Giovanny led our hike through the jungle, pointing out different species, describing their natural habitat and how different species co-exist and co-evolve. At times throughout the hike we could hear the howler monkeys in the distance, as well as many different birds.
An interesting plant is the Matapalo, or Strangler Fig, as seen in the photo below, which begins it's life high above the ground with the help of birds scattering the seeds, and sends shoots downward to the base of the tree, and also grows upward toward the coveted light of the sun. The Strangler Fig continues to gow and it surrounds the original, or host tree, blocking the nutrients which eventually, after a few decades, chokes the tree to death.
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| Matapalo - Strangler Fig tree |
Lucy was feeling brave and didn't hesitate to hold a Hercules beetle at the nature exhibition in the lodge.
We stopped in the town of Santa Elena for two hours to eat lunch and shop. After lunch the we enjoyed ice cream, visited a supermarket, and later found a bakery, "una panadería", and bought some pastries to snack on. It's interesting to check out the produce section while traveling in other countries to see the various fruits and vegetables on display. Also noted, since beans and rice are a staple in the Costa Rican diet, the rice and flour area was well-stocked.
We can tell the World Cup soccer game between Costa Rica and Greece will soon be played because we've seen an increasing number of vehicles carrying a Costa Rica flag, as well as businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, displaying the flag with pride.
After we returned to our hotel, we had free time before dinner. Part of our group walked 10 minutes to two shops with handmade crafts. The colors and geometric shapes on the handbags and wall hanging were absolutely stunning.
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