Mon/Tues Jan. 13th-14th, 2025
- Anna
- Jan 14
- 2 min read
On Monday I knew I had to make the walk into Puerto Viejo, 3.8 miles, to go to the bank to get some colones along with visiting a shop to rent a bike. I set out early-ish to beat the heat, "early" in Costa Rica is different than "early" in Minnesota. Minnesota early would be 5am-7am, CR early is 7am-9am. I checked both my tasks off my list with no issues and then researched where I should eat my breakfast.
I ended up visiting a cafe in Puerto Viejo named Cafe Rico and enjoyed a chai latte, fresh pineapple juice, and the Ana Rosa Special (potatoes, fried egg, ham, sautéed onion, fried plantain & avocado). The cafe has a large supply of books, and if you bring two of your own, you can swap them for one of theirs. On my way back to Playa Chiquita, I stopped at the grocery store for a few items. Having a bike was incredibly helpful with this excursion!
After unpacking my items, I went to the beach and spent some time there enjoying the breeze while reading. Then I came back home and watched the Vikings play horribly and get their asses whooped :( Also, my mom and sister have decided that they are going to come out and visit me in a couple of weeks, so I was able to get a jump start on planning that!
Tuesday was the first day that it really rained while I have been here. So my plans for the day did get a little delayed, but it did allow me to meet my Airbnb host when she stopped by and get to ask some questions that I had for her. Then once the rain subsided, I hopped back on my bike and rode south to Manzanillo, a little over 4 miles. The ride was easy and allowed me to see what other easy day trips I could be making in the future.
I spent time at Playa Manzanillo, taking pictures and listening to an audiobook (The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue). Once back at my house, I heard some meowing and went outside to see a cat that I had met earlier in the day, so I gave them a can of fish so that they keep coming around :) For dinner, I made Spanish rice, a chorizo brat, and potatoes with hot sauce. It was tasty but not pretty, so I did not take a pic :/
On Monday evening my grandpa "papa" passed away, he had held on much longer than the doctors had predicted and his last moments were with my grandma by his side as she held his hand. My family shared some cute pics of baby me and papa!
I think Marble is a cute name or Maribel. Or orange cat.
I love these blogs, I love your new calico friend (she needs a name), and I love these pics of you and papa! Miss you & love you!