Another day in Costa Rica, another adventure. Today we were picked up by our guide Henry and driven into the mountains to the Santa Jauna farm. Turning off the main highway, we went down a very bumpy gravel road through palm farms. The farming of the palm is amazing. Despite modern machinery, each day men use 40 foot poles with sharp blades on the end to cut down the large palm fruit - most weighing in excess of 20 lbs. Later men on buffalo drawn carts pick up the fruit and bring it to awaiting trucks. A third set of workers are paid $4 a sack to collect seeds that have fallen to the ground. Very labor intensive process. The palm oil is used in many products from food to shampoos.
Upon reaching the farm, we were greeted in the small restaurant where there was a lady who made the most amazing empanadas. Filled with either beans or cheese, these fried pockets of bread really hit the spot.
She then proceeded to make us coffee using the "old" technique. A cloth filter was filled with ground coffee (grown on the farm) and boiling water was poured on top. The bitter concoction was slowly dripped down into awaiting mugs. Henry emphasized the difference in coffee when boiling water is used versus the hot water produced by commercial coffee makers. Davis thought the coffee was "amazing" and has begged for me to make this set up at home.
With a little encouragement, skeptical children agreed to try horseback riding. After a minute or two of adjustment, fears of these animals quickly dissipated and smiles were displayed from ear to ear. The contrast between the pouty words of "I'm not sure I want to ride" to the pouty words of "why can't we ride them back up the hill" was pretty satisfying.
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| Tara in the Saddle |
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| Davis and his horse "Mr. Ed" |
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| Lawton - still skeptical |
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| Ready to tackle a cattle drive |
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| Veni, vidi, vici |
We stopped at a part of the farm dedicated to sugar cane production. Massive oxen were hitched to the press and the "molasses" was produced. We each got a taste of the juice that was less sweet than I expected. Of course the juice would need to be cooked in a kettle until it could crystalize. The boys then got to eat a piece of sugar cane. Lawton, a connoisseur of bubble gum, thought it was like gum, but "not as good."
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| Hooking up the oxen |
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| Pressing the cane |
On to a hike through the transition area of the jungle. The area was between the true rainforest and the cloud forest. Supposedly a perfect area for the production of coffee. We hiked down a nice trail through the forrest hearing many species of birds, but only seeing a few. Davis was besides himself when a poison dart frog was spotted. He must have asked a million questions as to how the poison could kill you including "what if you accidentally eat it" and "how sick would you get if your rubbed your eyes?" Our guide had plenty of patience and answered each hypothetical to the best of his ability.
At the end of our hike, we reached a nice set of waterfalls which was perfect for swimming. They had a ledge on the staircase which was perched above the deepest part of the pool. Cliff diving ensued. Lawton, who thought it was to cold to swim, quickly found inner warmth and began jumping off the ledge. Great fun.
Around the corner was a small pond filled with tilapia. Fishing poles were produced and the boys proceeded to catch a plethora of fish. Of course, they made sure they pointed out how many more fish they caught than dad.
Back at the farm, lunch was served. Stewed chicken and potatoes with rice, beans, and a slaw of cabbage, radish, tomato, cilantro, lime, and a hint of jalapeño. Lawton, who usually doesn't eat lunch due to a lack of appetite chowed down on the chicken. Tara, who is usually a finicky eater, devoured the plate and even at some of Lawton's leftovers. The home cooking was right in Tara's wheelhouse.
Dessert was sweet plantains fried with even more sugar. One bite provided enough sweetness to last me until Friday. It was even too sweet for the boys.
I had a surprise waiting for the boys when we returned. We arranged to switch rooms for the night to the 727 fuselage home. This two bedroom palace was made from an abandoned 727 jet. The interior is covered with local teak and over each wing is a veranda where great views of the ocean down the hill. It really is incredible. There is a youtube video of the plane after it was featured on HGTV. The best part is the cockpit which is the master bath. The pilots seats were reinstalled and you can look at the ocean through the windows. Lawton had me poise as his flight attendant and bring him chips and a Fanta. I think he has run the entire length of the plane no less than 50 times. It may be the most unique accommodations in which I have stayed.
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| Your Captain |
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| Co-Pilot Lawton |
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| Master Bedroom |
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| Cockpit Bathroom |
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