Hurry up and wait

After breakfast, our group headed towards the mountains to attempt to view the Irazu volcano. The ride up to the crater was very steep and full of lush vegetation and animals.

While traveling, we saw dogs, sheep, cattle, and horses. 

When we finally arrived, we started our windy trek up the path towards the crater. The rain was very unforgiving and felt like a frozen mist. Unfortunately, we missed our window to see the volcano, because the clouds were too thick. Maybe I'll have an opportunity to see it, on another visit. After the volcano, we headed to a local market in town. On our way to the market, we had the opportunity to take pictures on the railroad that will open tomorrow. This track will allow individuals to commute from Cartago to San Jose. We were some of the first people to walk on the tracks and were even able to take "SeNiOr PiCs"!

When we arrived at the market, the meat and fish section smelled horrible and contained weird things, like chicken feet...yuck! However, we did get to learn more about foreign fruits and try a guava. Fernando, our tour guide ever used a seed as an earring. ;)

We then walked to a place where a church was started, but never finished. It was filled with numerous plants and trees.

After exploring the area, we headed to lunch. Unfortunately, our original route was blocked by a landslide. Our driver thought it'd be a good idea to go a back way, across a bridge. Ironically, that didn't happen either. The bridge was too low, to accommodate our bus. We ended up going another route and finally made it to our destination. Third times the charm, right? Lunch took place at a beautiful coffee plantation. My meal consisted of a salad, steak, rice, and grilled veggies. Every meal we have always has a fresh squeezed juice. This time it was star fruit juice. Dessert was coconut flan and of course fresh coffee made in front of us.

I was really excited to try it, since we were at a coffee plantation. I have to admit, I wasn't a big fan. The coffee had a very bitter taste to it. After lunch, we headed to the Basilica De Los Angels . The church there was absolutely stunning.

While there, we learned that the location of the church was picked, after a stone doll repeatedly moved to a different spot  on it's own. They believed that was a sign from Mary and built the church there. After touring the church, I was able to fill up a souvenir bottle with holy water. Once we arrived back at the hotel, I was able to snap a pic of the sun setting on the city.

Dinner tonight was at one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Basilico. Let's be honest, who doesn't like brick oven pizza and wine? Well I think that's it, for the evening. Buenos nochas, Costa Rica!