Up in the clouds...

Words are not adequate to describe the cloud forests of Costa Rica. I truly feel like I am in another world -- far removed from traffic, pollution, stress, bad news report(including the stock market), etc.!

Leaving Arenal was difficult as we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise over the volcano. What a surprise after having gone to sleep in a heavy rain storm. For my Texas readers outside of Hurricane Ike´s devastation, the sound of rain is divine at night.

We piled into our trusty van with Francisco at the wheel and headed north to the cloud forest. Before we left the volcano region, however, we had a fun stop at the Lost Iguana Restaurant. This very popular stop had almost gone under until iguanas began to appear on either side of the nearby bridge. Passersby started to feed them and, just like stingray city in the Caymans, the word spread. I have never seen so many big iguanas in my life. On just one side of the bridge there had to be at least 30 of them in the trees. At first you don´t see them as they blend into the trees and then your eyes begin to pick them out. There are many different types -- one had an orange mohawk while another`s jaws looked he was chewing on a golf ball. Someone had broken off a tree branch and was feeding one lazy fellow a banana on the end of the stick.

Continuing on the terrain and sky began to change as we started to climb into the mountains. Literally we began to enter the clouds. After about a 2- hour drive through beautful countryside reminscent of remote mountain villages, we arrived at El Silencio Lodge and Spa. The resort has a main entrance/lobby and restaurant that was designed to incorporate as much of the natural surroundings as possible. Glass floor to ceiling windows bring in the cloud-shrouded mountains and streams. After meeting the delightful owners (he is the architect of the property as well as the Four Seasons Costa Rica) and learning about this "planet-friendly sanctuary for soft adventure and inspired wellness", we were treated to a delicous lunch of locally grown products. All meals are included at this lodge. Service is absolutely incredible; for example, if the housekeeper discovers muddy shoes in your room after a day of hiking, he will take and clean them for you.

After lunch we were taken to our individual villas which are scattered up the mountain. Each one features a private viewing deck complete with rocking chairs and outdoor hot tub as well as gas fireplaces.

If we had longer here, there are many activities such as hikes to various waterfalls, a labrinth for meditation, tours to nearby villages, horseback riding,etc.

Unfortunately, the bubble bursts for me early tomorrow morning as I have a noon flight from San Jose back to Austin. Tana and I are already planning to put together a future group back to Costa Rica. This country is just too special not to share it with our friends.
Linda