Costa Rica so far.
 

Flights went smooth so that felt like a good omen. A skycap really helped wheel around our mass of baggage, got us through customs, got us a van taxi via Taxi Aeropuerto and I even heard him give the proper hotel name. Then he helped us to the cab and refused my tip :( (maybe some legal issue or some shit as it was a few bucks per bag).

Then things went off so to speak. It really seemed as if our cab was following another cab and very well could be. Oddly we passed a best western twice, first time I figured it was due to there not being a turn lane. When we looped back there was some car issue ahead of us so he signaled the car cab in front to make a right onto some back road. This was a pedestrian beware fast and fairly scary ride down backstreets and the like. I saw the best western sign again yet we turned and went through some other back streets. We landed at what looked like a back taxi entrance to the best western. I was pretty damn glad. I also know he was not running up the meter as he was prepaid at the airport anyways.

I get all our shit and myself unpacked. Asked for my reservation and walla none. Tried the booking company, nada. Eventually the guy behind the counter made a call and what do ya know, we are at the wrong best western. Well I then discovered it was not even the best western that was requested at the airport. Oops. Not sure if that was a more expensive ride or not yet regardless we had to grab another cab (not same company) to get us to the proper one. He did fairly quickly and only with a few nail biting instances. Happy feelings my journey that started at 6am this morning (or yesterday actually) came to an end finally around 10:30pm or so. I was just tired, thirsty, and hungry.

Leaving our room I hear a crash, we peak out the window and some dude got laid out on a motorcycle by a car. We decide that we shall not wonder the streets even a tad just right now in our state and specially with me in a chair and stick to the hotel. That of course leaves a bar and Denny's. Yippie first meal in CR and its at a fucking Denny's.

Though the service there was impeccable compared to US standards as was the decor and feel of the place. The bill was just crazy. Seriously when should a large (grande) coke be 1,500.00 plus colones. I was rough mathing it at 520 colones per dollar (right or wrong?) So a burger, some nachos (better than US Denny's at least), two soda's, 4 bottled waters to go and it comes out to like 38.00 or so without tip. I so hate tourist fucking and even with my lube that hurt. That is almost like Vegas room service fucking. Oh and that was with the 10% coupon the desk gave me.

I am still happy though to be hear. Yet very pissed that I forgot that case of water in my van sitting in SFO long term parking that was meant to go into a checked bag.

If you are still reading this congrats. You have an attention spam well beyond 80% of the posters on here.

I have decided to forgo the bus transport provided as I think that would be a very bad idea for me, my wife, my chair, and 4 checked bags (full sized), 2 carry on bags (full sized), and two fanny packs (yes I use them as a wallet makes no sense to me). Instead I plan on renting another Van cab and am going to try Taxi Aeropuerto again despite the first mess up.

Which brings me to the following, if you do not take up much space since we do (lots of medical crap ya know). Id be willing to split the ride some to save a few bucks. I would not expect a full 50/50 either unless there is more room than I thought in the van. I honestly did not look behind me and I was in front seat, wife was directly behind me squeezing shoulder as we dodged buses. Just an offer.

PS Fuzebox if you see this and with your thing tomorrow, if there will be extras can we line up a van and have some others ride with me and wife? I will only be taking chair, wife, myself, and fanny packs that day. Those in this van can split up the fair. Again just an option as I will be going assuming I can get into a van and follow your arranged vehicle.

I hope today is better for you in Costa Rica :thumbsup

Thanks man! :) Ive always been compliemented on my attention spam.

Hope it only gets better from hereon in.

Things could be worse dude, enjoy it - you're lucky to be there.

Oh and nothing beats Vegas room service fucking... I paid $16 for a CUP OF TEA there before (in one of least expensive places on the strip).

:1orglaugh everyone knows Dennys is a hardcore ripoff here!

Talk about gringo tourist trap... hook, line, and sinker.

Have fun in Costa Rica :thumbsup

Hey ASM,

Glad you made it in. Denny's here is almost high-class, thus the much higher prices (but also cleaner, fancier restaurant). Trust me we've been thrown out quite a few times, unlike the US where you are expected to eat there drunk at 4am :winkwink:

For the colones, the current rate is more about 495 now (not 520) - thanks to the US dollar drops :(

Have fun in Costa Rica, just talked to MikeB and he is on his way to the airport :winkwink:

I'll be nearby in Panama this weekend :thumbsup

Lucky you, I wanted to go so bad this year... We really had a blast there last year :)

Hope things get better from now on. Can't believe Denny's prices. But I'd like to go to CR. Seems to be a nice place to spend some days. :upsidedow

I have heard bad things happening to people in costa rica

I've been here 5 years and have been to many a shady place, had many (ok many, many) drunken nights and I'm still fine.

CR has crime same as every country.

Various can you or Jennifer hit me up when ever you get this. Thanks in advance no drama btw

I'm on ICQ right now, hitting you up :)

Get ready to do lots of wheelies. Weeeee!

Been doing plenty of those and this place has three of my favorite things. Rounded tall curbs, very steep ramps, and oh ya cobblestone like sidewalks. :1orglaugh

Everything is much better and I was just bitching to let it all out. Was mostly making fun of the issue. Found local grocery store around the block, price salvation at last.