Day 6 - A Fond Farewell

Today was a day with many emotional goodbye moments and lots of hugs and a few wild monkeys. We started off with another early breakfast before embarking on a stunning drive through the mountains towards Arenal volcano national park.

As we we wound up through the temperate rain we glimpsed through the mist the beautiful mountains of the Cordiera Central in the distance. Enormous green ferns, ridge top vistas and the occasional rogue waterfall surrounded us as we passed through this beautiful landscape.

The temperature level and humidity climbed as we approached the small town of la fortuna in the shadow of the arenal volcano. We paused for a moment to support local artisans and craftspeople by visiting a handicrafts boutique recommended by our unfailing local guide Bernardo.

After lunch and checking into our hot spring hotel we headed towards the base of the volcano. Arenal loomed majestically above us, its conical top shrouded in mist as we disembarked the bus. Some of us took a moderate hike into both primary and secondary jungle. This forest has been shaped again and again by the steaming lava that poured periodically down from Arenal’s caldera. We were captivated by a troop of white faced monkeys that swooped through a massive 400 year old Kapok tree above us. A mother monkey with her baby securely attached to her back paused and assessed us as if posing for a picture.

The other group took a leisurely stroll with our intrepid bus driver José (aka Chepe who, by the way, drives a stick shift bus with the skill of an airline pilot). They enjoyed a precious moment with an elegant spider spinning its web while a brave and friendly lizard looked on. As they took in the fragrances of the forest and the melifluos sounds of the surrounding birds punctuated by contributions from our own Theo, they approached a massive staircase structure which they climbed to take in the sweeping vistas overlooking the enormous lake arenal below.

We returned to our fabulous hotel for a now familiar dinner of rice, beans and chicken or plantains. At the dinner we were joined by our guides Ima and Bernardo as well as José and we presented them with gifts and offers to visit us in the Bay Area whenever they wanted. Throughout the trip they have all been unfalteringly generous with their knowledge and hospitality. Because of them we have felt like ticos del corazón (Costa ricans at heart) from the moment we arrived at the San José airport. It will be hard to say goodbye to them tomorrow because they have become a part of our Ecco Tour family.

After dinner we concluded the evening with a heartfelt closing circle in the relaxing hot spring of our hotel. This culminating event never fails to bring tears to our eyes as all the singers open their hearts with memories and hopes for the future. It was particularly poignant to bid farewell to our graduating seniors as they prepare to sail off into the next chapter of their lives. We are so grateful for them.

We will be up at the crack of dawn to return to the airport in San José for our return journey from this singularly wonderful experience in Costa Rica.