Where in the World is Gina

I apologize! It has been a long time since my last blog. I changed companies after 10 years and between the work that went into that transition, an uncommonly busy first half of the year with my job (you know, that thing that makes all these trips possible) and some exciting trips (can you say Australia!!!), I have not had time to write. Finally, life is mellowing out enough for me to get back to writing. Expect some fun new postings soon. Gina (Top- All the "peeps" hiking in Arches National Park, Utah, USA)

Arenal, Costa Rica

A trip to Costa Rica wouldn't be complete without spending time in the Arenal and La Fortuna area. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is the place for Volcano viewing. It is less than two miles from the base of the volcano. Beware that the volcano is often hidden in the clouds. I have been lucky enough to be there when the sky was clear and the top completely in view. My last trip didn't even give me so much as a peek-a-boo view. Unfortunately, I have never been able to see the lava flowing at night or here the thundering from the volcano...I will just have to keep trying! (Left- View near reception and the dinning hall, above- the view everyone hopes to see of the Arenal Volcano.)

The lodge began as a Smithsonian research site on the family's plantation which they eventually expanded and opened up to the public. The rooms vary in size and location. Some have drop dead views of the volcano while others have jungle views. The rooms here are not fancy, but comfortable, clean and ours was spacious on this last trip. Many feature nice patios/decks to lounge around on and enjoy the views and wildlife. Arenal Observatory Lodge has some accessible rooms and an amazing paved jungle trail perfect for people with special needs. They offer a private home for rent for larger groups, but it is a good distance from the lodge itself. (Right-Arenal Lake, view from our room.)

The main activity here is volcano watching from the large deck off the dinning room. If the weather isn't cooperating, you still have lots of other choices. The lodge boasts a pool, hot tub and game room. You can go horseback riding around the plantation (my kids favorite activity of our last trip), take a tour of the nearby Arenal National Park with a guide, self guided hikes, a night tour to see the beautiful Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, nearby canopy tours, fishing trips, a free guided hike to a gorgeous waterfall on their property (great freebie offered by the lodge) and much more in the area. (Left- Gina and Lochlan riding a horse on the Observatory Lodge property.)

The property is situated about 30 minutes from La Fortuna. The road can be fairly bumpy so a good 4-wheel drive will be handy. Since you are a distance from town you will likely take most of your meals at the lodge. We found the food prices reasonable, the menu diverse and the food was tasty. The kid's menu had the basics to please your picky eaters! Enjoy a drink in the bar or out on the deck while soaking in the surreal views of the volcano and Lake Arenal. (Right- Red-eyed tree frog near Arenal National Park.)

While vacationing at the Arenal Observatory Lodge I have come across the following types of fauna...howler monkeys, two types of toucans, pizotes, eyelash vipers, coral snakes, scorpions, millipedes, red-eyed tree frogs, leaf cutter ants, and a plethora of birds. My kids love the sensitivity plants and they can be found around the main lodge. It is a great spot for finding some of the exotic plants and animals you came all this way to see. (Left- Pizote near the dinning hall.)

I have a hard time finding any downside to the lodge since it is a favorite of my family. We noticed on our last trip that they now serve a lot of meals in the evenings to tour groups. I think this has caused the restaurant to loose some of its small town personalized treatment we loved so much on our past trips. Some people may not care for being so far from town, but that is one of the things we like about the property, a feeling of being away from it all. We think it is a real gem! (Nick, Brad Kendall, Lochlan, Bailey and Gina at the Observatory Lodge's waterfall.)

Getting into Hot Water, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of my personal favorites for its flora and fauna. My first experience with Central America was right here and for that it will always have a special place in my heart. We were lucky enough to get to experience this country once again this past November. When we began to plan the trip, I knew that we would have to go back to the La Fortuna/Arenal area. (Above- view of the Arenal Volcano, Left- hot pool and waterfall seat)




Tabacon is considered one of the top luxury resorts in the La Fortuna area. I think it is a "must see" spot for anyone visiting Costa Rica. They'd remodeled the rooms and the spa since my last visit in 2005. Our rooms felt elegant, were spacious and had nice views out to the volcano. I liked the rooms much better this trip. (Right-Nick and Lochlan on the water slide)

You aren't here to see your room though, you are here for the hot springs. La Fortuna has several hot springs to choose from, but this is the biggest and the best. The lush, over-the-top tropical environment is outstanding. Streams and waterfalls of thermal hot water weave throughout this lush Paradise of tropical plants and flowers. If you are lucky, as it is often socked in by clouds, you will also enjoy an amazing view of the active volcano, Arenal.

Tabacon is a rare spot that can be enjoyed by both couples seeking a romantic getaway as well as families. The kids will enjoy wondering around the property sitting in the waterfalls, pools and even rushing down the water slide. The parents will love the amazing location, swim-up bar and hopefully some relaxing time together. (Left- Hot waterfall)

The spa is incredible. My husband and I enjoyed a couple's message in a private, open air cabana. Looking out to the jungle, hearing the birds and the water flowing by was serene. The sensual soak in an open air, hot tub sized, bubble bath after the message was my husband's favorite part of our trip. Tres romantique! (Right-Gina & Brad in a pool)

Really, the only downside to Tabacon would be the price. It is not cheap. The meals and drinks are very expensive and not necessarily worth the price. While you can drive a short ways into town for less expensive meals, you aren't likely going to want to leave the hotel for all of your meals and have to change out of your bathing suit. Just plan on budgeting more for food and drink while you are there and watch for the specials they often run. I find that 2-3 days is usually enough of being wet and pruny and then you will be ready to leave and move on to your next adventure in Costa Rica. (Below- the entire family at Tabacon)

Final Facts Trinidad

Trinidad is part of the Caribbean islands, but at one time was attached to South America. It feels a lot more like South America than the Caribbean. While Trinidad has some nice beaches, Tobago is the bigger beach destination. If you plan a trip, here are some things to keep in mind... (Photo above- Beach in Manzanilla)

Weather- Tropical climate with a rainy season from about the end of May through November. Bring your rain gear, bug spray and sunscreen, you will need them! Light weight, fast drying clothing are a must. DO NOT bring camouflage clothing. It is illegal to wear in Trinidad unless you are a member of their military. Hiking boots and sandals will come in handy. (Left- Mud Volcano)

Crime- is high in the area, so make sure you read up on the US Travel Advisory  for updates. Most crime is not toward tourists, but drug and gang related. It is always a good idea when traveling anywhere to lose the expensive jewelry and any unnecessary electronic equipment. The areas currently known to be on the shady side in the Port of Spain, particularly at night, are the suburbs of Laventille, Morvant, and Beetham. (Right- Manzanilla)

Language- The main language is English with a definite French, Creole flair.

Electricity- 110 or 220. Usually two prong only.

Travel Tips- Carnival is the peak season for Trinidad. People from all over the world come to see the steel pan and festivities during Carnival. If you are coming during this time of the year, make reservations well in advance and plan to pay top dollar. Outside of Carnival, the peak travel season is considered from mid Dec.-mid April.

Make sure to drop me a note about your experiences in Trinidad! (Left- Hindu Temple Doorway)

Peace in Manzanilla Trinidad

While visiting Kernahan Village in Trinidad, we came across the most incredible site I have ever seen. It was a church, a mosque and a temple all in one. The pink colored building caught my eye, not for its unusual shade, but for three symbols displayed on it. The symbols represented the Christian, Muslim and Hindu religions. How could one building hold three religions, religions that at times have been in such conflict with one another that they have killed each other? The members of this village are such good friends, care so deeply for one another, that despite the various religious differences within their community, they decided to build one building to be shared by all of their religions. ( Top- an incredible site! Left- A Buffalypso.)

In this day and age, we often think that people in big cities with a higher education are the people to be most cherished and listened too. Yet, in this small village where we might think the people "simple", they have managed to do something that so much of the world has not, get along, love one another and have true appreciation for others and their beliefs, even if they are different from your own. The world could learn much from this village! Almost daily some kind of hatred crosses my ears or eyes. Hatred toward races, political beliefs, other religions, etc. If people all over the world could accomplish what they have in this small village, creating this amazing church/temple/mosque because of their ability to accept and appreciate others, the world would be a better, happier, safer place with significantly less loss of life. (Right- A well camouflaged lizard in a tree. Below- The community board in Kernahan Village)

Nariva Swamp Trinidad

Nariva was the best part of Trinidad for my family. Many people don't bother to venture to this section of the island. It is not as "commercial", not that any of Trinidad is really touristy, so is often overlooked; what a mistake! (Above- View from the lighthouse)

We came to Manzanilla from the Port-of-Spain, picked up by our guide and host, Kaymen Sagar. He brought us to our apartment, we had some lunch and then went off on our first hike, a lighthouse in the area. The views from the lighthouse were stunning and the sun was getting ready to set. We encountered red howler monkeys. The great thing about seeing the monkeys from here is you are up high just like them and therefor get a much better eye to eye view. (Left- Red Howler Monkey)

The next day had us up at 5:15 am. Kayman took us to Nariva Swamp. We took a boat tour through the mangroves and coconut trees. After the boat excursion, we headed off for a long hike. It was incredible, so many animals, insects, reptiles, and plants. Kayman knew his stuff too! Being monkey lovers, we were thrilled to see more red howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys, which are one of  our favorites. It was a great day! (Right- Nariva Swamp)

The next day, we were able to sleep in until 7:00am for our hike which took us through a secondary rainforest to a waterfall and lagoon. It had rained all night, so the waterfall was the color of red mud. We forgot swimming suits, so the kids swam in their undies or clothes. Kayman, Brad and Nick jumped from the top of the waterfall. It was a glorious spot and the water very refreshing. The most interesting things we saw on the hike were the trapped door spiders and the fish who could live out of the water, but hopped from the mud to find water...can't remember their name though. (Left- The family enjoying the lagoon)

I love the dish callaloo! It is a dish made from a green leafy vegetable with coconut milk, onion, garlic and seasonings all pureed together. Kayman took us to a restaurant to have callaloo for lunch. Yum! If you are in Trinidad or Tobago, try it. The kids didn't like the look of it and wouldn't give it a chance, too bad for them.

After lunch, we headed to a place where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet, a ruggedly beautiful spot. The water was a perfect turquoise, giant rocks jetted up out of the seas where huge white waves crashed down all around us. Kayman showed the kids blow holes which they thought were totally cool. He even lost his shirt in the demonstration! (Right the sea and the ocean come together)

While staying in Manzanilla, we also had time to enjoy the beautiful coconut tree lined beach. The beach was walking distance from our apartment. Just beware the sand fleas! The kids were lucky enough not to get bitten, but Brad and I were eaten about the ankles and boy did it itch! They took a long time to heal too. (Left- Brad and Lochlan having fun in the surf)

Kayman Sagar of Limeland Tours made this trip! We stayed in one of his apartments which was very comfortable for a family and offered a kitchen allowing us to do some cooking of our own. His apartments are on his property. It has been in his family for quite some time. He has many animals, three dogs,  many varieties of birds and of course caiman. We enjoyed the animals and his property. His tours were one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip to Trinidad and Tobago. (Right- A family pose looking into the sun, below- a capuchin monkey)

Steel Pan in Leventille, Trinidad

Trinidad is the home of the steel pan or steel drum. The pan was invented here out of old oil barrels which are very abundant is this oil rich country. The drumming style came from the African descendants on the islands. Nowadays, the pans are sometimes made to very precise specifications rather than using oil drums. It is an amazing instrument with the ability to sound like so many different things. We closed our eyes while they played a classical piece and could have sworn we were at the symphony rather than in a pan yard. (Top- BP Renegades; Left- Nick trying out a grater)

Pan is serious business in Trinidad. People come from all over to world to hear the bands and celebrate Carnival. Bands can have more than 250 members. They compete for big money and prestige in competitions. We were visiting in off season, but a small competition was coming up, so they were practicing in the pan yards. Locals come around to listen to the music and enjoy a drink. The pan yards have bars on site.

The best bands come from Leventille. Leventille also enjoys the dubious title as murder capital of the world. Traveling around the area alone is not advised, day or night. Most of the crime is between warring gangs due to drugs. We went with a very good guide, Gunda Busch-Harewood from Island Experiences tours. She is the owner of the tour company and she arraigned for a majority of the tours we enjoyed in Trinidad. Gunda knew which pan yards were safe and which were not. It was one of the highlights of the trip for my husband and I. It was fun hanging out with the locals, hearing the music and seeing a part of the country that very few tourists ever see. We always felt safe. (Right- Gunda and Lochlan checking out the pans)

We visited two pan yards. The first one was the home of the BP Renegades. It was a pretty mellow atmosphere although the kids tried out some instruments. Our second stop was to the Courts Sound Specialists of Leventille. The atmosphere was much more fun and we stayed until nearly 1:00am spending a great deal of the time hanging out with the locals at the Bird's Nest Bar.

 Meeting people in other parts of the world is one of the reasons we travel. Just like home, most people are generous, fun, and caring. The human connections we make our some of our best memories. We enjoyed getting to know the locals in the pan yard and I think they enjoyed getting to know us too. They even introduced us to a homemade grain alcohol. It was terrible and I only sampled a minuscule amount!! I could feel it burning in my stomach for a long time! Luckily, they poured a small amount for me, being a lady, nut my husband was given the full shot. They also had us try hard wine, better, but still more of an acquired taste. (Right- Brad and Kendall in front of the Bird's Nest Bar)

We were fortunate that a well known professional pan player, Ken "Professor" Philmore, who grew up in Trinidad was visiting at the same time we were. Ken does some arraignments for the Courts Sound Specialists. He was hanging out in the pan yard listening to the band practice. What an honor to spend time with him! We were even given a gift of one of his Cd's which the bar was playing after the practice. His music is wonderful and if you have a chance, pick up one of his Cd's. (Ken, Gina and a new friend whose name I've forgotten, likely due to the hard wine!)