Our flight to San Jose, Costa Rica this morning was smooth. However, we should have got the premium seats – I fogot how crowded it is for Gary in Tourist class.We flew in over a very mountainous terrain 

 
Then a 3 hour drive to Monteverde. The drive started out through the city towards the Pacific coast. We drove through dry areas and saw about 4 separate brush fires. The route took us across mountain streams, past small communities and then arrived at Cauldera. There drove along the coast for a while. It is Sunday so families where out enjoying a day at the beach. 

    
    
 
Our route took us inland along route 1 for a while. Route 1 south of Panama, crosses the Bridge of the Americas and finishes in Alaska. Then a turn for the worse! Onto a gravel road cut into the side of the mountains with all the excitement of driving through any mountainous area – switchbacks, narrow areas with barely room for the 2 way traffic, driving along a steep drop off with no guard rails, meeting buses coming the other way, steep cliffs that look like there are regular land slides and beautiful views overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya.

    
   
The higher we get the stronger the wind gets, until we arrive in Monteverde with the wind howling and a fine rain falling – it feels freezing after the heat of Panama. As drove here I noted the communities and roadside were much tidier and cleaner than in Panama. We did pass some shanty complete with satellite dishes.

In Monteverde the streets are paved and very steep! We are staying at the Hotel Ficus, which is not as nice as we expected. On the plus side we have a fabulous view looking over the town, the countryside and the gulf. However, when we arrived we had to climb up a very steep sloped roadway to our room – which of course is the furthest from the lobby. Why is there no golf cart or some other vehicle to transport us up. I had to stop about 4 times on the way, there are 2 switchbacks the path is so steep. The room does not compare to the Bristol at all! We were told there is a restaurant and bar/lounge. Well if there is they are not open. We have to walk into town for lunch and dinner. Town is very close and yet very far. It is a short walk away down a very steep road – going down hard on the knees! Coming back after a meal is even worse than the climb to our room from the lobby area! I definitely would recommend anyone coming here find an alternative to the Ficus, stay right in the town if there is a decent hotel there. I did overhear some complaints in the restaurant about at least one other hotel – no hot water. Maybe I am getting more demanding in my old age or maybe it will seem better in the morning after we slog our way down for breakfast. Here is the view from our hotel room. 

  
 More about Costa Rica tomorrow.