To the Green Mountain: Monteverde

Bungee Jumping Pan

DC to Miami to San Jose. I landed with great enthusiasm ready to find the public bus to Monteverde and visit my friend. I knew I was cutting the clock close as there was only one bus, but I passed through immigration with ease relaxing at the fact I had an hour to make it. When I walked to find a taxi I was overwhelmed...everyone grabbing for my attention and assuring me there was no way I would make the bus. So I was given the choice- a $150 cab to the mountains or a night in a hotel. I opted for the latter.

San Jose has a dirty reputation so I figured I would be safe in a hotel. But passing the security guard with a machine gun at the front door reinvigorated my fears. I walked to my room, threw down my yoga mat, and began to cry. When I gained composure to try out the city, I asked the desk attendant where the dangerous areas were to be wary. In return he handed me a map marked with 5 blocks of safe exploration. I decided to still take a short meander but after a block of feeling people see through me and copious homeless eating trash, I quickly returned. 

Waking up at 5am to give myself extra time was much needed since the taxi driver insisted on taking me to the wrong station. I let it happen, but when he was wrong I assured him I would not being paying for his misconception. Five hours later and I arrived in the heaven that is Monteverde. Walking through the CPI school gates where I had studied 3 years ago and I was flooded with memories. A solo hike in the cloud forest for a few hours put the travel transition into perspective. A rollercoaster of emotions finally coming to the feeling that I was exactly where I belonged. I even remembered a legendary tree in the forest...yes, I'm a hippie. 



A short weekend in MV with my soul sister who is now married with a 2 year old. I was so happy to get acquainted with the family and enjoy the green mountain for the peace it resonates. I bungee jumped the highest point in Latin America (go pro video to share later). Cooked delicious dinners with my amiga. Visited with former teachers. And searched for coffee from a farm I visited with my college. 

There was such a great contrast from my arrival and my weekend visiting my amiga. I was reminded of something my brother AJ once preached "Its not healthy to over enjoy your highs or to wallow in your lows". And with that. . . I am off to the farm life :D