Driftwood: Part IV

Josué described Sarchi as a small village with much color.  There are many artisans and friendly people.  Most everyone who lives there works with wood.  “But,” he said, “Sarchi is most famous for their carretas, ox carts.  They are brightly colored and intricately painted. 

As Josué described Sarchi, Nick wished to himself that they would bypass Sarchi and just go directly to the volcano.  He remembered as a youngster that he did a science project on volcanoes and, since that time, wanted to visit a volcano.  His mind drifted to that time of his life.  He and his friend, Tommy Winkler, were inseparable.  They spent summers climbing trees, hunting squirrels with their sling shots, and tormenting Tommy’s next door neighbor, Jenny Simmons. 

The next thing he knew, the van hit a bump which jolted him awake.  He woke with a jump.  Emily Fisher was peeking at him and giggled.  Nick felt Mr. Grumpy coming on but realized this was not the place or time for him to make an appearance.  Instead, Nick gazed out the window at the passing terrain.  He mused that Costa Rica was such a green place.  While the whole country wasn’t jungle, at least not that he had seen anyway, it was very lush. 

Josué announced that they were approaching Sarchi and would soon visit the Church of San Rafael and the Topiary Garden.  Again, Nick wasn’t exactly thrilled with this but was content to know his volcano would be seen soon.  The church and garden were both very pleasant surprises.  The church was a typical Spanish style church and was pretty but he enjoyed the garden most.  There were rows of shrubs that were formed into arches over concrete walkways.  It was obvious a lot of work went into this garden.  Since Nick enjoyed yard work, he appreciated the efforts put into maintaining the garden.  While he was happy to have been there, he appreciated lunch even more.

The group went to a typical restaurant in Costa Rica.  It was open air and they served typical Costa Rican food.  The group sat at one table and Josué announced that everyone could order whatever they wanted.  The menus were in Spanish but had English translations.  Nick noted that there were also currency conversions too.  He thought that they seem to cater to Americans. 

The Spanish speaking people of the group sat together at the table and Josué and the driver sat across from each other in between them and Nick and the family.  Nick sat at the head of the table with Emily seated to his left.  At least two times during the meal she stood next to Nick and softly patted his knee.  She looked around seemingly distracted while she patted his knee.  She repeated, “Guess what, grandpa?  Guess what?”  Nick answered, “What, Emily Fisher?”

“Um, I’m a big girl.  I can eat all the food on my plate.” 

Nick looked at her plate which was hardly touched.  He replied, “You better get going on that plate.  In my house, you don’t get dessert if you don’t eat everything on your plate.”  To that, she returned to her seat and started eating.  How quickly they forget, Nick thought. 

After lunch, Josué announced they would go to a furniture shop next and everyone would have an opportunity to look for souvenirs and the furniture that is locally made.  Again, Nick wished they could simply go to the volcano.  Still, he was happy they made the stop.  The hand crafted items at the store were of top quality.  The furniture, all of which was solid wood, was beautiful.  Nick mused that the craftsmen had talent.  There was a dining room set that he loved and wished to purchase.  However, since Gwen had died and the kids were all grown, there was no point in buying new furniture.  Even still, Nick did purchase a Panama hat.  It was white with a black band.  He put it on and Josué and Emily’s parents expressed their approval.  Even a couple locals smiled and nodded. 

Finally, it was time to visit the volcano.  The excitement grew within Nick.  He felt like a kid on Christmas Eve.  Santa was finally coming after being good for so long.  After many years, he would see the volcano.  During the drive to the Arenal Volcano, Josué described the agenda for the remainder of the day.  The drive to the Tabacón resort would be about an hour.  Once at the resort, everyone had a choice between hiking up the volcano or spending the whole time at the resort which included hot springs, pools and a swim up bar in a pool.  Those who hiked the volcano would get an abbreviated time at the resort.  Dinner would be buffet style.  Josué said he would want their decisions upon arrival at the resort. 

He could hike up the volcano.  The thought both thrilled and frightened Nick.  Originally, he planned to nap the remaining leg to the resort but he had to seriously consider his options.  Originally, he planned to enjoy the hot pools and waterfalls.  While he felt he should jump at the chance to hike up the volcano, he was concerned about how his left knee would be coming back down.  Even since he hurt his knee skating with the kids that Christmas Day, it hasn’t been the same.  He could ride a bike and walk but if the terrain was hilly, he regretted it later.  He realized the decision was already made.  He would enjoy the view but would also enjoy more time in the hot springs.