Day 4: Rafiki Lodge

We had another early morning, this time unsuccessfully searching for the Resplendent Quetzal. We searched in a location on the lodge property where others had spotted the birds yesterday. We weren’t so lucky, but it was worth a try and reminded me that much of nature is beyond our control. A lot of driving today, and with another significant delay from a car accident blocking the road. Our first stop was a brief visit to the Pacific Ocean where we dipped our toes in the water - very warm! A few people were surfing but the beach was pretty quiet. From there, we went to a cooperative grocery store where we bought ingredients for our luncheon salad, and plantains. Several of us also bought sweets to gift the host for our lunch. The grocery sold eggs by weight, with a dozen costing about $2.50. The store also sold many more kinds of beans than we typically see at home. We then drove to a family house that was set up for us - several of us made the green salad, while Jane, another trip member Vicki, and I fried the plantains - easy and delicious. Our lunch consisted of rice, beans, chicken and squash stew, plantains, salad, tortillas and watermelon. We then drove a short distance to the Rafiki Lodge, where we will spend 2 nights, glamping. We are staying in private tents that have comfortable beds, plumbing and electricity. Before dinner, one of the sons in the family that developed this property gave a talk about their journey (from Africa, the US, and various places in Costa Rico) to select and develop this property, and the challenges the country faces juggling natural preservation and tourism. This small resort of 14 rooms is the primary employer in the town of 125, and continues to brainstorm about ways to maintain a biodiverse community that’s also financially viable.Read more