Tuesday, June 28, 2005

death by Costa Rica

Josh's co-workers gave him a guide to Costa Rica that I have been reading in preparation for our trip. Clearly, Josh's email on the cockroaches, spiders and centipedes in CR have given me cause for concern. Today on the phone he told me that every morning he wakes up with bug bites from unknown creatures. Again, halloweenlover is NOT happy.

A week and a half ago, I went to a travel clinic appointment where they regaled me with stories of malaria, typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis A. Today I have to go to the drug store to fill my malaria prescription and I got a hepatitis A shot that still has a bruise 11 days later. I'll let you know if I have "vivid and frightening dreams" on the malaria pills as described as potential side effects. Should be fun.

Over the weekend I read about the rainforest we are visiting, and the guide book advised wearing thick rubber boots to prevent poisonous snake bites. I'm sorry, WHAT?!?!

AND AS IF THIS WASN'T ENOUGH, Josh told me some of the names of the hotels where we will be staying. I did a google search for one of them, and came up with this. In case you'd rather not link, I'll cut and paste it in:

Safety Concerns: Tabacón Hot Springs is a “high-risk zone” and lies directly in
the path of the volcano’s eruptive path (the former community of Tabacón was
decimated in 1968 by an eruption that killed 78 people; and in June 1975, an
eruptive avalanche passed over the site of today’s Balneario [Hot Springs]). A
potentially deadly avalanche occurs within the zone once every two or three
years, often without warning, and it is unlikely that anyone in its path could
get out of the way in time. We do not recommend a visit to the Tabacon Hot
Springs (not Tabacon Resort Hotel which is on a rise) due to its low lying, down
wind position at the base of a stream that drains the summit. Travelers (or
local tour operators) intending to visit the Tabacon Hot Springs by their own
arrangement should be aware of the risk of a pyroclastic flow in the direction
of Tabacon.

Do you hear that sound? There? That is the sound of me crying.

People visit Costa Rica all the time, right? And they make it back?


** UPDATE**

Before I add scorpions to this list, per APL's suggestion, I feel the need to say that I am very happy and excited to be traveling to Costa Rica. I am simply lamenting the fact that people are telling me scary things- not criticizing the country. I love the places I have visited thus far in Central and South America and I hope to travel to many more exotic locations in my lifetime.

13 comments:

Honey Bunny said...

you'll be FINE! just think of how many people would love to go to costa rica! you're one of the fortunate ones :)

YG&B said...

i agree that you are being ridiculous, halloweenlover! everyone loves costa rica. i was there for 3 months, including 2 full weeks in the "bush" and i was totally fine. no weird bites and the bugs are too busy running from the geckos to bother you. you will love it. and i'm offended that you got malarial shots.

halloweenlover said...

yg&b, I am sure that your visit in Costa Rica is the explanation for why you are so crazy. You should have taken preventive measures and then we wouldn't have to deal with your insanity. Kisses.

btw, I AM very grateful and feel very lucky to be going! It just seems that everyone is conspiring to scare me before I get there! 4 more days! WOOOHOOO

Andriu said...

Hey!
Worry not! I´ve been to Costa Rica and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. And yep! I made it back.

Phantom Scribbler said...

OK, you'll be fine. You can relax. I will take over the job of worrying about your trip from here on out.

Trust me, I'm a professional worrier.

halloweenlover said...

I hate APL. I can't believe she added something else to my list of worries.

Anonymous said...

i am not offended that you got malaria shots before visiting a malarial zone. Just as it's not insulting to wear a coat to Boston in the winter, it's not insulting to get anti-malarials where the disease is prevalent.

Have fun!

halloweenlover said...

Thanks for the support avianflu. Your name made me laugh, and since I am still at work, I could use the laugh : )

Notes from the Trenches said...

Oh my god, I'd be doing the same sort of freaking out and obsessing, but likewise I'd be so excited to go. Bring some 100% DEET with you and make your husband walk in front of you to do the snake detecting and stomping ;-)

Can't wait to see the photos of your trip!

Unknown said...

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Traveling in groups, wearing no jewelry and leaving valuables in safes, has proven helpful, according to the recording.
There is no warning against travel to Costa Rica, but a public announcement has been made regarding recent employee strikes, which have resulted in violence.
http://www.enterbet.com

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