Costa Rica 2019 Day 14 - Cahuita: Playa Negra, yoga

This is rare, but I had a "free" day where I barely made any plans.  I just wanted to do yoga today. The Airbnb reviews and a sign on the street mentioned a yoga class from 5-6:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays near the Reggae Bar, about a 10/15 minute walk away.

I stepped outside around 8:30am, and was really surprised to see 4-5 people doing yoga at the Airbnb owner's patio area.  The host then came over and said he's starting to offer yoga.  I was really, really disappointed.  What a missed opportunity. I was awake by 7am but just laying about, and totally would have joined since I wanted to do that today anyways.  The host said "Oh I didn't know you do yoga" after I mentioned I would have joined.  But, I guess I didn't know I should be telling him my interests..the host should be telling guests what they could potentially join in on, if they are interested.  I'll leave feedback.

He made breakfast for me after the yoga class ended (I guess if I had been up earlier I would have had to forgo any breakfast at all since he would be busy teaching the class).

It would be nice to relax on the beach more today, and thought about going back to Playa Blanca in the National Park, this time bringing little with me so that I could swim a bit.  But, I changed my mind and tried out Playa Negra instead.  It is less than a 10 minute walk away, so of course I should be checking it out.

Another beautiful, black-sand beach.  Very, very soft sand.  And it was quiet here.  Almost too quiet that I worried about my safety.  It was along the main road though, and eventually more people arrived.  During the 11:30am-2pm time I was there, the most people I saw at one given time was probably 20. 

I really enjoyed my time at this beach.  The waves are a bit stronger here, but the sand allowed for a long run-up of the waves and I did not have to venture far out for the water to splash onto most of my body.

Soft, black sand at Playa Negra.  Quiet and perfect for relaxing and splashing in the warm water.

No wildlife sightings here, but very relaxing with a nice breeze.

Afterwards, a shower and hammock time sounded nice.  I had yet to make time for laying on the hammock, and now, while it was still daylight out, was the time to do it!

What a peaceful time. I enjoyed this hour and a half or so.  On the trees in front of me was a gigantic iguana, and some monkeys further in the distance.

Great view from the hammock

When it came time for yoga, I borrowed the host's mat.  I was a little nervous about walking back in the dark, but figured I could always do a bit of a light jog if it was sketchy and I got scared.

Renata teaches the classes at her home, with a beautiful outdoor patio space that is just perfect for this.  Her garden is beautiful.  It was $10, which is a great deal.  Only two others were in the class.  Thoroughly enjoyed this. The stretching helped me a lot, and the emphasis on the breathing for the first 25 minutes was well needed.  I should try some more yoga at home...

Yoga with Renata

I walked back to my Airbnb with another woman from class, as she was staying at a place literally next to mine. So it worked out that I didn't have to be nervous in the dark after all.

For dinner, I wanted something nearby.  The Airbnb host mentioned the Pizzeria Cahuita is good, and its only a couple minutes walk away.  Ordered a chorizo + onion pizza.  It was huge!  I managed to eat more than half (oops too hungry) and figured I can eat the leftovers tomorrow.

Large pizza for just me!

A pretty laid back and casual day today.  Sad that my last day here has come to an end.  I am missing my pup though...