Costa Rica 2019 Day 11 - Cahuita

Had a good rest since it was cooler last night.  Since I was getting picked up at 10am, I thought a laid back morning would be nice.  So many of the past mornings have been: wake up early, quickly get ready, leave for attraction early in the morning.

Great patio along the river at Casa Marbella

Hello

Breakfast today was fruit, scrambled eggs, and bread + butter, jam, and a salty sauce.  For the next couple hours, I just relaxed on the deck with the local stray dog and cat.

Then began the confusing and not smooth trip to Cahuita.  The receptionist at Casa Marbella told me my transportation was confirmed with Tortuguero Full Xperience, with captain Desmond.  It was 10am, and a boat came up to the dock.  The captain asked if I had a reservation, and I said "yes, with Captain Desmond". Then he attempted to make a call to Desmond and then just said "it's okay, you can come on board".  And I replied "okay, this is supposed to continue to Cahuita too" since it was a package transportation deal for $50.

Ok, boat time.  One hour in, we made a bathroom / stretch break at some restaurant.  The boat driver got a beer.... is it not illegal to drink and operate a boat? Hmm.

We eventually crossed paths with another boat -- captained by Desmond!  He was coming from the opposite direction.  Which means he would not have shown up at Casa Marbella had I chosen to wait. I don't know whose fault this is.  The hotel should have confirmed with him, and given me a confirmation code.  As we crossed, the captain on my boat discussed with Desmond how he had a client of his on the boat, and that I'm continuing to Cahuita.  Desmond looked at my receipt (thank goodness I paid Casa Marbella ahead of time) and I just assumed that Desmond would call someone at his company to pick me up at Moin and continue the drive to Cahuita.

Well...the boat started running out of gas at 12:40pm.  We got some help from another boat (who had the same couple who also came from Regina Hotel).  From then on, we went at half speed.  At 1:15pm, we went even slower.  At 1:30pm, we stopped, no gas!  The captain called someone for help, and we began the 20-minute wait.

The little boat we got stuck on

So, now it's almost 2pm, a full hour behind schedule.  At this point I figured whatever ride was waiting for me at Moin was not going to be there anymore.

We reached Moin a little after 2pm, and I was correct that there was confusion and no one really planned for me.  I was told to go in a taxi with a couple other folks also heading to Cahuita.  But...I already paid for my transport...luckily the driver was very nice and told me not to worry about it.  I mentioned a few times for him to contact Casa Marbella for payment.

What I learned: do not book through hotels. This is the only booking I made via hotel, and although I ended up where I needed to, it did not go according to plan.  When I book directly with the company, I have full visibility and control, and have a booking number.  Peace of mind when I have control.

We got to Cahuita in less than an hour.  Finally checked into the Airbnb, which is a few minutes walk from the center of town.  I really like the feel of the place!  Tranquil, nicely landscaped garden.  Big trees with monkeys.  Hammock, and seating areas.  Looking forward to doing some relaxing here.

The Airbnb 'cabin'.  Great setup and privacy in the trees

It was late afternoon and I still hadn't eaten lunch, which has happened a lot during this trip.  Walked a few minutes to Ricky's Bar and enjoyed fish casada.  I preferred the fish at Soda Viquez.

The main street in town, with Coco's and Ricky's

I walked around the town for a little bit, and saw the entrance of the national park.  Monkeys at the trees by the entrance!  Capuchins and Howlers.  They really are everywhere.

I also found Chinese shop-owners!  I haven't seen many Chinese people during my time here, so it was nice to say hello and chat in Cantonese a little.

The long transport made me tired by now...so i actually headed back to the Airbnb and was ready to sleep by 7pm...managed to stay up until 8pm though, so definitely an early night!