Friday 12 March 2010

Divided by a common language

For the last week or so, we have been surrounded by American tourists ranging from snowbirds, families and young couples to the hordes of college students on spring break. Despite having lived and worked around Americans for most of my life, it is still interesting to note those little differences - like the older gentleman who came and sat down with us as we were quietly playing cards - waiting for our shuttle pickup - and regaled us with the story of his life and his Welsh wife and then excused himself after 10 minutes and went off to talk to someone else!
On the journey down to Manuel Antonio, our fellow passengers started by introducing themselves, talked for the whole 4 hour journey and then insisted on swapping email addresses when they were dropped off. Probably more Jimmy C's type of people!
Linda's turn to get the stomach bug when we arrived but it was only 24 hours until she was back on the frozen margaritas and mango daiquiris!
Manuel Antonio has both National Park and long pacific beaches and our cottage is surrounded by forest while only 10 mins walk to the beach. We had a great hike in the park where we saw Howler and Capuchin monkeys, three toed sloths, agouti and a variety of birdlife - including a Fiery-billed Aracari and a Golden-naped Woodpecker. Then we got home and saw everything again from the comfort of the rocking chair on the terrace - we had a troupe of about 20 capuchins which passed by, feeding as they went and checking out the roof of the cottage as well. It is great to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning and watch the humming birds flitting around the Hibiscus and the Heliconia.
This is our last day on the beach before we head for San Jose tomorrow and our flight to Cancun - after 4 weeks of relaxing, not sure how I will cope with rushing around airports etc - however looking forward to the next leg of the trip. With the help of both old and new friends (thanks to Ali, Toby & Mo) we have devised a plan to see most of the main sights of Yucatan over 11 days - after 5 days with Linda's cousin and friends at Puerto Moreles.



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