First time experiences

There seems to be so many new things I am experiencing for the first time thanks to travelling.

The first fantastic experience was in Puerto Viejo
on Sunday. It had been raining constantly since Friday but Meera, Jeana and I decides to go for a swim in the Caribbean sea, in the dark.

It was only about 6:30pm but the sun had already set. We found the best sandy spot and went into the sea. It was actually fairly warm considering it was at night and raining.

When we we're in the sea, it then started lightening. It looked incredible over the horizon. It was one of those magical moments given to us by nature.

Walking back to the hotel was good as well. We saw these huge crabs crossing the road. They had very big claws.

That night I dreamed a crab was trying to pinch my bum. It's silly how my mind works.

The next day we went for a guided hike. Our guide Ricky was a really happy Rasta man. Along with the group came a lovely dog. Ricky called her 'black tongue'. Because, yes you guessed it, she has a black tongue.

We came across this huge spider and I backed away initially. Then Ricky picked it up and put it on his face. It looked amazing. He explained how it wasn't poisonous and how nature needs spiders.

Everyone took turns to hold it whilst I was still backed away. Then I decided fine, I'll hold it too. Ricky helped me but this massive spider was now crawling all over my hands and arm.

I'm so proud I held it. I'm hoping when I get home, I won't be ask scares of spiders anymore.

Along the hike we saw some amazing animals. We heard (before seeing) the howler monkeys. They sounded so dangerous but looked pretty cute in the trees.

Then we went searching for a yellow viper snake. Again, I'm a fan of snakes but we saw one and I got a picture. They are poisonous so I kept my distance.

After our hike we visited The Jaguar Rescue Centre. It is a really well run local rescue centre. It was sad but in a way nice, hearing the story of how the centre was named.

When the couple bought their home, a local knew they were Biologist and one day found a baby jaguar in need of medical attention. The local bought the cub to their home but sadly within a few weeks the cub died as she wasn't strong enough.

After then locals bought injuries animals frequently so they decided to build a rescue centre on their grounds and named the centre after their first animal, The Jaguar Rescue Centre.

In the centre., we were lucky enough to go into a monkey enclosure. There were lots of different monkeys from spider monkeys to howler monkeys.

I first of held a lovely baby monkey. I think it was a spider monkey but she for very excited and decided to bite me. Luckily she didn't draw blood so no need to worry about rabies.

After that two big howler monkeys decides to befriend me. One decided to sit on my shoulders and search my head for nits. Hopefully he either didn't find any or give me some. And the other monkey decided I was going to carry him in my arms.

It was an incredible experience. I love monkeys and it was so nice being so close and receiving their affection.

On Tuesday night, I had another amazing opportunity to watch wildlife. We arrived in Tortuguero and we went to the beach at the national park to watch the sea turtles.

It was incredible to see the giant green back turtle walk (or more waddle) from the ocean and make her way up the beach to find a place to nest.

Once she has found her spot to lay her eggs, she goes into a trance like state. It was brilliant as I was able to stand inches away from her and watch her lay her eggs.

Once she has laid her eggs safely, she then uses her back flippers to fill the hole then pat it over to disguise her nesting spot.

But it's very sad to hear that not many of her babies make it safely to the ocean. They are either eaten my birds, caimans or other predators. Or when they try to dig there way out of the hole, they may suffocate.

Another interesting first experience was going to the local disco. It was great dancing with the locals and funniest thing was the random stray dogs coming into the club and sitting in the middle of the dance floor.

Because it started to rain so heavily on the way back, my dress got completely soaked. But the boat ride across the river at 2am with thunder and lightening is something I won't forget in a hurry.
It seems like travelling is an opportunity to experience so many new and wonderful things. I'm really enjoying it but wish I had someone to share some of these with.