Escape Break: Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Awesomeness of the Cloud Forest: Now you see them; now you don't

When I think of a cloud, I think of something light, cute, thin, supplier of shade and easily to pass through. The Cloud Forest of Monteverde has given me a different perspective on the power of a cloud. I literally could not see anything as my transportation shuttle shifted gears on the steep mountainous roads. Several times my heart skipped a beat because there were times when we literally could have plunged hundreds of feet to our death since no guard rails or barb wire were present. The heavy fog made it difficult to see three feet in front of you. Every vehicle traveled with their lights on to warn oncoming traffic of their presence. We literally were in seconds of avoiding a collision with a grey jeep.

My heart just skipped another beat. Maybe it was me and an the other tourists nervous about the bad weather and poor roads. The locals on bikes, mopeds, and in the 4x4's were not concerned. Business as usual in the cloud forest. This is actually my first time in an actual cloud that didn't involve a plane! Pretty unreal! Yes civilizations exist in the clouds. Humanity is officially in the sky, space and on water. When the clouds rolled away it unveiled a majestic site to behold.

Endless miles of on top of miles of deep grassy green mountain tops with a hint of lime colored leaves graced the enormous aged trees. Time stood still as traces of clouds moved slowly to the West. Just as you were finally able to open your mouth to whisper "Amazing!" and snap two picturesque photos, the clouds closed the curtains to the show and settled in once again.

The End.

Travel Memoirs: My First Hostel Experience

Typically I stay in hotels that are at least 3 stars and better depending on the city and the hotel chain. However, I wanted to try something different as I journeyed through the cities of Costa Rica. I decided to join hostel world to meet others who shared a love for travel and liked taking the road less traveled.

I loved my first hostel experience! The Cabinas Vista al Golfo in Monteverde has spectacular views. This hostel has set the bar high for any other hostels that I may choose to stay for a day. The front desk agent let me into my room and allowed me to check in 15 minutes later since he had a line at the front desk. Great customer service! The room was too small for my blood but comfortable and clean for $15 bucks a night.

The streets were filled with hostels, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants, so I felt safe even though the neighborhood and residents their were a little sketchy. My room is very clean with two beds and a wooden like dresser. They had a excellent breakfast featuring three types of fruit (huge bananas, juicy watermelon, and sweet pineapple), four types of cereals, white and wheat bread, two type of juices, and of course Cafe Britt coffee. It was great!

The hostel is about a three minute walk to downtown where I visited Restaurante Maravilla and several souvenir shops. After a nice dinner and shopping, it was time to head back to the hostel and check my emails on the complimentary internet service. They even had Skype downloaded and earphones for their guests to use.

I am glad that I brought my trusty flashlight. It was pitch black outside as the evening rolled around. When trying to find my way to the shared bathroom, the flashlight helped me avoid bumping into tables or trying to enter another person's room! Thank God for flashlights!

Insider Tips: To Pay or Not to Pay Gratuities in Costa Rica

Being from America, I am used to the standard 15% for gratuity. Usually this is not added on at a restaurant unless it is for a party of 8 or more. I typically give 20% whether the service is good or not.

In Costa Rica, the impuestos y tipo (taxes and gratuities) are included in the price. Most menu's do not state this and when you get the bill you only see the items purchased and taxes. No gratuities are listed on the bill. Where is the tip? Should I pay or have I already paid it? A local Tico advised me not to pay since I was charged triple the rate for a Smirnoff ice. He says their tip is in the overcharge of the products you purchase. When I asked the server at one restaurant if the tip is included in the bill, they replied the tip is not included. At another restaurant, the server replied that the 10% (standard tip in Costa Rica) is included in the prices of the food. So that means sometimes I have giving as much as a 30% tip to the server unwarily!!!

Their should be a standard law in Costa Rica demanding that all menus list if the taxes and gratuities are already included. If one exists, their are many restaurants violating the law. Some Costa Ricans are cheating the system and getting over on the gringos. Sure the food, service, and ambiance of the restaurants are great, but do we have to pay for the owners greed too?

Travel Memoirs: What Does Costa Rica Have Against Cats Anyway?

So far I have visited Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Canas, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas, and Puenta Leona. I have not seen any cats here only dogs. I was intrigued by the fact that I have not seen one cat so I asked several locals to try to get a reason why. "Estan solo perro's aqui, no gato's. Por que?" I questioned this one Tico in Manuel Antonio. I received elaborate explanations with no real answers. The Tico's here should be in politics with the answers they give! Tico's replied they prefer dogs. Some say cats are evil and no one likes to walk in front of a black cat. One Tico stated he had two cats at his house but who knows if that is true.

So I still haven't seen a cat. I still couldn't figure out why even the gringo's had dogs and not bring over their cats from America. Surely some of the gringo's had cats back home. Having a dog couldn't be for safety because Costa Rica is one of the safest countries on the planet. I am going to solve this mystery even it takes me nine lifetimes! Stay tuned.