Planet Hollywood Day 3

Yesterday after breakfast at SoCal (buffet) we checked in for our Eco Walk at 9:30. There was only one other couple who was doing it. It was nice to be in a small group. We met Meiner who was from the entertainment staff. He'd be our guide for the tour. The walking tour took us out past the confines of the resort property and out into along a rural road that divided a farm and some government land. Meiner pointed out some of the common trees in this area including the guanacoste which is Costa Rica's national tree and pochotes which are small scraggly trees that have woody branches littered with thorns. Definitely had to watch out for any low hanging branches.  

Along the way we saw about thirty cattle with their young calves. Meiner had us stay back about 100 feet while he made sure they weren't near the path since they are very protective of their young. All was clear and we proceeded with the walk. All during the walk we'd hear the loud unmistakable sound of the howler monkeys. They were so close. We took a smaller path though a wooded area where Meiner showed us some fruit trees. We got to try jocote which is about the size of an olive and even has a pit like an olive. But it's taste when green is somewhere between a granny smith apple and a green bean. When red/orange and ripe they are sweeter. We also saw a star fruit plant. I've eaten star fruit before but never saw the tree. And we also saw the famous Coyol tree. The sap of this tree is tapped, much like sap.from a maple tree. And the liquid is fermented into a local spirit. It's legendary like moonshine is in the United States. And just as strong. Everyone has their own local version. But it's also produced and sold commercially.  

The sound of those monkeys had stopped as we made our way through this part of the forest. That's because they were in a large guanacoste tree above us. Very aware of our presence. Somehow knowing they no longer needed to howl. There was a troop of about five or six including at least one baby. 

Make sure you're following Angie's FB page Trips with Angie since she'll have more pictures from the walk, including the monkeys.  

After our visit with the monkeys, we made our way to the black sand beach. Much of Costa Rica is volcanic and the sand here is evidence of that. A richly colored black sand. And especially hot as you would expect but you're feet are not ready for. We'd be walking to the beach back towards the resort. We walked most of it through the shallow water, keeping our feet cool. There were so many interesting shells and rocks. At one point we had to do the stingray shuffle to avoid a small stingray swimming by. And many more pochotes along the waters edge. If those caught you, they'd probably take some flesh.  

We made it back to the resort after about an hour walk. I was ready for the pool!! And saw some local vendors who had set up a massage tent. She was able to get an hour long massage for only $60 USD. I played some pool volleyball and met you with Angie later at the pool bar 

We were back in the room by 4:30 and all showered and changed for dinner by 5:15. Tonight we'd try Gusto which is an Italian restaurant. This was the first night of our stay here where they weren't taking reservations. We were a little anxious about being able to get a table. The information in the daily program said that the restaurant opened at 5:30. But when we got there, the staff said it didn't open until 6. A bit frustrating. And this restaurant is located by the pool where there is at any lounge area to wait for a table. So Angie took one for the team and stood by the podium so we'd be one off the first to get a table. I went and got us a snack of chicken tenders while she waited. At 6 PM we were the first group to be seated. We had a really delicious dinner. Buratta Caprese salad. Beef Carpaccio.

 Lasagna!! Pappardelle with sausage. Ziti with pesto. And grilled red snapper. All so good. And the lasagna and pappardelle were made with home made pasta. No dessert.

Today is likely another "Rinse and Repeat" day. Except for the Eco Walking tour. A little breakfast followed by some pool time. Maybe some volleyball. And then this afternoon they'll have a Purple Vibe party. More details on that tomorrow. Tonight's our last night at Planet Hollywood. We'll head to Margaritaville tomorrow.