One of the highlights of our rainy Xmas morning in downtown La Fortuna was lunch at "Don Rufinos". The "forest lasagna" was oozing with the cheesy goodness of fresh mozzarella and ricotta and the bursting flavors from caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. The cold Gazpacho was delicious and refreshing and another ice cream cone at "Pops" was a perfect end to a nice meal!
A short car drive took us to the boat at Lake Arenal, where Adya and indulged in coconut water from the road side vendors. The 45 minute boat ride was followed by an hour and a half car drive, which was interesting to say the least. Most of this drive was on a narrow, windy and unpaved "road" ( for lack of a better word!). Nonetheless, it was absolutely scenic with patches of clouds and sunshine and lush landscapes and small villages. Santa Elena is the gateway town close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and brings back memories of a "hill station" town in India, many of which we would visit growing up. I was instantly in love with everything about the afternoon; the very friendly locals, drivers, guides, the shopkeeper at the restroom stop, the unique play of sunshine and clouds and this quaint town perched up overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya. Our hotel, "Ficus Sunset suites" was a pleasant surprise. With excellent location, walking distance from the town, beautiful lobby and restaurant, very modern and well appointed huge rooms and bathroom, an equally spacious balcony with spectacular views of the sunset, clouds and the Pacific Ocean meeting the horizon, this place exceeded all expectations. The facilities could have been better with inconsistent hot water in the shower being the only major inconvenience. Breakfast was basic with toast, scrambled eggs, fruits, coffee/tea and juice, but quite sufficient especially with an appetite that refused to wake up as early as us to jump start the activities of the day!
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| DELICIOUS FOREST LASAGNA AT DON RUFINO |
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| CANO NEGRO BOAT RIDE |
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