Finally here. It’s feels like a much longer time coming that it actually has been, especially since I didn’t really know what to expect. I’m very happy to be here at Refugio del Sol, in the company of Josh and Marcia, the owners. Josh has even offered to teach me how to surf, with lesson and board rental at a discount since I’m staying here. And Marcia assures me that Playa Guinoes is a great beach even for beginners, which obviously I am. It’s been a long day and so I will save the bulk of the description for tomorrow, but some things I learned about driving through Costa Rica today?

At first it seemed everyone drives very fast, but once you’re in it, it’s not as intimidating as it seems.

There are times when everyone is in a hurry to pass the person in front of them, it’s difficult not to get caught up in it. But then, just as suddenly, everyone seems perfectly content to stay in a long line, maintaining the same speed. And just as suddenly, everyone goes into pass mode again. I have yet to determine what causes this.

Double yellow lines appear to be a suggestion, not a requirement that you stay in your lane.

The main highway is well paved, but still bumpy. The smaller highways are kind of well paved, much bumpier. The smaller roads are not paved and very bumpy. Lucky I have 9 (10 this year!!) soundwaves under my belt and am no stranger to rough roads.

On the smaller roads, everyone, whether pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist, driver, waves at you with such joy it feels like you are home.

There are roadside restaurants so frequently it feels as though it would be impossible to go hungry.

Gas station attendants find gringas who drive barefoot and lose their keys three times within the same fillup terribly amusing.

When driving, make sure to put more sunscreen on your left arm than your right, otherwise you end up with a very funny looking sunburn.

When picking up hitchhikers, hold out for the cool german girls who are staying at some cool way off the beaten path hacienda type place if you want to meet awesome people who will give you good information and offer you a chill place to stay on the ocean for supercheap that comes with it’s own bats!

And now, I’m tired and would give myself over to sippin some rum in a hammock, and typing on my computer doesn’t really mesh with that somehow.

Hasta manana mi amigos.