Mar 18, 2020 - Post-trip reflections

Lois writing now I feel guilty about complaining that this trip was cut short, and that the Cuba trip was cancelled. It is a minor inconvenience, compared to the hardships for so many other people, not only in our community, but around the world. With schools closed, kids are home and parents are either trying to occupy them with meaningful activities, or else worrying about child care. There is new respect for what teachers do every day. In our state, schools are supposed to re-open April 6, but at least one state has decided they are done...

Mar 16, 2020 - Our last full day in Costa Rica

Lois writing first, John later When we woke up this morning, we expected that we would be at the Punta Leona Resort for two more nights, plus a night in San Jose before leaving the country. But in the early afternoon, Kat told us that Road Scholar had decided to send us all home within 24 hours. Apparently they had been suggesting that move for a few days, but she convinced them to hold off for a while. Since the San Jose airport is planning to close later this week, it's good to end the trip now. Naturally everyone in our group is...

Mar 15, 2020 - On to the Pacific coast

Written by Lois & John some friends and family have asked us... Costa Rica is in pretty good shape as far as the coronavirus is concerned. Right now there are 27 reported cases, and they have a very strong public health system. Anyone, including foreigners, can get tested at no charge. People are taking whatever precautions they can. for the next three nights, we will be staying at a large resort complex on the Pacific coast. It's called Punta Leona Hotel and Club. Dinner is served as a buffet. To get into the dining area, you have wash...

Mar 14, 2020 - A day in the tropical rain forest

Reporting by John The night before we were warned that the hike would be hot and strenuous, and it was. We were hiking in a very dense forest so there was no breeze. The trail climbed two large hills and then went back down so on the return trip we had to climb both hills again. The mile and a half hike terminated at a very large Almendro tree which is 600 years old and about 15 feet in diameter. It even had a small colony of bats sleeping inside the hollow trunk. If it hadn’t been 90 degrees with 85% humidity it would have been a pleasant...

Mar 13, 2020 - Rafting on the Pacuare River

Written by Lois I had a hard time sleeping last night – this whole thing with the coronavirus is pretty upsetting, since the ramifications of all the cancellations worldwide, and at home, are far-reaching. Not only is our Cuba trip off, but Road Scholar cancelled all their programs from today until May 1 (which affects 11,000 travelers). Last night I happened to be on the computer when I got word, pretty much in real time, that Governor Whitmer issued an order that all K-12 schools in Michigan would be closed beginning next Monday March 16...

Mar 12, 2020 - Guayabo National Monument

John writing now. At 6:30 this morning there was a birding walk, which neither of us went on. We had a leisurely breakfast and then boarded the bus at 9 am for a short drive to the Guayabo National Monument, which contains a Civil Engineering World Heritage site. Before we started the guided tour (by Ellie), we saw two three-toed sloths high in the trees above us - check out the picture. The site was occupied from 1000 BC to 1400 AD by people who built a large aqueduct system that still functions today! In addition, they built a stone road...

Mar 11, 2020 - Full Day in Turrialba

Lois writing again, since John was busy editing the 180 photos he took on the 11th It was a very full day, starting with breakfast, loading the bus at 8 AM, and not returning to the lodge until 5:10. Quick showers, then a lecture at 6, followed by dinner, checking email (we have internet, but it’s sloooow), and falling asleep at 9:30. So I am up early the following day to write this up. We will remain at Guayabo Lodge for 3 nights, touring the Turrialba area. The name of the town comes from “white tower”, since high above the valley sits...

Mar 10, 2020 - Central Valley

Lois writing tonight. Today was our first full day on the Road Scholar program here in Costa Rica. Our group of 15, plus guide Katherine and driver Oscar, fit comfortably on a tour bus that will take us everywhere during this trip. We headed east from the capital city of San Jose, towards the Cartago province, and to the town of Turrialba. Once we left the city and surrounding suburban areas, the scenery was green, with mountains all around. We had 3 stops during our morning drive, at a basilica where mass was taking place, at the Uharra...

Mar 9, 2020 - Downtown San Jose

Lois writing now We slept well, and once again, were glad that we planned to arrive a day before the tour group meets. Last night we met one other couple (from upstate NY), and today shared a cab with another (from Victoria BC) who will be on our tour, and also came early. It's nice to have time to find our bearings and acclimatize to a bit of altitude. San Jose is at about 4000 feet. Our room in the Rincon de Valle Hotel is fine, though the breakfast was so-so. At about 10 AM, we headed downtown to explore. It's another gorgeous day, about...

Mar 8, 2020 - Do you know the way to San Jose?

John writing today We left home at 4:40 AM, drove to the Traverse City airport, parked the car, checked our bags, cleared security, and were at the gate at 5:00 AM! (Thanks to Kristen, who picked up our car later in the day.) These are the joys of flying from a small town airport. However, the downside is that we had to fly from Traverse City to Chicago, and from there to Charlotte, and then on to San Jose, Costa Rica. We had about an hour to change planes at each airport between flights. Remember that planes start boarding 30 minutes...

Mar 4, 2020 - Leaving town soon

(Entry by Lois) On March 8, John & I will be leaving town for 3 1/2 weeks, taking two tours with Road Scholar, one to Costa Rica and the other to Cuba. The basic itinerary is flying from Traverse City to San Jose (via Chicago and Charlotte), where the first tour begins. We will arrive one day early so that we have a bit of a cushion in case there's a problem with flights. That tour will end on March 19, when we'll fly to Miami to meet up with the Cuba group. UPDATE POSTED LATER IN MARCH: THE CUBA TRIP GOT CANCELED DUE TO THE COVID-19...

Feb 7, 2020 - Coming Home

After four weeks in beautiful Costa Rica we'll be heading home tommorrow. We've been less active then in past years as Christine is still dealing with back and leg problems since her surgery in September. Still we enjoyed the sun and warm weather, the beach just minutes from our condo, snorkeling with our guides Jaume and Rene, breakfast at the waffle monkey, the magpie-jay who visited us in the morning and just enjoying the slower pace of life in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!