It’s always interesting coming back to a place where you’ve previously made great memories. Deja vu abounds and nostalgia too. My last visit to Monteverde included ziplining and that devil, the Tarzan swing, walking in the cloud forest and night safari and a trip to Don Juan’s to get the coffee story from bean to barista.
This visit had ziplining too, they’ve upgraded to two superman lines, one is 1590 metres long, the longest in Latin America. The Tarzan swing was just as stomach churning as last time, and I think I might have actually enjoyed it a little. Soaring over the trees through cloudy fog, the wind stings the eyes so you have tears streaming down your face when you land. I’ll never get tired of the feeling if flying.
Some of us kept the adventure going with horse riding, beautiful horses – not ponies this time! – and views across to the Pacific Ocean. We weaved through dense forest, past giant leaf-cutter ant mounds, through fields and often trotting or cantering which makes a nice change from plodding in a line. The trot on my quarter horse was one of the smoothest I’ve ever enjoyed. I always feel better in the saddle.
Walking back into our room I got the shock of my life. Did I mention it was my birthday? The group had gone to town with streamers, balloons, a delicious chocolate cake and my favourite rum and cola. I’ve seen the video and I’ve never moved so quick as when I jumped in and out of the room when they surprised me. Some tunes, some cake and some rum before a balloon popping frenzy ensued and I don’t believe I stopped smiling. And all while I smelled like adrenalin and horse sweat. Oh yeah!
To make my day even more special we went out for dinner and the restaurant sang for me again with a slice of dessert and a candle. Overall I’m glad no one tried to find enough candles…could have started a bush fire.
The party continued in town with live music and dancing at a nightclub. It must have looked pretty funny watching us try our salsa moves again before reverting to dancing like nobody is watching.
Again I was astounded by the generosity and wonderfulness of my tour buddies when I was humbled to receive gifts as well. B gave me a pair of mother-of-pearl earrings that have become part of my staple uniform. The group signed a card for me which I’ll always cherish. Then there is the hairband, turquoise pendant necklace and the most beautiful Swiss Legend watch with silicone band, mother of pearl face, analog with roman numerals and south beach diamonds all from the amazing JP. I know I can cry over spilt milk or a good gooey kleenex advert but I was genuinely moved to tears by such a huge gift. She knew I’d lost my watch in Copán and went to great lengths to organise an awesome and sincere gift. I’m truly very humbled and grateful to everyone going out of their way to make my birthday so very special. I’ll never forget my 35th birthday.
