Day 76

     We made a winding, scenic drive around Lake Arenal, ultimately stopping in Fortuna.  At the base of Volcan Arenal, Fortuna has a wild west feel and attracts lots of backpackers.
     Unfortunately, Arenal had erupted two days before and killed a guide and seriously injured his two American clients (one of whom later died).  In addition, just yesterday a plane had crashed into the side of the volcano killing all 12 aboard (including five 30-something American tourists).  Conjuncture was that the pilot has flown too close and was overwhelmed by the gases from the eruption.  Driving by, we witnessed the recovery effors and the impromptu memorials.
     We are affected by death and violence here more than at home.  Maybe we just feel more vulnerable, but it is really starting to add up.  Starting with the man we met in Belize who had been recently mauled in a machete attack, to several nearby lynchings in Guatemala where the victims were stoned to death and then burned by campasino vigilantes, and the incidents we have already written about, we just feel too close.

Hotel -$13, Food -$13, Tours -$0, Trans -$53, Random (Gas -$15)
Total -$94

Day 77

     Believe it or not, the freedom of the car is wearing off.  Gas costs over $3 a gallon, safe parking is a problem, and we get lost more often than you would think possible given there are only a few roads.  Also, the interior of the car had gotten soaked on the first day and now has an overpowereing musty smell.  We long for public transportation.
     We drove in the rain to Quepos which is well south on the Pacific coast.  It is a major fishing area which we took advantage of for dinner.

Hotel -$15, Food -$18, Tours -$0, Trans -$53, Random (Gas and Tolls -$11)
Total -$97

Day 78

     Quepos is perhaps more well known for its proximity (and relative affordability) to the beautiful beach and national park of Manuel Antonia.  We had a great day relaxing on the beach.
     Even though our daily budget never seemed to reflect it, we ate lots of �grocery�meals in Costa Rica.  Our favorite was some variation of tomato, avacado, and cheese sandwiches.  The avacados in particular were so ripe and fresh and incredibly cost no more than 15 cents in the market.
      The one shock of the day came during a breakfast conversation with the owner of the hotel.  We were talking about food and Lady asked about Mortadela.  She had recently eaten a Mortadela sandwich and assumed it was ham.  He broke the news that Mortadela is horse meat.  All in all, Lady took it quite well.

Hotel -$15, Food -$22, Tours -$0, Trans -$53, Random (Parking -$2, Internet -$3, Laundry -$6)
Total -$101

Day 79

     Dodging potholes and pedestrians, we drove back to San jose and stayed in the suburbs.  Our hotel was ridiculously expensive but included the necessary provate parking.  Perhaps because of the intoxicating odor, I locked the keys in the car (which subsequently cost $10 to remedy).  At this point, we hate the car.

Hotel -$18, Food -$18, Tours -$0, Trans -$53, Random -$21
Total -$100

Day 80

     The quiet before the storm.  We made all the last minute preparations for the big visit.  We finalized the itinerary.  We made reservatoins and bought groceries.  The best part, though, was trading in the car for a new, bigger, and better smelling jeep (actually a Toyota).

Hotel -$18, Food -$21, Tours -$0, Trans -$53, Random (Internet -$3, Parking/Toll -$1)
Total -$95