Friday, 13 December 2024

Limon, Costa Rica

Today ms Marina takes me to a new country I have not previously visited, Costa Rica. Although most tourists visit the Pacific coast side of this country, the Atlantic side provides access to important rain forests and national parks. A long chain of volcanoes--three of them still active--separates the two coasts along the continental divide. Limon is most well-known for its past as an active shipper of the United Fruit Company. Nowadays, local farmers export their goods to the United States and Europe.

Downtown Limon

Our shore excursion, "Veragua Rain Forest and Aerial Tram," takes us by bus over one hour's drive up into the mountains. We begin on a well-paved highway, but soon turn off into  narrow, sometimes unpaved roads that lead to Veragua. It's a bumpy, treacherous ride, but our excellent driver not only negotiates all the holes in the pavement, but also points out some interesting flora and fauna. On the way, we see gray hawks, a toucan and a macaw, howler monkeys, and several two- and three-toed sloths hanging sleepily from trees in their natural habitats. We also get to see flowers and fruits native to Costa Rica, including rose apples, cocoa seeds, and coffee beans. The driver uses his wicked-looking machete to split the fruits, and our guide displays and explains their uses and tastes.

At the entrance to the rain forest, the tour participants are split into two groups: one taking any easy flat path to the aerial tram; the other group a more difficult path, climbing and descending 350 steps, via a waterfall. Will and I opt for the easier path.

As we follow our guide through the rain forest, we walk narrow paths among luxuriant greenery. Soon enough, Veragua lives up to its name and rain falls in copious amounts. But we are close to several indoor exhibits that shelter us as we examine snakes, frogs, birds, and butterflies.

Sunshine returns for a short time as we board the aerial tram to descend to the bottom of the trail.

At the bottom of the tram, we walk through an avenue of giant trees, which fails to protect us from the torrential rain, and we are all soaked through to the skin. The return ride back up the tram isn't much drier, but we are soon enjoying an included lunch of fresh fruit, ham and cheese sandwich, and lemonade.

The return trip back to Limon and the port takes the same route as going up and our driver continues to point out particular animals and plants.

We enjoy another fine dinner in the Grand Dining Room. The maitre'd has gotten to know our preferences and always takes us to our same requested table with our favorite servers, Kenneth and his assistant waiter, both from the Philippines; and Sheridan, a perfectly delightful young sommelier who keeps filling our Champagne glasses. Unfortunately, Sheridan is leaving the ship on Sunday to spend the holidays with her family in Panama. We hope her replacement is just as obliging.

Tomorrow we pass through the Panama Canal from north to south, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Panamanian city of Colon to the city of Balboa. We are looking forward to the transit.