My profile - V!VA Travel Guides - unbiased community-created guides

Home > User profile

Close Map

Change Images

V!VA Travel Guides

Scottish, 24, female. Works hard plays hard. Favourite quote- "Though we travel the world to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we will find it not."

Hometown
Edinburgh
Location now
Costa Rica
Travel philosophy
As told in the quote above, "Though we travel the world to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we will find it not."
Craziest place
There are many, many crazy places in the world, from bad-crazy to good-crazy, Los Angeles is pretty weird-crazy.
Bizarre experience
Not sure if its the most bizarre, but definitely up there with weird and wonderful.. I was staying for a week on a small island in Fiji where I learned about the Fijian culture and customs. I learned, amongst other things, about the different plants on the island, (poisonous and medicinal) how to climb a palm tree, traditional methods of cooking, traditional dances and songs, how to make hats and all sorts from palm leaves, and the tradition of Kava. Kava to the Fijians is like wine to the Spanish. You'll find groups of men relaxing in the evenings sitting around drinking from the kava bowl. It's from the root of the Kava plant which is ground down to powder and mixed with water until it looks (and tastes) like muddy puddle water. My introduction to this was on the beach in a big circle of people, each one going through the ritual before drinking from the half coconut shell. This continued throught the night as you would imagine with those spanish and their wine. The effects are slightly different of course, and the best way to describe it is like getting drunk without the heavy wobbly bit.. And the rather strange anaesthetic effect which slowly takes away all feeling in your mouth and jaw.. Topped off with learning some songs about kava drinking (perhaps not so traditional, see below) it proved to be a very enjoyable evening. The best bit- no hangover in the morning! (to the tune of waltzing matilda) Once a young fijian man Sitting by the kava bowl Under the shade of the coconut tree And he drank and he drank And he drank until the morning light Wont you come along drinking kava with me.
Advice
Always listen to your instincts..!! follow your gut feeling !!!!! And remember you are there for the experience of being there. Don't get lost planning the next move, enjoy the moment.
Dream destination
It´s a big world, lots to see, more than I can dream about.
Traveled before
Europe-UK, France, Germany, Czec Republic, Italy, Spain, Greece,Sweden, Denmark, Bulgaria, Belgium, Ireland, Holland, Austria, USA, Indonesia- Bali Lombok, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Fiji, Hawaii.Costa Rica.
Going next
Costa Rica,and around Central America.

Ruth Bell's Guide Book Entries

Info

Caribbean Coast History and Overview
Dec 11, 2008 - Costa Rica
......
Read More
Cha Cha Cha
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Cha Cha Cha is one of the oldest restaurants in town famous for its wonderful world food menu. More expensive ......
Read More
La Fé
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This is one of the best known restaurants in town, recommended by both tourists and locals for their excellent Caribbean ......
Read More

See all Info (11)

Destinations

Cahuita National Park
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
One of the main attractions for those coming to Cahuita, the National Park is a natural paradise; dense jungle surrounded ......
Read More
Puerto Viejo
Oct 21, 2007 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
The largest tourist destination on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo is located just south the smaller beach town of ......
Read More
Limón
Mar 18, 2006 - Costa Rica
Limon offers tropical weather year-round and all the enticements of Caribbean culture, from an exciting nightlife to aquatic adventures. Limon ......
Read More

Hotels

La Finca Chica
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
Four lovely houses are up for rent here on the spacious grounds of la Finca Chica, just back from the ......
Read More
Cariblue
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
One of the most popular jungle-bungalow resorts in the area, Cariblue is a wonderful place for nature lovers looking to ......
Read More
Totem Hotel Resort
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
This spacious beach-front resort is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and is great for nature-lovers, surfers and families. Here, the ......
Read More

Hotel Buganvillea Resort
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
This magical hideaway, up in the jungle behind Cocles beach, is the perfect retreat for those looking for peace and ......
Read More
Cabinas Rio Cocles
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
There are only a few cabins to rent here next to Cocles River, on a large, well-kept piece of land ......
Read More
La Costa De Papito
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
Twelve wooden bungalows are available on La Costa de Papito, each one made from local resources and fully-equipped to make ......
Read More
Yaré
Dec 19, 2008 - Costa Rica
At the south end of Cocles beach, hidden back from the main road, are the delightful Yaré bungalows. The delightful ......
Read More
Olé Caribe
Dec 18, 2008 - Costa Rica
These simple cabinas, fully-equipped rooms for up to four people, are located just a couple of hundred meters back from ......
Read More
El Tucán Jungle Lodge
Dec 18, 2008 - Costa Rica
Entering off 1km from the main road through the jungle past magnificent, giant trees, you know this is a nature ......
Read More
Hotel Belle Fleur
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Although also listed as a budget option, Hotel Belle Fleur also has some of the only luxury rooms to be ......
Read More
La Casa de las Flores
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Beautifully decorated in a minimal style, these rooms are cool and clean, with A/C and private bathrooms with hot water. ......
Read More
Cahuita National Park Hotel
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
These luxury rooms are perfectly located right at the National Park entrance, overlooking the sea. What they lack in personality, ......
Read More
Kelly Creek
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Four beautiful wooden rooms are available right at the entrance to the National Park, overlooking a small river. All come ......
Read More
Alby Lodge
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
A peaceful, nature-lovers paradise. These bungalows are spread out in beautifully-kept tropical gardens, and are built in a traditional way ......
Read More
Cabinas Safari #1
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Clean, nicely decorated rooms right in the centre of Cahuita. They’re a great option for a couple or a group ......
Read More
Villa Delmar
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This budget resort has 11 rooms to rent, many are separate bungalows and there is a shared outdoor kitchen. Prices ......
Read More
Cabinas Riverside
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Owned by the same family as Sol Y Mar, Cabinas Riverside has a selection of clean, cheap rooms in a ......
Read More
Cabinas Atlantic Surf
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
These rooms are friendly backpacker’s option not far from the popular white beach, with very reasonable rates. Prices range from ......
Read More
Cabinas Arrecife
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
The lovely Reef cabin rooms face the sea front and have their own small pool and hammock area. The rooms ......
Read More
Linda’s Secret Garden
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Here there are a few lovely spacious rooms for couples and groups, and also one of the only dormitory rooms ......
Read More
Cabinas Palmer
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
These lovely, centrally located rooms are set back from the street, in their own courtyard with hammocks outside each one. ......
Read More
Cabinas Sol y Mar
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
These pretty rooms are a highly recommended budget option, with prices about $10 per person, $12 for a single. Nicely ......
Read More
Cabinas Calypso
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
These good-value-for-the-money rooms include A/C, TV, hot water and shared kitchen at budget prices. Each room has its own hammock ......
Read More
Backpackers dream
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Backpackers Dream is probably the cheapest option you can find in Cahuita if you are traveling alone. The prices are ......
Read More
Jordans Jacuzzi Suites
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
These cabins or “suites” are situated around the swimming pool of The Lotus Garden sushi restaurant (same owners), and cost ......
Read More
Casa Verde
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
The well-named “green house” is actually its own little village of beautiful cabins surrounded by tropical plants, with a very ......
Read More
Corazón Caribe
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Fresh and cool rooms for up to five people are available here, with prices working out at around $11/12 per ......
Read More
Hotel Pura Vida
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Set back from the main street, this Chilean/German-owned hotel overlooks the large football field in Puerto Viejo, and the jungle ......
Read More
Cabinas Jacaranda
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Tropical gardens and hammocks surround these colorfully decorated cabins, perfect for those looking for a little tranquility. All rooms come ......
Read More
Coco Loco Cabins
Oct 17, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Gardeners quietly work away as you relax in the hammock on your private porch, surrounded by perfect gardens, jungle and ......
Read More
Cabinas Guarana
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
These colorful and peaceful individual cabins are set in a garden courtyard a block back from the main street. Perfect ......
Read More
Cabinas Café Rico
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Only two cabins are up for grabs here. Although a little pricier at $25 for a single and $30 for ......
Read More
Cabinas Lika
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Clean and cheap is what the sign says outside. The two rows of cabins, separated by a small garden, are ......
Read More
Sunrise Hostel
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
This cheap and centrally located backpacker joint is perfect for those on a tight budget. The staff is kind and ......
Read More
Hotel Puerto Viejo
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
This popular, well known backpacker place has recently changed hands and been renovated, now with a big wooden communal area ......
Read More
Pagalú
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
This bright and airy hostel has, with good reason, become a recent favorite of travelers to Puerto Viejo. It has ......
Read More
Rocking J's Hostel
Oct 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Famed for its large hammock dormitory, this beachside hostel lives up to its name. Up to 400 people can be ......
Read More
Cabinas Grant
Mar 18, 2006 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Close to the bus stop, this place is in a handy spot and rooms are perfectly adequate although not the ......
Read More

See all Hotels (38)

Restaurants

La Pecora Nera
Dec 18, 2008 - Costa Rica
Well known as one of the best restaurants in the area, La Pecora Nera is a great place to treat ......
Read More
El Sol Del Caribe
Dec 18, 2008 - Costa Rica
This popular Argentine pizzeria-bar-restaurant has a warm, relaxed atmosphere as well as great food. Eat at carved wood tables with ......
Read More
Café Río Negro
Dec 18, 2008 - Costa Rica
Enjoy sandwiches and salads, Dutch pancakes, burgers and snacks all for $3 to $6 in this small local café. The ......
Read More

Soda Johanna’s
Dec 16, 2008 - Costa Rica
After working up an appetite at the beach, pop in to Soda Johanna’s, where they serve typical Caribbean dishes and ......
Read More
Bread and Chocolate
Dec 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Named after the two things it does best, Bread and Chocolate is popular with ex-pats and tourists looking for something ......
Read More
EZ Times
Dec 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
As the name may suggest, EZ times is a relaxing and comfortable place to enjoy good music while sharing a ......
Read More
Soda Isma
Dec 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
A very cheap and popular favorite, Soda Isma is as close to being invited in for dinner as you can ......
Read More
Kelly Creek
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This Spanish-owned, wooden restaurant has a wonderful location at the entrance to the National Park with beautiful views of the ......
Read More
Roberto’s
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Lobster is one of the delicacies in Roberto’s outdoor fish restaurant, along with a large selection of other dishes from ......
Read More
Soda Lili
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Sodas are normally a common sight in any town, but in Cahuita there are surprisingly few. Soda Lili, where “you ......
Read More
Vista Del Mar
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Low prices and well sized portions make this a popular place for both local Ticos and tourists alike. Essentially a ......
Read More
Choco Latte 100% Natural
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This Swedish-owned café is known for home baking, fresh coffee and excellent breakfasts. Try Annette’s delicious cookies, pastries, cakes and ......
Read More
Palenque Luisa
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This popular restaurant on the main street is highly recommended by locals for their good, inexpensive traditional dishes. Almost all ......
Read More
Coco’s bar
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Cahuita is not much of a party town, and Coco’s bar is one of the most popular places to go ......
Read More
Pizz’n Love
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
This is a fun, and very popular French-owned restaurant, right in the center of Cahuita. Pizza is what they do ......
Read More
Restaurante Salsa Brava
Nov 25, 2008 - Centro, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Salsa Brava is an ocean front grill ¨Mediterranean Creole fusion¨ with a hint of “Tex Mex", soaked in cool easy tropical ......
Read More
Salsa Brava
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
From the sea to the plate in about 15 meters. Specialties include the seafood grill for two people with lobster, ......
Read More
Lidia's Place
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
A few blocks back from El Parquecito, Lidia's Place is a relaxed local favorite. It has a warm atmosphere and ......
Read More
Elena Brown
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Not even 50 meters from the sea, this restaurant has a range of international dishes served in a large wooden ......
Read More
El Dorado
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Enjoy international favorites or seafood specialties at this large, popular restaurant on the main strip. Try the lobster combo. Alternatively ......
Read More
Tex Mex
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Sit around the wooden open-air bar or at one of the tables 'round the back and enjoy delicious Mexican favorites. ......
Read More
De Paso
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
The fresh fish stal,l not 25 meters down the path, is a clear indication of the specialty dish at this ......
Read More
Veronica's Place
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
A little vegetarian's paradise that serves vegan, vegetarian and some raw dishes, Veronica makes her own meat substitute products. Such ......
Read More
Las Lapas Ice Cream Shop
Sep 25, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Delicious, popular, generously-portioned ice cream right on the beachfront with a view of the flawless Caribbean coastline in a perfect ......
Read More
The Mission
Sep 13, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Tasty meals, well-priced and popular, the mission is highly recommended by the residents. The picturesque beachfront view allows for good ......
Read More
Soda Taito
Sep 12, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
If you've got a big appetite and a small wallet, go to Soda Taitos. It seats about a dozen people, ......
Read More
Peace and Love
Sep 12, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
The Peace & Love cafe is run by some Italians who specialize in generously portioned, yet moderately priced, sandwiches, pizzas ......
Read More
Cafe Rico
Sep 11, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Tucked away behind El Parquecito, this lovely café is surrounded by tropical plants and full of atmosphere. You'll feel instantly ......
Read More
Bar oviso
Jun 24, 2008 - Barri Gotico, Barcelona, Spain
If sitting on a sunny terrace, sipping a café con leche and doing a bit of people watching is your ......
Read More

See all Restaurants (29)

Activities

Playa Blanca
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
The long white beach, Playa Blanca, is part of the National Park and is popular with tourists coming to relax ......
Read More
Playa Negra
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Playa negra, the Black Beach, is located on the north side of Cahuita, the opposite end of the main street ......
Read More
Horseback riding
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
A popular pastime in Cahuita, horseback tours appeal to all ages and fitness levels. Trips can be arranged to go ......
Read More

See all Activities (9)

Tours

Turistica Cahuita
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Owned by a friendly North American expat, this company offers lots of useful tourist information along with many different activities ......
Read More
Caribe Tropical, National Park Hotel
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Situated underneath the National Park hotel, by the National Park entrance, Caribe tropical specializes in transportation and reasonably priced customized ......
Read More
Roberto Tour
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Part of Roberto’s restaurant, the locally-owned tour company specializes in fishing trips. The most popular is the four-hour trip, $100, ......
Read More

See all Tours (9)

Services

Cahuita Shopping
Nov 25, 2008 - Cahuita, Costa Rica
Cahuita’s main street has many small shops selling clothes, souvenirs, jewelry and swimwear. Just next door to Pizz’n love is ......
Read More
Laundry
Sep 29, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Most hotels offer a laundry service at a reasonable charge. If you’re going green, Café Rico and the laundry by ......
Read More
Internet Services
Sep 26, 2008 - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
There are few internet shops around town and charges vary, but expect to pay around $3/hr. Some hotels offer free ......
Read More

V!VA List Articles

No entries found

Get the book

book

Buy V!VA Book

Direct or on Amazon.com

Top Places to go in Latin America - as rated by V!VA Members

Activities

Popular V!VA Travel Guides Destinations

V!VA Travel Guides Hotels

Top V!VA Travel Guides Hotels

Other V!VA Travel Guides pages