I am currently 7 km from the main road in a village called Quebrada Grande in the Guanacaste province .
I left this morning from playa del cocos to cover neither more nor less than 80 km. It was a very difficult day. I pedaled more than 6 hours to cover this distance at an average speed of 12.7 km/h. The roads of Costa Rica are very dangerous, there are really a lot of cars. It is certain that during my trip to Cuba the cars were becoming rarer. I got up very early this morning, packed my bags and met my host Walter for the first time as he is a chef in a hotel. The latter returned at two o'clock in the morning, because he had to cook for the hungry guests on Christmas Eve. I swallowed a coffee and a cheese bun. I then headed to playa hermosa (Beautiful beach). The road is difficult, there are several climbs. I don't stay at the beach, because I have a long way to go. The path taken for this part is more pleasant. Going up a huge hill I passed a bar, but I can't remember the name. This bar looked very cool, but I can't remember why!! I took a photo anyway. I travel on a small camino in a small village called Guardia. I was finally able to speak with real " Costarricenses " and see their houses. I have to take the same path back to the airport, it's really dangerous and the wind is really strong on the road to Liberia. I see a sign that proves that capitalism is very entrenched in Costa Rica: a Walmart ad. I take a little break and I eat a little with an empanada with a little bit of chicken inside. On the road, I see a hardware store that sells wooden planks measuring 46 feet, it's impressive. Looks like I'm an ant in front of a fence. After several minutes I come across the famous Walmart which, moreover, is open on Christmas Day!!! It's incredible!!! It is the new temple of God. Several disciples were gathered for this great celebration!!! I finally arrive in Liberia, but I'm not thrilled with the place. I don't like towns with McDo's, Taco Bells or KFCs. I rest in a small park and enjoy the network. I'm tired and I've only traveled 46km. After several minutes of rest I feel like continuing on the road. I take for the first time the Panamericana which crosses all the countries of Central America. I see locals on the road on bikes. I decide to follow them and I arrive in a magnificent place where you can swim. A man gives me Rum... what more do you want? It's a great gathering for people who barbecue over the fire. After 20 minutes of discussion and idleness, I hit the road again. The wind is strong, but this time it collaborates with me. I decide to go for a little break a little later on a path adjoining the main road. I meet a family who gives me a beer, people are nice. To amuse them, I ask if I can have a little souvenir photo... in the car. I take my mount and I meet a young cyclist who rides very fast. As you can see the shoulder is very small. I believe I have reached my destination when I see that the village of Quebrada Grande is 7km away. Believe it or not, it took me more than an hour to cover this small distance due to an excessively persistent wind which dehorns the oxen every day. I finally arrive in the village, I'm exhausted... I go into a pizzeria and I ask if there are rooms to rent nearby! I'm not in a tourist area at all. I ask for help, the server tries a few calls but without success. So I decide to fill my stomach while waiting to resolve the situation. During this time, I meet the hairdresser who works next door. I learn that he is a Nicaraguan and his name is David!!! He comes to work here for 26 days and then returns to his village in Nicaragua to see his sweetheart. People are generous and work hard. I share my pizza with him. Finally, my new friend offers me to sleep in his large bedroom behind the hair salon. I negotiate a haircut included in the price of this improvised room. I pay $12 USD for my mattress and my haircut. It's on these incredible adventures that I'm going to go to bed, but first I'm going to try to take a shower in the bathroom, which has no lights, because it's burnt out. Silky generous!
David Beauchesne