The Road to Limon

Our grand adventure continued as we made our road trip to Limon, the Caribbean coastal city where immigrants from Jamaica settled after working on the railroad.  Limon has always been an important port city that is still underdeveloped except for goods entering and leaving the country.  Initially the railroad was important in this endeavor but now trucking plays an important role in commerce.

I was fascinated with the very colorful homes throughout the country.  This one really struck my fancy.  I was told that there are no strict zoning laws in the country so you can see very different types of homes next to each other.



These are homes enroute to Limon.  Color abounds no matter the circumstances.

 
 
We are touring through the mountains.  Tunnel Ahead!  Our gracious guides Juan Diego and  Stephen told us how fortunate we were to have such good weather.  It frequently rains in the mountains and in the National Park this time of year.  We observed the lush foliage and longed to take the skytram through the rain forest.  Unfortunately not this trip.

 As could be expected there were rivers everywhere to provide drainage for all the mountains and rain.


Of course no road trip is complete without good company and good food.  As we learned to say Pura Vida!  It was a good life indeed.

Our trusty ride and excellent driver,Stephen.  Costa Rican drivers are aggressive and you have to be  courageous to get on the roads. 

 My yummy chicken, plantain, heart of palm, beans and rice and salad. 

Onward we went as we counted the miles, watched the trucks and the never ending scenery. Our first stop in Limon was the University of Costa Rica, Limon Biblioteca where additional works were to be exhibited.  Students were swimming, sitting outside, enjoying conversation and being typical college students.  As always I was scouting the public art.

Exterior of the UCR Limon Library

Detail of the art

Exterior of a student building

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artifacts on the UCR Limon campus

  
Our second stop was the Thomas Lynch Biblioteca where we would teach for two days.  These murals surround the courtyard.

After checking the facility and meeting the staff we would work with for the next two days we headed for our hotel.There's nothing like a Limon traffic jam. Cabs and trucks were moving around each other with dispatch. The trip certainly kept us alert. 

Our first view of the sea as we headed for the Westfalia Hotel our new home for five days.  A pleasant fifteen minute drive from downtown.

 

These beautiful tire tucans greeted us upon our arrival.  I was lucky enough to get the suite of the facility that looked out sea.   Lucky me.

As always the day ended with a fabulous meal  where we enjoyed delicious food, good conversation and the sound and smell of the sea.