Most Inspirational Moment
Many moments inspired me- the film at The Equinas Forest Lodge showing how one person(an Austrian musician) can have a massive effect in preserving and conserving our natural resources; a hummingbird sitting on my hand to access a feeder; the first sight of the Pacific ocean at Manuel Antonio- paradise; a mother sloth with a baby, a caiman by the side of the canal in Tortuguera; quetzal spotting at 5.30 in the morning! I could go on and on and on.....![Oh yes- mustn't forget zip wiring in Monteverde!] Overall, I was impressed and inspired by the real commitment to conservation of all the Costa Ricans we encountered.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Carla is an excellent leader. She is very clear in her explanations, also in summarising what we have done and seen. She is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, geography and history of her country and is very proud of it. Her care for us was even-handed and she was particularly safety conscious while still enabling us to have adventures. When one of our group fell and broke her ankle in an inaccessible place(for vehicles) she was very calm, reassuring and quickly organised the rescue party. I have the utmost respect and affection for her- a great ambassador for her country.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take decent wet weather gear- it's a tropical country! I would have valued a pair of flip flops for paddling on flooded paths. You don't really need any posh clothes! Take plenty of insect stuff- I wore mossie bands on my wrists, and found that a deodorant type roller dispensing insect deterrent the best. (to my knowledge no-one got badly bitten). Be prepared to accommodate all the idiosyncrasies of your fellow travellers- as they will yours! By the end of the holiday we were a cohesive, well bonded group.