I am currently 7 km from the main road in a village called Quebrada Grande in the Guanacaste province .
I left this morning from Playa del Cocos to cover no more and no less than 80 km. It was a very difficult day. I cycled for more than 6 hours to cover this distance at an average speed of 12.7 km/h. The roads in Costa Rica are very dangerous, there are really a lot of cars. It is certain that during my trip to Cuba the cars were rarer. I got up very early this morning, I prepared my luggage and I met my host Walter for the first time because he came back at two in the morning!!! He is a chef in a hotel he had to cook for the hungry guests on Christmas Eve. I swallowed a coffee and a cheese roll.
I then headed to playa hermosa (Beautiful beach). The road is difficult, there are several climbs.
I don't stay at the beach, because I have a long way to go. The path taken for this part is more pleasant. Going up a huge hill I passed a bar, but I don't remember the name. This bar looked really cool, but I don't remember why!! I still took a picture.
I'm walking along a small camino (path) in a small village called Guardia. I was finally able to talk to real " Costarricenses " and see their houses.
I have to get back on the road to the airport, it's really dangerous and it's really windy on the road to Liberia. I see a sign that proves that capitalism is very entrenched in Costa Rica: an ad for a Walmart.
I take a short break and eat a little with an empanada with a little bit of chicken inside.
On the road, I see a hardware store selling wooden boards measuring 46 feet, it's impressive.
It feels like I'm an ant in front of a fence. After several minutes I come across the famous Walmart which is also open on Christmas Day!!!
This is incredible!!! This is the new temple of God. Many disciples were gathered for this great celebration!!!
I finally arrive in Liberia, but I'm not thrilled with the place. I don't like cities with McDonald's, Taco Bell or KFC. I rest in a small park and enjoy the cell phone network. I'm tired and I've only traveled 46km.
After several minutes of rest, I feel like continuing on the road. For the first time, I take the Panamericana, which crosses all the countries of Central America. I see cyclists on the road and decide to follow them! After a few moments, on a secondary road, I arrive at a magnificent place where you can swim. A man gives me some rum... what more do you want?
It's a big gathering for people who barbecue over a fire.
After 20 minutes of discussion and relaxation I get back on the road. The wind is strong, but this time it cooperates with me. I decide to take a short break a little later on a path next to the main road.
I meet a family who give me a beer, the people are nice.
To amuse them I ask if I can have a little souvenir photo... in the car.
I get back on my bike and meet a young cyclist who is riding very fast.
As you can see, the shoulder is very small. I think I'm reaching my destination when I see that the village of Quebrada Grande is 7km away. Believe it or not, it took me over an hour to cover this short distance due to an excessively persistent wind that dented the oxen every day.
I finally arrive at the village, I'm exhausted... I go into a pizzeria and ask if there are any rooms to rent nearby!
I'm not in a tourist area at all. I ask for help, the waiter tries a few calls but without success. So I decide to fill my stomach while waiting to resolve the situation.
Meanwhile, I meet the hairdresser who works right next door. I learn that he is a Nicaraguan and his name is David!!! He comes to work 26 days here and then returns to his village in Nicaragua to go see his sweetheart. The people are generous and work hard. I share my pizza with him.
Finally, my new friend offers me to sleep in his large room located behind the hair salon.
I negotiate a haircut included in the price of this improvised room.
I pay $12 USD for my mattress and my haircut. It is on these incredible adventures that I will go to bed, but before I will try to take a shower in the bathroom that does not have lights, because it is burned. Be generous!
David Beauchesne