Just a short little jaunt today… an easy ride across to the Pacific coast and into the crescent shaped bay and sleepy fishing village of San Juan del Sur. We were actually considering skipping this gem and just heading for the border…but what's the rush?

After arriving and circling the seaside village to get our bearings Kev and I proceeded to 'putt around' eyeing establishments for secure parking. We found a small hotel just off the coastal drag that had gated parking and luckily an open room for the night. I was not able to view the room before committing to the booking,as it was still occupied but a friendly Costa Rican offered to take pictures of his room and show us. All looked fine so we committed and paid the $40 US that included breakfast. We had arrived early…9:30am to be exact, and it felt really weird to be stopping for the day! Our room would not be ready until 2pm, so we decided to park the bikes, get out of our riding gear and chill by the pool. By 1pm, pleasantly earlier than expected, Kev and I had our room key. Now I know that you are thinking that our room was not what we expected…sorry to disappoint… it was just like the pictures I was shown!

*The bay is beginning to fill up with boats, bursts of laughter and festivities.*

We had arrived on a special day for this little fishing community, the Virgen del Carmen festival, a celebration and blessing of the Queen of the sea. 'La Reina de los Mares', the Queen of the Seas was once believed that with her water purifying presence cleared up the sea waters so that they would be fit for swimming in! Very important for the many famous surf beaches located in the area! This sleepy fishing and surfers paradise was rowdy and alive! The large fishing pier was packed with locals joyfully celebrating. Repeatedly, ignited fire crackers shot into the sky, exploded and loudly echoed across the bay, children jumping off the pier, narrowly missing the swarming boats screamed and laughed, and a jumble of drum and trumpet compilations echoed the village streets. It was pretty darn fun to sit back and experience their excitement. We enjoyed the sun setting over the 'Jesus de la Misericoridia' while enjoying a 'happy hour' dinner complete with beer and tastey tapas for $13.