Kayaking and a trip to the hot water springs

Thursday, June 18th

Hello all,

Our day began as usual, a light breakfast of fresh fruit and arroz con frijoles. Once packed, we were off to Lake Arenal for two person kayaking.  We got quite the workout as we traversed one side of the five mile lake and back again.  Some of us needed a refresher course on the basics of rowing as some of the "lanchas" (rowing boats) went round and round in circles. But no matter- we made it! :)

Then off to the town of Fortuna and everyone headed right to the heladaria (ice cream shop).  They even had cactus flavor which Alex was brave enough to try.  He declared that it tasted like raspberries.  We picked up a few souvenirs and took a walk through a local park. The Volcano Arenal always a lovely presence in the distance.

Then the hot springs.  Oh, the hot springs.  It was a virtual paradise for those who love to luxuriate in the water.   Called the Baldi Hot Spring resort, they boasted over 30 pools of differing temperatures with two water slides.  There was even one pool that went up to 152 degrees fahrenheit (we avoided that one :) ).  Of course the slides were a hit.

As we drove home we could hear the thunder growing louder.  Rain was definitely on its way. Then back to the hotel for some dinner.  After dinner, John Sternfield (Andrew's dad) showed off his card playing skills and taught a very rapt audience how to play "Texas Hold Em."  While lightening played against the sky, the kids were learning the particularities and strategies of the game.  The big winner of the first round?  Arthur (Ilan, a very, very close second) and our second round?  Andrew.  Way to go guys.  But in the end we were all winners because we learned a new game and were thoroughly entertained.

Hasta pronto!