Our Day In Costa Rica

[rucruizin]

I tried, and tried to get excited about this port. I looked at all sorts of different options for my day including zip lining, white water rafting... Nothing worked out, I couldn't get excited about any of it!

 

As it turns out...everything always happens for a reason, and I am very glad I didn't book anything, let alone anything extreme for the day.

 

Our first stop was Panama. I was injured (by no ones fault but my own) the first day, the first port, the first hour. I was on crutches, in pain,on pain meds and had very swollen legs, and ankles.

 

Our only mission that day was to go out into the shopping area to buy a couple souveniers, and coffee, then get back on the ship.

 

As we headed out, we left the ship a little later in the morning. We walked through the shops, but didn't want to buy anything until we were heading back. The vendors were all very understanding, and left us alone. As we walked out past the shops we were approached by a young man who offered us a tour for $15 per person. This tour sounded very much like the one's being offered by others on this board. I asked him to let me speak with my DH for a second, and then we agreed to go with him. He began to escort us to the car, when he looked back at me on my crutches and said, "would you be more comfortable in a car, or van?" I told him definately the van, and he almost apologized when he said he would have to charge an extra $10 for the van. WHAT!...just kidding, I was happy to pay the extra for the comfort.

 

So we headed out on our private tour. I'll be honest, I was on pain meds so I don't remember everything, but I do remember that he did anything we asked. He stopped anytime I wanted to take a picture, he sounded like a tour guide, and was very knowlegeable about everything. He took us to a grocery store where we purchased....several things, in addition to the coffee we had desired.

 

I can't for the life of me remember his name, and I'm embarrased because I don't think we paid/tipped him enough. I wasn't really thinking clearly. Oh, and he wasn't the driver...he was the tour guide for the driver who didn't speak english. We had taken crayons, and coloring books to hand out to children, but we didn't really have an opportunity on the tour to do so. As we parted, he asked if he could have one for his daughter. Again, I was embarrassed that I didn't offer it to him in the first place.

 

So, if any of you are approached outside the gates by a young man offering a tour, don't be afraid...he was great.

[Doug&Suzy-Q]

I am so sorry you got hurt..................bright side........you were on a cruise.....you could have been at home:p

You are right....some things just happen for a reason.....hope you are better now..................

I am sure your guide understood....and was grateful for the childrens gifts.

[SqueakyDust]

I was going to ask what you saw, how long you were on tour etc, but you obviously weren't firing on all cylinders that day ;)

Would hubby remember?