MAPMAKERJENNY'S TRAVEL BLOG

Monday, February 21, 2011

DAY 5

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

MANUEL ANTONIO -

El Avion Restaurant

Set on the edge of Manuel Antonio's hillside with a great view of the ocean and surrounding forests, this restaurant is actually housed under some permanent tents and the starboard wing of a retired army transport plane, hence the name El Avión, which means "the Plane." This specific plane was actually shot down by the Sandinista army, leading to a scandal that uncovered illegal CIA supply missions to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. Today you can enjoy a wide range of seafood and steaks as you take in the unique surroundings and glow of history. Inside the fuselage you'll also find a small bar.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

DAY 4

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

MANUEL ANTONIO

Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. This beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest, and the snorkeling is excellent too. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. And the trail that winds around Punta Catedral affords some spectacular views. The park is easy to reach, south of the town of Quepos, and is near a good selection of hotels and restaurants.

Boca Bar Mogotes

Our new 80,000 gal adult pool also features a whirlpool spa, waterwall-falls, swim-up bar, and spectacular romantic ocean and jungle vistas. It has two 42 inches flat TVs (for contact with the real world – news-sports), and a deliciously light food menu. We develped Boca Bar Mogotes to accomodate the needs of our adult guests – yet another exotic get-a-away-from-it-all Si Como No experience. For guests over 18.

Si Como No

Si Como No Resort Spa & Wildlife Refuge is a central-Pacific coast resort in the jungle-covered hills just above Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s barefoot luxury with a pura vida vibe, perfect for families and couples who love the beach, tropical adventures, spa, pools, superb dinning and four-star accommodations.

This award-winning eco-design nature resort & spa offers its guest its own signature version of “barefoot luxury.” Panoramic views are yours to enjoy from beautiful balconies looking down from the most idyllic hilltop in the area.

Enjoy nearby beaches, Manuel Antonio National Park and the hotel’s private Wildlife Refuge and Butterfly Atrium, adjacent to the property. Renown for warm, friendly service, guests can choose from two excellent restaurants, guided nature and adventure tours plus shopping, fabulous nightlife and our own private cinema. And for Costa Rica weddings and honeymoons, this is where life memories are made, one tropical sunset at a time.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

DAY 3

Where in the world is MapmakerJenny?

ALAJUELA

Zoo Ave

Dozens of scarlet macaws, reclusive owls, majestic raptors, several different species of toucans, and a host of brilliantly colored birds from Costa Rica and around the world make this one exciting place to visit. In total, over 115 species of birds are on display, including some 80 species found in Costa Rica. Bird-watching enthusiasts will be able to get a closer look at birds they might have seen in the wild. There are also large iguana, deer, tapir, ocelot, puma, and monkey exhibits -- and look out for the 3.6m (12-ft.) crocodile. Zoo Ave. houses only injured, donated, or confiscated animals. It takes about 2 hours to walk the paths and visit all the exhibits here.

The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is situated in the central valley town of La Guácima de Alajuela. La Guácima is about a 25 minute drive west of San José (from La Sabana park). The town is also located about 25 minutes southwest of Alajuela and the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The Butterfly Farm is located 500 meters south, 100 meters east, of the main entrance to Los Reyes Country Club. The farm's entrance is on the left hand side.

For over 20 years, since 1990, The Butterfly Farm has been offering in-depth 2-hour guided tours to the public. Depending on the weather, what's going on in the garden and the guide, every tour is unique and provides a broad perspective on butterflies, Nature and mankind's fascination wtih these extraordinary insects.

In 2009 the farm introduced the Gallery for Human Transformation. Drawing upon the understandings of the ancient Greeks and traditional cultures, the gallery synthysizes the symbolic and mythological meanings of the butterfly and, metaphorically, suggests man's need to complete his own metamorphosis.

Friday, February 18, 2011

DAY 2

Where in the World is Mapmaker Jenny?

SAN JOSE - ALAJUELA, COSTA RICA

One of the oldest democracies in the Americas, Costa Rica is also considered one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth. It covers only .03% of the world's surface (roughly the size of West Virginia) and yet has an astonishing 5% of the world's life forms. With a population of approximately three million people, Costa Rica is a country that enjoys immense diversity of climates and environmental regions.

Costa Rica, or "rich coast" in English, is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. It is endowed with a virtual treasure trove of palm-fringed Caribbean beaches, steaming volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, forested mountains, dense rain forests, dramatic cloud forests, and rustic countryside. Its people pride themselves on peace and friendliness while the rich biodiversity lends opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Set in a spectacular valley and surrounded by mountains, San José is Costa Rica’s capital city with a population of 325,000. It has both peaceful colonial-era neighborhoods and a hectic downtown. San José is home to numerous museums, theatres, cafes, and the Teatro Nacional, which hosts plays, operas, ballets, and the National Symphony Orchestra. San José offers good nightlife as well, with plenty of bars and places to catch live music.