Every 90 days we must exit Costa Rica to remain on "tourist" status. We are in the process of trying to get our residency which we are able to do since Riley was born here; however it is an enormous process and thus we still have to leave. We headed back to San Juan Del Sur in Nicaragua which is just a few short hours from here taking along Grandma and leaving Riley with Judy (since he was born here he doesn't have to leave). We departed Bagaces around 9am by bus and arrived "la frontera" the border to do our border crossing.
The CR/Nica border is the model of disorganization. From the time you arrive it is a cluster of people trying to change your money, trying to sell you something, trying to "help" you, no signs of where to go, chaos everywhere. Once you get stamped out of CR you have to walk through no mans land, that portion that isn't Costa Rica and isn't yet Nicaragua. I don't know if words can describe this part. Wall to wall semis that sometimes take weeks to get through the border, no real path of where to go, definitely no signs, yet constantly being stopped at random picnic type tables where you must present your passport to the authorities (while wondering if they are really authorities or just want your money), then walking 15 feet further only to be stopped at another table exactly the same as the one you just left. Then there are the random fences set up that you have to stop and are offered papers for purchase that you will need to complete to enter Nicaragua (which you get for free once you actually do arrive the counter)... trying desperately to escape the "helpers" offering you papers and services. It's intense, like you are holding your breath the entire time wondering when this process will be over. Next time I go I will put it all on video.
After we finished our business at the border we took a cab to SJDS and checked into our hotel before heading to town for lunch. We love San Juan, the people are really nice, its a small fishing village with just the right amount of tourism. And the beers....they are a dollar. Yep, $1. Can you beat that? I think not.
The first day we had lunch and hung out on the beach then went to a pizza joint for dinner. The next day and the highlight of our trip I would say was our fishing excursion. Other than the fact Jaxon got sick and barfed all over the boat, we had a great time and caught four mackerel. The guys at our hotel were so nice and took them to a beach restaurant where they used our fish to make ceviche and 3 styles of fish, fried fish finger style, broiled and breaded.
The next day it was time to head home and do the border all over again. We it home safe and sound and while the border really does suck, we all enjoy our time when there and I look forward to another Nicaraguan adventure!!
Ready for our adventure!
Waiting with Grandma at the bus stop.
Chillin upon arrival.
Jaxon before he decided he didn't like boating.
Grandma ready for the adventure!
Aaron's first catch of the day!
My fish!!
Not feeling so hot.
Jaxon barfing over the edge of the boat.
Always impressive to see people
balancing stuff on their heads.
Cute little girl at a souvenir shop. She kept taking Jaxon's sticks he had
found and throwing them into the street. Naughty little Nica.
Late afternoon beach view. Guys on the left were
playing baseball which was fun to watch.
