Tamagringo

After our wonderful time in Dominicalito we headed north to visit the beach town Tamarindo - or “Tamagringo” as the locals call it. The apartment was this time located in the middle of the village, right at the ‘heart of all the action’. When we unloaded the car, we directly noticed the smell of the herby substance we are so used to when visiting Amsterdam. It also came with the American accent.  Yes, after a long seven hours drive (including two breaks) we had finally arrived. 

Although being housed in the middle of the centre, we could still hear the howler monkeys every morning. It was either them (the monkeys) or Kiara who was waking us up. Kiara makes it btw a habit to wake up between 05:15 and 05:45 every morning so not much nightlife for us in this nice but not too crowded beach town. 

The main attraction in Tamarindo is obviously its wonderful beach. In Dominicalito, the waves were a little too high for save swimming but here in Tamarindo, they were just perfect. One of the first times that we were swimming, Alma and Junia got to borrow a boogie board from two American girls. As they both hit the waves quite perfectly, they were sold right away and they wanted to have their own board. One of the many surf shops in town had a nice pair of second hand, though slightly damaged boards for sale. The local grocery store sold some duck tape and together they made the perfect boards. I am sure Håkan would have been very proud of me. 

The rest of our time in Tamarindo was mostly spend at the beach and in the water. Going there in the morning around 08:30 and leaving again around 11:00. Lunch between 11:30 - 13:00. Siesta between 13:00 and 15:00 and back again shortly after that. The sun went down around 17:30 so that was also the time for us to go home. Not the typical Anna and Justus style of spending our time but we really enjoyed it. 

One thing that really annoys and worries us is the fact that that there is so much rubbish in the water and on the beach. And this is Costa Rica, one of the more environmental conscious countries and it is that bad already. It is sad and worrying at the same time, especially as it seems to get worse every year. 

To make the girls more environmental conscious, we often go out (with a “bolsa de plastico”) and clean parts of the beach. It is amazing what you actually find but cans of beer, plastic straws and bottle tops are the most frequent findings. It makes a good family activity and it is educational and rewarding at the same time.

Today (In Puerto Viejo), I was even offered a beer (by an astonished local family) when I was cleaning the beach. I kindly rejected the offer, asked them to take their trash with them and left them wondering about my priorities. A ‘gringo’ cleaning up their beach will certainly make a great story on their next birthday party. As long as it ‘spreads the word’ and that they take their trash with them, I am all fine with that. We might have even inspired them, and all the other families on the beach that day. Lets just hope so because something really needs to be done. 

The food in Tamarindo was quite varied. From typical American (and delicious!!) burgers, very healthy vegan stuff to the usual rice and beans. Our local favorite was the ‘surf shack’ were they sold the best burgers and milkshakes. The owner coincidentally lived in the same apartment building and also had young children. She also knew a god nanny so Anna and I got to go out and had dinner without the kids. It goes without saying that we truly enjoyed that opportunity, albeit the food not being that good. We had higher expectations. The cocktails were awesome though.