About Me

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am married to my loving husband for more than 45 years now. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, until years ago when I lost my youngest son. Since then my life is forever altered but yet unbroken....
Showing posts with label Costa Rica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Costa Rica. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Central America 2025: Exploring the Mayan and the Aztecs Civilisation...

"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered..." - G.K. Chesterton

(Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico)

I’m in for a treat - an unforgettable adventure through Central America! 

This vibrant land calls with the roar of waterfalls, the sway of palm trees, and the colors of bustling markets spilling onto cobblestone streets. Our route will carry us from the mighty Panama Canal to Costa Rica’s misty rainforests alive with birdcalls, the vibrant heart of Mexico with its spices and melodies, and the timeless rhythm of Cuba where music drifts through the warm night air. Even the return journey promises surprise detours - Caracas and Istanbul - reminding me that the spirit of adventure is found not just in the destinations, but in every twist along the way.


Panama 
(20 - 22 June 2025)
Panama is a mix of modern cities and wild rainforests. We will be visiting the Panama Canal and try a boat tour through the canal and visit Embera indigenous villages, among other attractions.

Costa Rica 
(23 - 25 June 2025)
Costa Rica is an eco-paradise with the "Pura Vida" lifestyle. We will be expecting wildlife, rainforests and lots of tropical rain.

Mexico 
(26 June - 01 July 2025)
Mexico is a lively, colorful, and deeply historic country, incredible food, vibrant street life and diverse climates. The highlight of our trip will be visiting one on the Seven Wonders of the world, the Chichen Itza in Cancun which is the last in our list. In Mexico we will be visiting three cities - Cancun, Mexico City and Monterrey.

Cuba 
(02 - 05 July 2025)
Cuba is a timeless soulful country, classic cars, salsa music, and warm hospitality with vintage charm.Top highlights are Havana and a day trip to Viñales Valley.

This 20-day journey is more than just ticking places off a list - it’s a chance to soak in new experiences and stories along the way. Since some of the destinations we’re heading to have limited internet coverage, I may not be able to update the blog daily. But rest assured, the adventures will find their way here, even if a little later.

Central America Itinerary:
(19 June - 09 July 2025)


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Friday, 4 July 2025

05 Panama/Costa Rica: Going back to the past...

"My goal is to run out of pages in my passport. A change of latitude would help my attitude..."

(Goodbye Panama, Hola Costa Rica)

Day 05: 23/06/25 (Monday)
Activity: Panama City Tour
Flight: AV642 PTY 1330/SAL 1345 (Avianca)
Route: Panama City, Panama - San Jose, Costa Rica
Hotel: Cultura Plaza Hotel San Jose, Costa Rica

By 8:00 a.m., we were already at the hotel restaurant, though the wait for a simple breakfast felt unusually long. Outside, our ever-punctual guide, Mr. Ruben, was waiting patiently. With our flight to San José scheduled for 1:30 p.m., we had just enough time to enjoy a half-day tour of Panama City before heading to the airport.

(Waiting patiently for our breakfast)
(Costa Rican coffee and a plate of tropical fruits)
(Hard boiled eggs, salad and toasted bread)

Our first stop was the Jama Mosque of Panama City. Though closed at that hour, the quiet building stood as a reminder of the city’s diversity. Known locally as Jama Mezquita, it is the oldest mosque in both Panama and Central America, built in 1980 and inaugurated in 1982. With space for up to 500 worshippers, it remains an important cultural and spiritual home for the Muslim community here.

(Jame' Mosque of Panama City)
(Islamic Foundation of Panama)
(A centre for Islamic community)

From there, we made our way to Casco Viejo - also called Casco Antiguo or the Old Quarter. This historic heart of Panama City is an enchanting mix of Spanish colonial, French, and Neoclassical architecture. Colorful facades with wrought-iron balconies line cobblestone streets, while rooftop terraces overlook the ocean and the modern skyline beyond. No wonder UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1997.

(A world Heritage Site)
(The historic, soulful old town)
(A mixed of restored neoclassical buildings)
(Romantic wrought iron balconies)
(A narrow colourful walking street)
(Diablicos Restaurant in the old quarters)
(The Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, one of the century old churches)
(A display of expensive classic Panama hats)
(The skyline of Panama City)
(Souvenirs from the street vendors)
(The cheaper version of the Panama hats)

We drove to the famous Panama Sign. This vibrant “PANAMÁ” sign is a colorful public art installation and popular photo spot located near Flamenco Marina on Isla Flamenco, part of the Amador Causeway in Panama City. It is designed to offer iconic, picture-perfect views of the city skyline and the bay scenic waterfront backdrop.

(A striking and colourful landmark of Panama)
(The Flamenco Marina, along the Cinta Costera)
(Stunning view of the Pacific Ocean)
(Monument to the 22,000 workers killed)
(The historic handshake between USA/Panama leaders)
(The vibrant coloured of Panama Bio-Museum)

Not far away was the Mirador de las Américas, a small yet striking observation park perched on the western end of the Bridge of the Americas. From here, we could see the bridge itself spanning the Pacific entrance of the canal, ships gliding below, Balboa Harbour, and the green rise of Cerro Ancón. The site is also home to the Chinese Memorial Gateway, its red-roofed pagoda entrance and marble monument honoring over 150 years of the Chinese community in Panama—guarded by proud stone lions.

(The Chinese Memorable Gateway)
(Monument of 150 years of Chinese presence)
(A view of Miraflores locks)

Crossing the Bridge of the Americas on our way to the airport felt like a fitting farewell. This vital link of the Pan-American Highway has long symbolized Panama’s role as a bridge between continents and oceans.

(The Bridge of the Americas)
(Crossing the Panama Canal)

We arrived at Tocumen International Airport with just enough time to check in. The short one-hour flight passed quickly. I dozed off and awoke as we landed in San José, Costa Rica around 1:45 p.m. local time. Rain greeted us, along with the familiar chaos of heavy traffic, as our driver navigated us into the city center.

(Boarding pass to San Jose, Costa Rica)
(On board of the Avianca Airlines)
(Welcome to Costa Rica)
(Mr Sloth, Costa Rica's mascot)

Our hotel, Cultura Plaza, is perfectly located in the heart of San José’s cultural district. Set on Calle 5 and Avenida 0, it faces the historic Cine Variedades and is just a short walk from the National Theatre, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the lively Central Artisan Market. The location felt ideal for immersing ourselves in the city’s history and atmosphere.

(In the taxi to the hotel in San Jose)
(Cultura Plaza Hotel, San Jose)
(Our hotel centrally located in the city)
(Waiting for our room key)

After checking in, our stomachs reminded us that it was long past lunchtime. We took a short walk to Café Al-Masri, a small, family-run Egyptian restaurant tucked away in Barrio Amón, one of San José’s historic neighborhoods. The warm hospitality of the chef, who personally prepares traditional dishes, added to the charm. Plates of flavorful Egyptian food and sweet Arabic desserts were a comforting welcome after a day of travel.

Though the rain still lingered outside, San José already felt inviting - a city with layers of culture waiting to be explored.

(Cafe àl-Masri, an Egyptian restaurant)
(Beef kebab and rice for our late lunch/early dinner)


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Thursday, 3 July 2025

06: Costa Rica: Bites and Sights City Tour...

"I follow my heart and it leads me to the airport. Running to the boarding gate is my cardio..."

(Bites and Sights Walking Tour in the rain)

Day 06: 24/06/25 (Tuesday)
Activity: San Jose Bites and Sights City Tour
Hotel: Cultura Plaza Hotel San Jose, Costa Rica

We had Waffle, toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

(Waffle with maple syrup and fruits)
(The early birds)

At 8.00 am, the four of us went for a self-tour around Walking Street and the Central Park area. Our first stop was the Metropolitana Cathedral, standing gracefully in front of the park. After making a full circle around the square, we headed back toward the hotel.

(Self walking tour around town)
(The Central Bank of Costa Rica)
(The Central Park of San Jose)
(The Metropolitana Cathedral opposite the park)
(The Culturo Plaza - central gathering place)
(San Jose Walking Street, not crowded in the early morning)
(Museo de los Niños, formerly a central penitentiary)

On the way, we stopped for coffee at La Casa Del Zason, one of the many inviting sidewalk cafés, and browsed through a few souvenir shops.

(Vibrant display of flower bouquets)
(One of the many murals on the wall)
(La Casa Del Zason, a Mexican style Cafe)

After freshening up, we took an Uber to visit Masjid Omar and Islamic Centre. Unfortunately, the mosque was closed, and despite waiting for a while, no one came for prayers.

(Masjid Omar and the Islamic Centre)
(The mosque was locked)

Staying connected in Costa Rica proved to be a challenge, as none of us managed to activate roaming services. Thankfully, the owner of a nearby convenience store kindly helped us call an Uber to reach a Halal Pizza Restaurant. To our disappointment, the restaurant was closed on Tuesdays, so we crossed the street to Marelli’s Pizza and settled for a vegetarian pizza lunch. 

(The Halal Pizza Restaurant was closed!)
(Waiting for our order of vegetarian pizza)
(Tasty and filling lunch)
(Extra pizza, ready to go)

Later, when returning to the hotel, we had to rely again on an Uber driver’s assistance since we couldn’t book online. This time, the fare was USD10 instead of the usual USD6.

( Well covered up for the heavy rain)
(Identifying the tropical fruits)
(Herbs with health and medicinal benefits)

In the afternoon, we joined a group of fellow travelers for the 'Bites and Sights Food Walking Tour' led by our guide, Mr. Oscar. The three-hour experience promised a rich immersion into local flavors, culture, and city landmarks.

(The Borbon Market or Fruit Market)
(Fruit tasting in Borbon Market)
( Varieties of hot chilli peppers)

It was pouring rain when we began, but spirits were high. The walk started at Mercado El Registro (Borbon Market) and continued to Mercado Central, where we sampled exotic fruits such as pejibaye, guanábana, and cashew fruit. Inside the bustling market, we explored local staples, herbal remedies, unusual peppery ice cream, and caldosa corn chips.

(One of Costa Rica’s oldest ice cream shops).
(Varieties of food and desserts)

At Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop, we enjoyed a hands-on cooking session - brewing traditional Café Chorreado, making sweet plantain empanadas, tasting tamal wrapped in banana leaves, and sipping Agua de Sapo, a refreshing drink of sugarcane, ginger, and lemon.

(The famous Mr Sloth Coffee Shop)
(Mr Oscar's banana pancake cooking demonstration)
(Cooking our own pancakes)
(Sweet plantain empanadas)
(Sweet tasty banana pancakes, my style)
(Vegetarian Tamal wrapped in banana leaves)

The tour also included cultural highlights as we passed notable landmarks: the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre, Morazán Park, and the Central Post & Telegraph Building. Our journey ended at the lively Plaza de la Cultura, leaving us with a deeper taste of San José’s vibrant spirit.

(The National Theatre, inspired by Paris's Palais Garnier)
(Designed in a neoclassical/renaissance style)
(The front facade is decorated with statues)


Posted by at No comments:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)