Bodger

Nope.

Budget worked very well for us in February at FLL. I really wanted the Hyundai Accent for $65, but forced myself to take the Sebring Convertible for $35.00! :grin: For those leaving out of Port Everglades they have a drop off just outside the port entrance. They add $4.00 to the bill and take everyone and their luggage to the ship. I was very pleased. Bodger

We were on the Pacific coast side in 2001, and went to the mid-level (higher than coastal, lower than mountain) rainforest. We saw giant Macaws and monkees amongst other things. Had a great time, but it was hot and the A/C on the bus was broken. In 2004 we went to Puerto Limon. This time we took the "Green Train" tour. We went by bus inland, and had a shopping stop at a hotel compound for half an hour. Oh great, I thought, five minutes to see all the crap and then cool your heels. Boy was I wrong, there was wonderful stuff. I bought a couple of boxes made from Cocobolo, for less than I would have paid for the wood at home. Golf shirts for $10.00 with Costa Rica and parrots or those funky frogs embroidered on the chest. Lots of neat stuff and the prices were a steal. We had to rush back to the bus, then on to the train station where we traded transportation with the group that came out on the train. The train reminded me of the old coach when Butch and Sundance went to Bolivia. The windows opened and my left arm was wet from getting rained on. (I suppose I could have closed the window, but it was a warm rain, and not an issue.) The train trip was great and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the ecology of the rain forest. We also saw how the locals live. Remember it is not better or worse than what we have, just different. I would go back to Costa Rica anytime. The country is likely the best, safest and most stable in Central America. The vendors at the port have good prices on things. I had a leather belt made to order for $8.00. Two things: first you will never guess what the most significant export from Costa Rica is, and secondly the 'Green Train' is blue. Go and have a great time. Bodger

Nice to be here? At my age it's nice to be anywhere. -- George Burns.

Hey, it is better to be lucky than good! We were there in 2003 on the Statendam. Do I get to supply the next 'where is it' photo? Bodger

We were on Princess this past winter. It was our first time with added tips. We felt the service, particularly in the dining room was lacking, although our cabin steward was excellent. We have always come back to HAL as our cruise line of choice, and have booked for next winter on the Volendam. I certainly hope that the new tipping policy has not affected them as well. We were happy with our cruise on Celebrity and I would choose Celebrity after HAL. Bodger

We were on Princess this past winter. It was our first time with added tips. We felt the service, particularly in the dining room was lacking, although our cabin steward was excellent. We have always come back to HAL as our cruise line of choice, and have booked for next winter on the Volendam. I certainly hope that the new tipping policy has not affected them as well. We were happy with our cruise on Celebrity and I would choose Celebrity after HAL. Bodger

Zihuatanejo?

Zihuatanejo?