We are staying at an amazing hotel called Rio Magnolia. Hotel? The word "hotel" cannot do any justice to the experience that is provided here at Rio Magnolia. I'm sure that for some people staying here would not suit but I would defy anyone not to be in awe of what John and Maureen have created which is quite simply magnificent. When making your way to Rio Magnolia from the coastal, tourist town of Dominical in the south western region of Costa Rica, it is a st...

We arrived at Rio Magnolia on Wednesday last

Our plan was to get up very early and make the most of the morning. But we failed as it was past 9.30 by the time Caitlin's carcass arrived in the pool-side breakfast area. Our personal waiter remembered the no meat request and continued to indulge my improving attempts at Spanish. He and I talked about that famous Welshman who will become the most expensive footballer if or when he succeeds in getting a transfer to Real Madrid. A moment of personal national exci...

Had a worrying incident in our little bungalow / cabina (called Jazmine!) last night when I investigated the safe. I locked my essentials in it but the code I punched in would not open it afterwards. What to do! I phoned the reception and within an hour an aged man with a toolbox arrived and an accent from North America. He had a well-worn face, Eric Morecambe shorts and a slightly comical hearing problem. He would have fitting well into the black and white Ealin...

I'll start writing this referring to my current location which is on the top deck of the ferry to Ometepe. I'm sharing my double seat with a sleeping Nicaraguan woman. Any moment, I can see her moving her head and using my shoulder or lap as a new resting place. Don't want that as I'm aware of the reputation of Wrexham women -my wife resided in that town prior to her seeing sense - when other women cosy up to their man! Not a place for a tempting dalliance with t...