A path not travelled
Shampoo PlantCosta Rica Finally
Our adventures with Angela and Ed continued. We went fishing but could not catch the elusive fish.
As what seems so often to happen with us our plans did not quite materialize as planned, however the substitute turned into a real treat. We were taken to a private farm (teak) which also has zip-lines and waterfalls in the jungle. The hike up to the waterfalls was very interesting with Kennedy (the interpreter) explaining what different plants and trees were and what they were used for. A special leave is used for toilet paper. It has a "Detol" smell to it. Interesting! Unfortunately we did not see any wild life. Angela took off her shoes and ventured into the water, but the consensus was not to go swimming. Angela mentioned that she would like to see some wild animals and birds etc. so we were taken on a real walk over paths that had to be cut by machete and checked for snakes. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at things no snakes were seen. We make way to much noise for anything to stick around. All and all I don't believe that most tourists can say that they walked through jungle that was not groomed in any fashion. It was well worth the visit. We returned to a traditional Costa Rican lunch complete with 50th wedding anniversary cake.
The following day we took a taxi from Golfito to a small pueblo Rio Claro (Clear River). Here a gentleman by the name of Robert Beatham owns Paradise Tropical Gardens. For 2 hrs he took us on a world wind tour of ΒΌ of his "garden in the jungle". We were introduced to new species all prevalent to the rainforest of Costa Rica. I found the Ginger Shampoo Plant the most interesting. You squeeze it and a soap like substance and water escapes from the plant.
We also learned that a banana tree is not really a tree. Robert had his son cut a piece of the trunk; in actual fact it is similar to how a celery stalk grows. We also learnt that there are 4000 species of bananas. ( I am going to research that when I have internet as it seems high, maybe it should be 400). Robert was the plant engineer for United Fruit in Golfito. When the banana prices took a tumble and the constant labour strikes seem to have no end, over night the company closed its plants and farms. The trees were eventually torn out and replanted into palm trees for oil. We were treated to the harvesting of these palms and tasted the fruit before they are pressed for their oil. It tasted like sweet potato.
Roberts's interests and hobby has turned his farm into a science research station. Over many years of research, trials and observations based on years of cultural medicines; he has come up with many remedies that would alleviate many medications. One such remedy is for diabetes. The ingredient is the house plant the Wandering Jew. The most common way it is used is to make a cup of tea using 3 leaves. Drink 3 cups a day. If you don't want to make the tea just eat 3 leaves of the Wandering Jew a day. The results to be expected for most people this will help lower their blood sugar levels. It will help so much that many people have been able to stop injecting themselves with insulin. The source of this remedy is based on local folklore.
Our week with the Looks was now up and they caught a plane into San Jose to do a little touring inland. Our only regret is that Ed did not catch his fish. (Sorry Ed, a side note on our way out of the bay Ken caught 3 Sierra)
We got ourselves ready for our International Check Out. Luckily all went smoothly. The Port Captain said to us "Look out my window, that mountain is called The Sleeping Dragon". Sure enough it looks just like a sleeping dragon.
We are now on the move to Panama City and are just 2 sleeps away. This is being sent through SSB radio so when internet is available I will add pictures and re-align the text.
We were in Costa Rica for approximately 2 months and saw many wonderful sights. The people are definitely more affluent than the previous countries we have visited.
Another country well worth visiting.
Our adventures with Angela and Ed continued. We went fishing but could not catch the elusive fish.
As what seems so often to happen with us our plans did not quite materialize as planned, however the substitute turned into a real treat. We were taken to a private farm (teak) which also has zip-lines and waterfalls in the jungle. The hike up to the waterfalls was very interesting with Kennedy (the interpreter) explaining what different plants and trees were and what they were used for. A special leave is used for toilet paper. It has a "Detol" smell to it. Interesting! Unfortunately we did not see any wild life. Angela took off her shoes and ventured into the water, but the consensus was not to go swimming. Angela mentioned that she would like to see some wild animals and birds etc. so we were taken on a real walk over paths that had to be cut by machete and checked for snakes. Fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you look at things no snakes were seen. We make way to much noise for anything to stick around. All and all I don't believe that most tourists can say that they walked through jungle that was not groomed in any fashion. It was well worth the visit. We returned to a traditional Costa Rican lunch complete with 50th wedding anniversary cake.
The following day we took a taxi from Golfito to a small pueblo Rio Claro (Clear River). Here a gentleman by the name of Robert Beatham owns Paradise Tropical Gardens. For 2 hrs he took us on a world wind tour of ΒΌ of his "garden in the jungle". We were introduced to new species all prevalent to the rainforest of Costa Rica. I found the Ginger Shampoo Plant the most interesting. You squeeze it and a soap like substance and water escapes from the plant.
We also learned that a banana tree is not really a tree. Robert had his son cut a piece of the trunk; in actual fact it is similar to how a celery stalk grows. We also learnt that there are 4000 species of bananas. ( I am going to research that when I have internet as it seems high, maybe it should be 400). Robert was the plant engineer for United Fruit in Golfito. When the banana prices took a tumble and the constant labour strikes seem to have no end, over night the company closed its plants and farms. The trees were eventually torn out and replanted into palm trees for oil. We were treated to the harvesting of these palms and tasted the fruit before they are pressed for their oil. It tasted like sweet potato.
Roberts's interests and hobby has turned his farm into a science research station. Over many years of research, trials and observations based on years of cultural medicines; he has come up with many remedies that would alleviate many medications. One such remedy is for diabetes. The ingredient is the house plant the Wandering Jew. The most common way it is used is to make a cup of tea using 3 leaves. Drink 3 cups a day. If you don't want to make the tea just eat 3 leaves of the Wandering Jew a day. The results to be expected for most people this will help lower their blood sugar levels. It will help so much that many people have been able to stop injecting themselves with insulin. The source of this remedy is based on local folklore.
Our week with the Looks was now up and they caught a plane into San Jose to do a little touring inland. Our only regret is that Ed did not catch his fish. (Sorry Ed, a side note on our way out of the bay Ken caught 3 Sierra)
We got ourselves ready for our International Check Out. Luckily all went smoothly. The Port Captain said to us "Look out my window, that mountain is called The Sleeping Dragon". Sure enough it looks just like a sleeping dragon.
We are now on the move to Panama City and are just 2 sleeps away. This is being sent through SSB radio so when internet is available I will add pictures and re-align the text.
We were in Costa Rica for approximately 2 months and saw many wonderful sights. The people are definitely more affluent than the previous countries we have visited.
Another country well worth visiting.
Ken Playing Tarzan on the swing. This was a riot over a small creekand raveen----------
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posted by genesisincalmh2o @ 7:19 AM
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