After three days into our trip, we had the fortunate pleasure of meeting up with Brian’s friend Sara (fictional name out of respect). A long-time acquaintance of Brian’s days in Eau Claire and attending UWEC, she recently moved to Costa Rica from Fall Creek, Wisconsin – working at a philanthropic volunteerism organization based in San Jose.
Sara had been to Tamarindo a couple of times before, and knew some of the sights and places we’d want to check out. In San Jose, she told us, people always ‘walk with a purpose’ and never mingle. Afternoon happy hour and finding introductions to new friends (amigos & amigas) seemed to be a rare event – so for her, the trip to Tamarindo was two-fold: to meet up with us and catch up with long time friend Brian but also to try her odds of finding an “amigo” or someone she could spend some time with while working down here.
Her first recommendation was dinner at Copacabana. Located in the main section of town, with a patio and also beach front dining, Copacabana had this unique charm about it – something perhaps I’d expect to find in a restaurant in a remote part of the the world. Wait a second…
The woman who sat us could have possibly been the owner, or co-owner, and her hospitality was second to none. “We welcome you, and hope you enjoy.” she said. The menu looked fantastic, and it wasn’t long before we were snacking on some complimentary frijoles negras (black bean dip) and chips. Definitely time for a Pilsen. A Pilsen you ask?
Pilsen – A local favorite from Costa Rica
Brewed locally in Costa Rica – Pilsen seems to be the beer of choice, perhaps rivaled by Imperial (at least from what we see advertised everywhere). Similar to Pabst or Grain Belt, Pilsen is your typical pilsner beer – but at 5.1% alcohol – not quite as watered down as its American counterparts (Michelob Golden, High Life, or even Leinenkugels). If Coors or something along that line is your “lawn mowing beer” – you’ll appreciate a Pilsen for sure.
What better to accompany our drinks and snacks than a little music. Say, a little “Hotel California”? Sure thing, Amigos, sure thing. For a few dollars, the local mariachi band will sing whatever you like (as long as it’s a classic). How fun!
It was then time for dinner, and we were able to indulge in the wonderful preparations made for us. Some grilled mahi-mahi with shrimps for me, chicken, pineapple and coconut curry for Meghan, a steak for the man from Denver, and cerviche – oh the wonderful cerviche – for Sara.
Ceviche – a mix of fish, shrimps, red peppers, onions and cilantro – marinated in lime juice.
Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Shrimps, roasted vegetables and rice.
For those not in the loop – cerviche is a mix of fish (sometimes shrimp), onions, peppers and cilantro – marinated in lime juice overnight. The acidity from the lime juice actually cooks the fish, resulting in a protein-rich pico de gallo to have with crackers or tortillas. We’d be back for sure.
The party (or la fiesta) was coordinated at the Crazy Monkey, an indoor/outdoor bar (with attached pool no less) attached to the local Best Western. We decided we’d try our luck – even in the rain. The ingenious part of the Crazy Monkey is the 40+ step stairway just to get to the place – and it made for (from our observations) perhaps the PERFECT deterrent for those that had one too many before they even got there. The place was relatively busy, filled with ticos and ticas, Americans, Nicaraguans, Andreas and Mario from Guatemala, and prostitutes – yes, prostitutes. Easy to spot – they’re always dressed fairly well and like to stand lone, typically by stairwells or off to the side of the dance floors. Look out gringos, look out. No smiles, squirms, or one-liners… their intense glares told me they were out for one thing…
At the Crazy Monkey – Tamarindo Costa Rica
A few drinks later – Sara spotted an American that caught her eye. No doubt in his mid to early twenties, with hair resembling that of your favorite TV show host, this guy HAD to be from the East coast and came here by the likes of some private boat. (Or that’s the story we made up at least). “He’s going to get away, come on Sara, he’s going to get away” I said.
“This isn’t my first rodeo Jerry!”
We burst out laughing. “Ok rodeo girl, go get him!”
Not a long while later, Sara returned with “the rest of the story” and informed us the details of our “man”. And then came Andreas and Mario – what looked to be lifelong buddies who happened to share the same bus to Tamarindo as Sara. What coincidence. Super nice fellas to boot. This was quite a different scene – live traditional Latin music on one platform and modern dance club music outside – with an electronic DJ mixin’ the beats. Strangers from all over the world mingling here, the hot spot in Tamarindo for the night, some looking to dance, others to drink, and some looking to indulge in all that is offered.
The smell of cigars, tobacco, and other roasted greens filling the air combined with live Latin beats, an abundance of dark skinned, brunette women and the occasional stare of the “putanas” – I realized one thing… we weren’t in Kansas anymore.
Tune in tomorrow – for what beach life in Tamarindo looks like, oh yeah, and a Monkey Howl….
Geeks In The Jungle 