Costa Rica continued - June 23, 2023

After a relaxing morning, we headed to Playa del Coco so that Joan could go to the beach. Ilse and Luna stayed behind because Ilse had students coming over. Bill took us by the condo where he used to live then we went to Claudio y Gloria, a seafood restaurant with a Peruvian flare (according to Bill) right on the beach.

One of the things on Joan's must-do list was to drink a Pina Colada on the beach so we started our lunch with a round of Pina Coladas. Bill ordered ceviche as an appetizer. Pam actually liked the shrimp but the texture of the fish was a little strange. Rob was even interested in trying it. 

Bill, Joan, and Pam ordered fried red snapper which was wonderful. It was served with patacones (fried, smashed plantains) and a salad. Fried plantain isn't our favorite unless it is very ripe plantain. Rob had grilled shrimp which was pretty good.




Before we left the restaurant, Pam went to the restroom where she found an unexpected companion. A crab, approximately 6 inches across, scurried across the floor. Needless to say, Pam quickly found another stall to use. She tried a picture but the crab was too quick!

After lunch, it was time for a swim. Once again, the water was wonderful but this beach wasn't nearly as nice as Playa Flamingo in Tamarindo.

Joan at the beach

Rob and Bill enjoying the shade

We stopped at a supermarket on the way home called Maxi Pali. Bill kept calling it Walmart and we did discover that they sold Great Value brand items even though Walmart wasn't mentioned anywhere. Later research said that Walmart bought out the privately owned Maxi Pali stores in Costa Rica.

After we arrived home, Ilse told us that we had been invited to her parents' home for dinner. She told us we would be eating sopa garrobo. When Joan asked what that meant, Ilse told her a type of reptile similar to the iguana. We were game to try anything. Ilse said we would go around 6 or 7 pm. At 8 pm, we finally left to go to dinner. Tico time strikes again!

In order to honor us as guests, the English-speaking folks sat together at a separate table. Bill, Ilse and her mom ate standing up in the kitchen. There were other family members around the house but they must have eaten earlier. Bill must have overheard us talking about eating lizards. He came over to say we shouldn't talk about it because Ilse's Mom would be offended. Later Ilse let us in on her joke. We were actually eating beef and her mother was in on the joke as well. Gullible gringos! The soup really was quite tasty even though it was large pieces of beef with bone and large chunks of vegetables including pieces of corn on the cob. Still can't get used to eating soup with our fingers.

Luna and her cousin, Lluvia, had a grand time asking us for the English name of items around the house.

After we got back to Bill's house, we spent a little bit of time packing for our trip home.

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