Stay a while

February 10: 88 degrees

Cabinas Larry

When we were at "Outback Jack's" the night before, we asked our server for any recommendations of places to stay in town.  She recommends Cabinas Larry that is just down the street, it is clean, she stayed there for a month, and it is only about $35 a night.  Sounds like our kind of place? We check into Cabinas Larry for a few nights.

Puerto Viejo beaches small

Now feeling settled we are ready to explore Puerto Viejo!  It has more of a Jamaican flare.  It is as laid back as most coastal areas we've been but not quite as friendly.  It isn't that people aren't friendly when you talk to them, but they are not as overtly friendly as folks on the Pacific coast.  As in most of the popular towns, you can find busloads of backpackers being dropped off and walking around.  Surfers using all means necessary to get to the waves (scooters, bikes, ATVs and walking) and local artisans selling all things imaginable.  The water is not the see-through green most imagine when thinking of the Caribbean, but it is still sea-side.  The weather here seems more humid than the Pacific but the jungle is just as lush green.  There is an interesting mix of Costa Rican, Jamaican and European people and businesses in the area.  We like the feeling here and think we may stay awhile.

During our walk through town, an older gentleman began to talk to Mandy.  His name is Barry and he and his wife have retired here in Puerto Viejo.  Barry asks us to join him at the bakery we are standing in front of to chat.  Here, we share some pastries and learn a lot about Barry and the area.  During Barry's career, he has worked for many large companies in the US, including IBM.  He made a comfortable living and now wants to give back in his retirement.  He and his wife have started "The Bridge" Project.  This is a project that is run from their home in Puerto Viejo.  Here, they provide services and assistance to the indigenous Bri-Bri people.  They provide meal assistance/soup kitchen, homework help to students, book loans and other assistance to help break the cycle of poverty in Costa Rica.  During our discussion he inspired us to volunteer while we are here.