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11/15/09



Today was Volcan Irazu and miscellaneous tour. Pretty much only 40 dollars. $30 to the driver, Luis, and a $10 entrance fee to the park. Luis picked the three of us up at 7 this morning. It took maybe 30-45 minutes to get from Orosi to the Volcano. The top of the volcano was at an altitude of about 3,200 meters. We drove up passing various vegetable fields and vendors. Also passed many cows just kicking it on the side of the road. There are two main craters atop Irazu and multiple smaller ones. At first it didn't seem as if we would be able to see very much of the craters due to all the clouds. After snapping quite a few worthless pictures of clouded craters, the clouds blew past and we had a clear view. Twas amazing!
Welcome sign outside of the park.

The second largest main crater.

Crater Diego de la Haya

The largest crater.

Crater Principal



More shot of Crater Principal

A map of the park.

Girls in a crater.


Coatimundi. This little fella showed up while we were eating lunch.I almost took him home.
Luis, our driver/guide.



Dropped in on Sunday Mass at the Basilica de Los Angeles in Cartago. It was packed to people standing in the doorways...mind you this was no small church.




This is the dam that generates all the electricity for Orosi and the small surrounding towns.
It was HUGE.

I think that ought to be enough pictures for one day.

Yesterday was a dreary day and was primarily spent around the hostel. Went for lunch at a Soda called Soda Luz. Had Gallo Pinto con Huevo(egg) and a refresca de Piña. The fruits here are nothing like the ones that you get in the States. These are so fresh. Muy rica. Very flavorful. Sweet and juicy. At about 6:30 we went to Reventazon which is a restaurant/bar. We chose this place because they have two televisions and there was going to be a BIG game on at 8. Futbol game between Costa Rica and Uruguay. This game was played in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. The next one will be on Wednesday in Montevideo. These two games will determine who gets the seat in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. So we got food and drinks and waited until 8. The place slowly filled up with prospectors. The game was pretty good. Sadly, Costa Rica lost 0-1. The word is that they will likely lose in Montevideo as well because it is a very difficult stadium to play at.

I start back with Spanish classes tomorrow. Same 3-6 time frame as last week.

I won't be posting this until tomorrow because Otiac is filled with music, people and balloons. I know, I know. Why am I not in there with all that fun stuff? I think there was a birthday party or something along those lines.

Hasta luego.