Run through of the last couple days- Travel

Traveling:

George and I departed Jaco on Monday. Interested in observing the turtles as they lay their eggs, we decided to spend a day or so in Tortugero, Costa Rica. The first of what turned to 2 days of travel found us back in San Jose, where we caught a bus to Carari (I think that's the spelling). Carari turned out to be a mild, no toruisted town. One essentialy would go there for the bus terminal. Because of the time of day -late- we missed the last bus to Tortugero and ended up spending the night in the town.

The Hotel was "Hotel Central", $10 pp, and run by a very sweet woman. She truly took care of here guests and scheduled all necessary transportation for the following days bus and boat voyage. The room, on the other hand, was unfortunately not as accommodating. I will restrain myself from writing a detailed description but I'll write that this was probably the worst room I've yet stayed in -I do hope this manages to stay as the worst. One should wonder what the use of plastic lining under someone's sheets are good for; the sounds of bats, emitting from a ceiling that has a large hole; the sight of bugs crawling endlessly from the underside of your bed; and the merciless shrils of mosquito's buzzing in and around your ears....

The next morning, we jubilantly awoke from an un-rested slumber and were on our way to Tortugero by 5:30am. Our bus ride took us through several banana plantations and at on stop, dumped off about 7/8 of the passengers- all heading into the banana factory. We arrived at the final point on the bus around 6:30am and then waited about an hour for our water taxi to Tortugero.

While waiting, George and I pulled out a deck of cards and started a game of Gin Rummy. Mid way through, a weathered man in his mid to late 50's came by and expressed great interest with the cards we were using. Speaking faster then I was able to interpret, he said some stuff and then ran off. Five minutes later, he returned with a old half warn deck of cards and, explained how he loves playing cards. Feeling generous, I went trough my bag, grabbed the second deck of cards I had brought with me, and gave them to the man. He was completely over joyed by the gift, shook George and my hand about 4 times and then began walking around showing everyone his brand new, unopened, deck of cards.

Tortugero was incredible. About 20 - 30 years ago, Costa Rica put aside a huge amount of coastal area for the protection of the sea turtle. This area is the location where many sea turtles from around the Caribbean come and lay their eggs. We were able to spend $10 a piece and experience this ancient tradition of nature first hand. It was truly an experience. We also, however, were able to experience the tragic disturbances development can create. Sea Turtles, after laying there eggs, navigate their way back to sea by following light. Normally, this would be the sea. But, in recent years with the addition of street lights, porch lights, spot lights... You name it, it creates disturbances in the turtles instinctual tendencies. Edger, as I named her. Was happily pushing her way back to sea, utile, she crept into a lighted area created by an overhead light. Immediately, she changed her course and started heading into town! Fortunately, we were around. Our evening guide repositioned Edger -Edger did not react kindly to the disturbance- and once re-positioned, we all created a wall to shield her from the artificial light. After many tens moments, Edger did finally make it into the, swimming in a poetic fashion back to her home in the deep.