Conducting photo tours in Costa Rica can be quite an experience because I never know what my group and I will encounter. Here is an entertaining event that occurred while we were traveling to one of our locations.

One of the destinations for my group in Costa Rica Photo Tours is the beautiful, pristine Osa Peninsula along the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, a place that National Geographic says is “the most biologically diverse place” on the planet. In order to reach this location by vehicle we drive through the tiny village of Ojochal, which is very near my home.

Some Costa Ricans in rural communities have an unusual method of moving. As one of my groups was passing through the village some folks started pointing to something ahead of us. It was a fellow moving. But, before telling you this story, let me give you a little background on this gentleman.

When we first moved to Costa Rica our only neighbours were Ticos (as Costa Ricans call themselves) and Senor Wilson (isn’t that Spanish or what?) brought us a house-warming gift of some flowering plants. It was quite humorous to see him standing at the top of our driveway holding some plants because, you see, he was too polite to come to our door without an invitation even though he was bearing a gift to welcome us.

After a sort of “conversation”, he in Spanish and my wife and I mostly in English, I realized that he wanted to give us the plants. We were new in the community and this was a welcoming from the neighbours who live at least a hour walk up the mountain. Yep, walk. No car. Senor Wilson walked an hour just to deliver a gift. Now, that is neighborly!

Over the years, Senor Wilson has given me flowering plants many times, always expecting me to plant them somewhere. Well, it does not always happen that the planting occurs quickly enough so sometimes the plants may not be in very good shape by the time they are planted. In any event, I certainly never expected to be tested on my planting abilities when I moved to Costa Rica from Canada.

One day Wilson arrived at the house with another plant, accompanied by his two sons who were going swimming in the river beside our house. He gave me the new plant and then asked where I had planted the others that he had brought.

Unfortunately, the flowering plants were still on my terrace in aluminium kettles with drainage holes stabbed in the bottom of the pot with a machete. When good neighbor Wilson saw that his previous gift had not been planted, he politely asked in his quiet way if I would mind if he planted all of them for me. Quite a fellow, my neighbor and friend, Wilson.

Now, back to my photography tour group and the day they met Wilson. As we were driving along, we saw a man walking a horse. It was neighbor Wilson. What a sight! The poor horse was carrying two huge, not big–huge, white bags filled with clothes and household items. To add insult to injury, Wilson had propped a broom between the bags so that its blue bristle appeared between the horse’s ears. It looked just like the critter was wearing a bristle blue tiara! Not a very macho horse, I must say.

Wilson, standing by the horse, was holding a bridle in one hand and a birdcage in the other. A man, his birdcage, a horse, his crown. Quite a sight! It was moving day in Costa Rica.

I started the conversation as usual with “Hola, que tal?” “How are you?” And then I asked if he was moving (only kidding). But, sure enough, the horse was neighbor Wilson’s version of a moving van. I believe it is called a grass-eating 4 X 4.

Wilson explained that his family would be babysitting one of the Bed and Breakfasts while the owner was going back to Germany during the rainy season. This was ideal for him because it was much easier for his wife and 3 children to live in the pueblo close to the school rather than walk down about 2 miles from their mountain home every day.

The birdcage was quite interesting. It seemed to me that on one of the previous trips someone could have brought the cage down to the new digs.

I guess carrying flowering plants and birdcages come under the same heading. Wilson explained that the bird was young (parrot or parakeet, can’t really tell) and that it was very talkative. As if to show off, the feathered pet suddenly started chattering. Unfortunately, I had not yet mastered Spanish well enough to understand bird Spanish so I could not figure out what he was saying. But, it did not matter to the bird.

Everybody’s cameras were clicking away because this was certainly something not seen every day. A moving van of a horse wearing a blue tiara, a chattering bird showing off for company, and a family of five walking down a mountain, worldly possessions in hand, on moving day in Costa Rica. My photo tours are filled with surprises even for me.

If you are ever planning on traveling to Costa Rica, you have to go to Arenal Volcanic Region. The hotels in Arenal Costa Rica are the best in the country. Nayara Arenal Hotel and Gardens is one of the best places in the world to stay. Why Arenal Nayara Hotel:

This wonderfully unique hotel is situated below an active volcano. The spectacular views can be seen throughout the grounds. Each room has its own view of the volcano, which creates beautiful scenery throughout the day.

The hotel also offers many exciting activities. Whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fishing, and hiking are just some of the few activities that you can enjoy during your stay.

Nayara also offers activities for the explorers as well. The hiking trips can include the canopy trips that include crossing suspension brides. They also include guided hikes to the volcano. Enjoy one or both hiking trips during your stay, they are both awesome experiences.

Children are sure to love this wonderful place. There is so much about nature to learn, and they will have fun while doing it. Children are welcomed, and encouraged, to come to this hotel.

After a long day of outdoor activities with their children, parents have a great way to unwind. The wet bar is a great way to enjoy a cocktail and let your body relax in the Jacuzzi. If that’s not your style, a trip to the spa is sure to work. Just remember, reservations are highly recommended for the spa. And the spa closes fairly early in the evening.

Arenal Nayara hotel also offers various promotions and getaway packages too. Different specials will allow you to decide which activities you are planning on doing. The discounts help you so that you can enjoy more of the wonderful activities that are found in Arenal Costa Rica region.

Arenal in Costa Rica is truly the best vacation spot you can choose. At Nayara Hotel, Friendly staff are waiting to help make your vacation a truly once in a lifetime experience. There is no better way to spend your vacation than at hotel Arenal Nayara. The beautifully decorated, private rooms allow you to feel as though you are all alone in the nature. And awesome sightseeing adventures will let you get the most out of your Arenal Costa Rica visit.