Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica

As the closest coastal town to San Jose, Puntarenas was once Costa Ria's prosperous, coffee-exporting gateway to the Pacific, and a popular escape for landlocked Ticos. Some still come here on weekends, but during the week, the activity along the oceanfront promenade slows to a languid pace - all the better to enjoy the beachfront sodas (inexpensive eateries) and busy market.  Puntarenas, the city's ferry terminal Is a convenient way to connect to the pristine beaches of southern Nicoya, and Puntarenas is also the jumping off point for the almost mystical Isla del Coco. Its Casa de la Cultura is a cultural center with a theater and art gallery.  On the main boulevard, Paseo de los Tourists, Parque Marino del Pacifico includes an aquarium and rescue center with seahorses, turtles and crocodiles.  The town beach, Playa Puntarenas, is backed by shops and cafes.  Southeast of town, Playa Dona Ana is a beach known for strong surf.

Today was scheduled for a seven-hour tour to a ranch that specializes in raising and training Andalusian horses.  But, didn't sleep last night.   At 7:30 this morning, called guest services and told them I wouldn't be going on the tour.   Turned over and slept until 11:00 a.m.

 Along with my lack of sleep, it stormed all night long and today we are slated for more rain, lightning and thunder.   Decided I didn't want to walk around in the mud, even though seeing these beautiful horses, and watching them perform was high on my list of tours.   Oh well, since I didn't take any photos - google to the rescue once again!
         
The tour was headed into the highlands of Alajuela Province (where it appears to be raining right now!), to Rancho San Miguel - a school of high equestrian arts that has been exhibiting horse fiestas for more than 30 years.  It is famous throughout the Americas for its pure breed of Andalusian horses.    Along with the horse show, there will be dressage training, as shown by a group of young, talented and beautiful Amazonian women whose skills require months of grueling teamwork, training and discipline.   Spanish flamenco music, a delicious lunch and a tropical fruit buffet were also included.   Would have been fun, but now I think a nap is in order!!!  . . except first, must have a light salad out on deck before I crash again!!

 Nice and easy afternoon, almost fully recuperated from the trauma of last evening.  Doesn't that sound dramatic!!

 We are getting ready to depart Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and the weather looks like we'll hit more storms tonight.   Very ominous skies, and we could see rain in the highlands all during the afternoon.


Tomorrow we have another day at sea before we enter the Panama Canal on Monday - which will take all day.   My schedule tomorrow is easy - Team Trivia and a trip to the hair salon to have my grey touched up - even brought my own color, courtesy of Evet!!  Don't what it is about cruising, but my hair seems to grow in double time!

 PS:   Just got a call from someone at the Marin Symphony, which I answered here in Costa Rica! She was making certain that I'd gotten the news that concerts this weekend have been cancelled because there will be no power at the Civic Center.  I'd received the email and had called Steve to let Sofia know that the tickets I'd given her would be useless this weekend - she was taking a friend.   In our conversation, Marin Symphony lady mentioned that Healdsburg has been evacuated.   Though I've been following the fire, did not know this news.   Do pray, as I am, for all who will lose their homes and livelihoods - when will this all end?




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