Articles

"Don't Be Afraid of the Rain!"
From Costa Rican Outlook
BY MARINA BENNETT

La temporada de lluvia (the rainy season) is now called la temporada verde (the green season), at least according to the Board of Tourism. This is designed to encourage visitors all year round. Never mind what they call it, it's a great time to come visit Costa Rica.

First, it doesn't rain all the time-a couple of hours in the afternoon after a clear, sunny morning and before a clear, fresh evening. Actually, this is a lovely time for napping, lunching or contemplating. In five years of living in Costa Rica 1 have awaken to rain less than five times and experienced an all day rain only once or twice.

Second, tours and hotels are offered at low season prices and there are never problems with reservations. In fact you don't need reservations and sometimes can even bargain for a better deal.

Third, most of the slick promoters have gone under their rocks or somewhere else to prey on tourists so you get a better flavor of the real Costa Rica and its warm, open and happy people. The rainiest months are June, July and October, but even these usually have clear mornings and evenings.

Some of us who live here took advantage of a Labor Day Special (US, September 1), cruising with Calypso Tours, for one-half the regular tariff. No matter the price, it's a great trip. The ticket was good for a year in case of inclement weather, but we had a perfect day. Everything was super organized and coordinated by the nautical crew in crisp whites. They loaded us on to buses, as scheduled, from two different pick up points, then pointed out highlights in English and Spanish, on the way to the port of Puntarenas. Breakfast served on the bus. Coffee and changing rooms were available at the other end and we readied ourselves to board the big catamaran. As we boarded, our shoes were checked for the slip factor and some people were advised to go barefoot. Safety and comfort were an important concern to the crew. We were shown the life jackets and asked to stow our belongings under the seats.

We numbered about 80, and 1 thoroughly expected the boat to be jammed, but after everyone sorted themselves out, no area was crowded and we were able to meander from the bar to the back deck to the top deck and the two trampolines. Tropical drinks and platters of fruit were served and empty glasses and napkins whisked away before one had time to wonder where to put them.

Often the trip is to Tortuga Island, but this time we were transported to the owners' private reserve at Punta Coral, the easternmost tip of the Nicoya peninsula a little more than an hour away. Here we found a thatched roofed cabana with lots of hammocks for the idle to view the sea. When they worked up to it, the beach was right there for a swim. There was a guided nature walk for the energetic and a snorkeling trip for those of us who wanted to marvel at the underwater world. All the equipment was provided, and those of us who went saw lots of multicolored fish and coral. The Pacific Ocean is not the crystal clear Caribbean and often the waters are turbulent and murky, but this day the visibility was wonderful.

After an hour of fish gazing we met the others for an elegant lunch. It was delicious, again served by our starched and still smiling crew. We served ourselves several salads and then sat down to a complimentary glass of white wine and a chicken with coconut sauce plate, followed by lemon pound cake with lemon sauce. The affable owner, David Reid, worked right alongside of the crew, demonstrating his attention to detail and service.

After lunch, a short walk through the jungle led us to a hillside overlooking islands and boats. A Caribbean band entertained us with tropical music until it was time to return. We had raffles and dancing as well as a magnificent sunset as we returned to Puntarenas on the catamaran, and from there we were whisked back to our Points of departure right on schedule after a lovely day.