, but it couldn't have been any tamer when I went across. On the Panama side of the bridge I'm asked to pay a $3 fee to exit the country, otherwise they simply check my papers, stamp the passport, take a quick peek in the car and let me proceed. On the Costa Rica side they restamp my passport, check to see that my vehicle papers are still valid (they are, until 3/3), fumigate the car and let me go. No charge for any of it. This crossing would have taken about 45 minutes except there was a bus full of backpackers in front of me that had to be processed first, doubling the time. The two border crossings with Panama have been the least stressful and I wish they were all like that.

Blue Bag Country


banana guy on a wire

For miles on either side of the border are fields of banana trees, and all bananas are covered with the protective blue plastic bag. For the first time I noticed workers pushing themselves along the perimeter of the trees along a guy wire. If you look close at the picture you can see a man sitting in what looks like a big diaper and he pushes himself along with a big stick. I guess it's because the irrigation ditches are so awkward to navigate by foot? That is sooooo interesting! I know, right?

Manzanillo

Maxi's in Manzanillo, this is
the heart of the town

The days' drive ends at the end of the Caribbean road in Costa Rica in Manzanillo. Normally a very quiet place - there's not much to do here and not much in the way of services - the weekends prove otherwise. I get here on a Saturday and it and Sunday are full of Ticos making a day trip of it. Buses and cars line the main sandy beach road and it's kind of a drag for someone who expected peace and quiet. Monday proves a better day and I almost have the beautiful beach to myself.


my Manzanillo hangout

 Most all of the food options in town are 4-5 sodas, the name they give small restaurants in Costa Rica. No one has been able to tell me why, it just is. Maxi's, by far the biggest, and the most expensive, is actually worth it. When you order the chicken filet they give you both halves of the breast and the grilled vegetables include a small portobello...nice touch. Nights are still except for the occasional howler monkey calling out, and I'd like to come back someday when the waters are clearer. I was told this part of Costa Rica is best in September and October. I highly recommend seeing it, only not during a weekend.