Well if I thought getting into Nicaragua was an interesting experience, getting out of it took things to a whole new level. We caught the ferry from Ometepe Island back to the mainland and about an hour and bit later we were at the Nicaragua/Costa Rica border. We couldn't take our bus into Costa Rica so it involved walking across the border to catch a new bus. Not as simple as it sounds. As soon we got off our bus it was absolute chaos. We were swamped by street sellers and guys handing out official looking forms. I took one and he then asked for money. I realised that he wanted me to pay him to help "smooth" my exit from Nicaragua. When I said no he was not happy. Snatched the form back and wandered off. We made our way to a small gate which was manned by 2 Nicaraguan uniformed people. People were going both ways through the gate and with our luggage in tow in was not an easy task. They started yelling at us for our passports, which we showed and were then ushered to a building about 10 steps away. Not sure what the purpose was in checking our passports as the building was the only way to go and it was the Nicaraguan Immigration Control. We were originally told no payment was required, then told it was US$1 and then told there was another US$2 to be paid. Getting a bit confusing by this stage. So we paid the $1 and our leader took all our passports and got them processed. But before we could continue we each had to pay the official who had processed them the required $2. Obviously he was bit short of cash that week because the money went straight into his pocket. Out the door and again surrounded by money changers and street sellers. We are now in no mans land. Not in Nicaragua but not yet in Costa Rica. About 100 metres on another Nicaraguan standing under a marquee type structure again checks our passports. Thats 3 times now they have been checked and thats to get out of the country! We now start walking down the road, literally dodging semi trailers as they line up to cross the border. And still in no mans land. Its about 300 metres until we come to the Costa Rican Immigration control. A bit more Russian Roulette to cross the road amongst the semis and we are finally at the Costa Rican border. To get into Costa Rica you have to prove that you have a ticket to leave the country at some stage. Our passport processing goes slowly but smoothly and then it's onto a bus for a 5 hour ride to Monteverde. Costa Rica immediately appears to be a more affluent contry. The roads are better, the housing is better and we stop at a shopping centre for lunch and there a number of shops selling well known brands of clothing such as Rip Curl and Timberland etc. Even a shop selling Cuban cigars. As we get closer to Monteverde we enter the mountains and the scenery becomes quite stunning, and the temperature much cooler. We get to the hotel, and we all arrange to do a night walk through a nearby rainforest. Despite the rain it's a great experience. We are fortunate to see a giant tarantular, a sloth with a baby, an armadillo, green tree snake and various frogs and insects. All wild and in their natural environment. Its been a long and interesting day and after dinner at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant I'm more than happy to call it a night.