La Fortuna
February 19, 2022
I was up early and raring to go birdwatching at 5 am. I met with our Intrepid guide, Pedro, and the rest of our Intrepid "birdwatchers": Christine, Danilla, and Nigel.
It was nearly pitch black outside with only the moon and stars casting light. Pedro took the above photo of the moon. As our eyes adjusted we saw that the planet Venus was shining brightly as were the constellations. It was serene.
I took the photo below just as the first rays of sunlight hit the sky. Then BAM! The birds started singing, chirping, and some were even fluttering away. It was spectacular to both see and hear!
We saw so many beautiful birds and numerous four-legged animals viewed through our eyes and also viewed through Pedro's telescope. Here's a humorous shot Pedro took with his telescope of the "derriere" as they say in French or in Spanish "el pompis" of the sloth high in a faraway tree. It was perfectly content to not move around for a photo.
Sometimes, if you're lucky, the animal turns its backside around and you're in for a rare treat!
After a few hours, we all made our way back to the hotel and joined the others by walking to breakfast at the Rainbow Cafe. Since Pedro is from La Fortuna, he knew where the best breakfast in town was located.
It was a beautiful morning and the sky was already a bright blue with only a few clouds.
Arenal Volcano was out in all its glory!
Jeff and I spent the day exploring La Fortuna and couldn't help but marvel at how lovely and welcoming the people are who live and work in this quaint little town.
The church is across from the town center's park.
It was so peaceful in the park.
This hedge of azaleas was in bloom
as were the other beautiful flowers. They all appeared to be glistening. Upon closer inspection, they had dew drops caught on their petals and were shimmering in the sunlight.
Down the narrow streets were produce stands and supermarkets.
Jeff and I always enjoy going into the supermarkets where the locals frequent. Throughout our travels in Costa Rica, there were sanitize stations for patrons to use prior to entering supermarkets. I wish our local supermarket back home complied with this health protocol!
We had our lunch at a highly recommended by the locals little hole-in-the-wall restaurant named the "Yellow Bark". I ordered a pina colada and it was served in the world's largest glass!
Jeff's mohito was also served in a huge glass.
Every dish was made fresh and was truly delicious. Great meal, great price. Can't beat local knowledge.
We love supporting local entrepreneurs so one of the top spots we wanted to find in La Fortuna was the Chocolalateria Chocolate-Fusion Shop. And after walking for a very long time, and discovering that google maps incorrectly had us headed to the business' previous location, we asked the locals, using our limited Spanish vocabulary, where to find the Chocolatateria. Thanks to their smiles and kindness to strangers, we finally found it!
The Chocolalateria Chocolate-Fusion's chocolates are all made by hand using organic cocoa which they produce. They also have another ingredient to make their chocolate so smooth. When asked what it was, we were told, "Our secret ingredient is love".
Once inside their shop doors, we soon found out that there is a lot to love! From vegan dark chocolate to milk chocolate, chocolate coffee beans, and chocolate figurines, from coffee liquor to coffee wine and so much more... this shop had it all!
They also had homemade chocolate ice cream and coffee ice cream which honestly was to die for.
They also have their own organic coffee which was delicious.
We had a lovely day from dawn to dusk exploring the town of La Fortuna! We still couldn't get over how beautiful Arenal Volcano was throughout the day.
This morning, in particular, Arenal was a truly magnificent sight that will stay with us as a lasting memory.
Tomorrow morning we'll be leaving for an exciting journey to Monteverde. Can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings.