Food, beer and relaxation complete - now it's time to BLOG.

So, today I woke up early to go on a horseback ride to the waterfall... apparently there's only one because everyone calls it The Waterfall. I got a horse that was pretty grumpy but to be fair, I'd be grumpy too if I had to lug myself around. He didn't seem to appreciate my ear scratches or neck pats. What can I say, I'm no horse whisperer.

We rode for about 45 minutes to get up to the area where we ... what's the word for getting off of horses?? Disengaged from our steed? On the trip we saw a toucan, which was really awesome because it was one bird I was REALLY hoping to see. Once we were up there we had a 15 minute hike down to the base of the mountain (we rode the horses all the way up just so we could hike down). Once we were down there it was AMAZING. This waterfall was seriously just so awesome. It was huge and we had to climb over all these rocks to get to the actual pool where the water was falling into. My poor, tender, winter feet are probably bruised to hell right now, but it was SO WORTH IT. It was beautiful, to say the least, and the cool water was refreshing after the hike. We got to spend about 40 minutes down there... and then we had to hike another 20 minutes or so to get back up the way we came. There was a legit suspension bridge, with cracked boards and all (like Indiana Jones style) and was super creaky and scary and SUPER RAD. Well, mostly super rad until I kinda slipped on it and thought I was going over. But, it didn't happen, so it's cool.

After that, we rode back to the barn thing and then got back to the hostel with just enough time for me to grab my bags and head to the bus station. I met up with a guy who was in my room in Monteverde, and he taught me how to kiss cheeks like a real French person. That was fun... but, pretty sure it's a skill I can't use again in the US. We parted ways and I headed to a soda for some pre-bus food and before I knew it I was back on my way to San Jose. One thing though, when I bought the ticket, the guy forgot to actually give it to me. I had to chase him down to get it, which was a giant pain in my ass...but I got it, and didn't have to pay again. Travel tip... when you buy a ticket, make sure you HAVE IT.

The trip was supposed to take about 3 hours but ended up taking 4. The upside was that it let me off just down the street from my hostel. I don't know how I recognized the corner but I did, and took advantage of it. Anyways, the first hour was spent talking to a Tico named Alfredo who wanted to practice his English... we talked about all kinds of things and it was super fun. Then, he got off in a town named... what.... Valencia or something?? and then I was left sitting next to this creeper who needed far too much leg room, who sat spread eagled with his leg touching mine the whole time. I was totally ready to defend my territory if necessary but I didn't need to - as soon as another seat opened up he left.

So, that leads me up to about now... I'm in Galileo again... the guy who I really didn't like the first time I was here is now an EMPLOYEE here. That's interesting, to say the least. He's from Tucson and is taking the job so he can travel longer. I guess that's pretty common around here. I have to remember that. He's the bartender at the 24/7 bar here and I sat here and had a few beers before heading to the Mexican food soda down the street. I meat bombed myself with FOUR different kinds of meat (go out with a bang) and they were all pretty delicious. Now I'm back. Full, relaxed, and happy.

I leave tomorrow and need to get a cab to the airport around noon. I'm not sure how I'll spend my morning but I'm pretty sure I'll just relax around here for the most part. It's been a REALLY REALLY full few days. Or, maybe I'll run back up to the artesian market to see if I can get some presents to bring back. Who knows? Not me. All I know is that I'll try to blog before I leave tomorrow and that I'll see you guys (some of you anyways) on Thursday. For right now, I'm going to sleep. :) Pura Vida!