Well I finally made it, one day later than expected to Costa Rica, via Nicaragua and Guatemala. What an adventure and one extra stamp for my passport.

So, the last few days in Barranquilla and the weather changed. Started to rain and even got a little cooler which was nice. After our lovely day in Cartagena on Sunday, Monday was a very quiet day for us to chill out. Tuesday we decided that in the afternoon we were going to go to the beach, but when the car came for us, it was getting grey and looking like rain again so we decided to go to the cinema. They do have some movies in English.

Well, it wasn't to be our day. I've never been to a cinema where the projector broke down. We sat there and waited while they tried to fix it, but no good so we chilled out at home instead. Wednesday afternoon, I went with Kath and a pregnant friend of hers to the hospital where they will be going to give birth for a tour. Lot different to our hospitals and the nurses all wore the traditional dress, white stockings, white uniform and the old sister's hat. Reminded me of the photos of mum when she was a nurse!!!

So Thursday was my departure day. We went and visited some markets to see if I could get a small souvenir and Kath also took me to an art shop where I picked up a small painting. Out for one last lunch and then to the airport. My flight was from Barranquilla to Panama and then a change of planes to San Jose. My original ticket had me waiting at Panama for 3 hrs so I asked if there was an earlier connection. There was and I was able to get on it.

The flight to Panama was good. Can't fault Copa Airlines. As you fly into Panama, you can see the beginning (or end) of the canal and lots of ships waiting. Off the plane and boarded the next plane. Arrived over San Jose but as we went to land, there was so much fog the pilot took back to the skies. Advised we would circle and try again. 2nd attempt failed also due to the low visibility. Pilot said they would try a 3rd time. Didn't even attempt. While circling, he advised we were going to Managuq, Nicaragua to refuel and wait a further weather report.

We refuelled and then took back off for San Jose. Once there, the pilot informed us the weather was worsening, so we were going to Guatemala City. Arrived about 11pm local time (a 50min flight had become a 5hr flight). Off the plane and then it took forever for the 2 attendants to process us and tell us which hotel we were going to. I ended up at the Marriott for the night. By the time I got to bed, it was 1am and had to be in the lobby at 6.30am. Had a free buffet breakfast at 6am - ate lots of bacon.

Back to the airport and our flight took off about 8.30am and finally arrived in San Jose. Glad to be here and glad I gave myself a day before the tour begins. We head off tomorrow to the coast.

It is raining here (which I expected) and cool, around 20 degrees. The taxi ride here was fine. At the airport you can buy a voucher inside for the official taxis, that way you don't have to haggle with all the guys yelling at you as you exit.

So, another adventure begins. Thanks for the messages on the board. I'm glad I found this website. Take care and will probably write when I get back to San Jose at the end of next week. Hopefully will have lots of wildlife photos to put up aswell (lets hope it is not too rainy)!!!