Costa Rica - Part Two

One of our favourite meals in Costa Rica was this chicken dish made in our outdoor kitchen, on the gas stove. The pictures are dark and that's because at Casa Arenosa the sun set at 6 p.m. sharp and we cooked by solar lights and candlelight. The kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed
making delicious meals - after which we soon turned in for the night
(in our meshed-in beds by 9 p.m. and up by 5:45 a.m. - it was all good)!

Our travel mates Karen and Ron preparing this wonderful meal!

Recipe:

1 Red Onion - thinly sliced

1 Cups fresh pineapple - cut into bite sized chunks

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil

4 - 6 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts

Rub for Chicken:

1 Tbsp. Flour

2 tsp. Chili Powder

2 tsp. Cinnamon

2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

1/2 tsp. Cayenne

Saute onion slices in oil.

Add the pineapple chunks and cook till softened - set aside.

Combine the rub ingredients and rub chicken breasts - coating well.

Brown the chicken in skillet - 3 minutes/side until browned.

Add the pineapple and onions back into the skillet with the chicken,

cover and simmer for 5 minutes on each side.

Serve over rice or couscous.

The outdoor dining room surrounded by the night sounds of secedes and jungle noises!! Perfect.

After leaving this beautiful place we travelled 
back along the coast, spending a bit of time on the vast beaches of
Playa Uvita
before travelling inland and up, up into the
Cerre de la Meurte (Peak of Death) Mountains
via the Inter-American Highway.
There were breathtaking views and 
low hanging clouds - beautiful!

As we travelled along this high ridge
(elevation 11,300 feet)
the temperature changed dramatically from sea level.
It was cool and refreshing with
beautiful vistas and hair pin turns.







We arrived safely to our destination 
Trogan Lodge, San Gerardo de Dota after a dramatic 
rapid decent down tight hair pin turns,
in spite of our not so reliable vehicle ......
the brakes failed as soon as we reached the bottom parking lot!
Our faces told the story of how thankful we were to have been "protected"
by many angels on this leg of our trip!


If you ever go to this area you must stay at this amazing lodge.
The crisp mountain air, the beautiful waterfalls, fresh water brook, moss covered trails,
trout filled ponds, hydroponic greenhouses, humming birds, rare birds, lush gardens,
zip lines (nope - we didn't), hot water bottles for your cozy beds,
delicious dining, etc. are just a few reasons why!

That's us way at the top of the water fall!

Hmmm - wonder if I could do this to our barn hill at home?

Last, but certainly not least, we got up very early
to find the famous and resplendent Quetzal!!!!

There he is with his very long tail feeding in the avocado tree (do you see the avocados?)

Isn't he gorgeous?!

We were not the only ones who saw him - lol!
It was SOOOO worth it.










It was time to say good-bye to this "wonder"ful part of our planet
but we will never forget this fantastic trip with dear friends.

On the kitchen table was a warm welcome home from our neighbours who checked into the house while we galavanted in Costa Rica. The best neighbours ever!

Till next time ......... still holding on to the warm memories and delicious foods of Costa Rica! PURA VIDA!