Samara, Costa Rica -- night

I got a room for 2000 colones per night as soon as I got off the bus from Nicoya. And I changed into my bathing suit immediately to go into the ocean. These solitary dips into the ocean are becoming a bit routine, as sad as that may be. So I didn't stay in for too long, but sat on the beach for a while afterwards.

While sitting there, I noticed a young guy come to the beach as I do: taking off his sandals, then placing his t-shirt on top of the sandals to mark his spot before going into the ocean. I wondered to myself whether he was also travelling solo around Costa Rica, like me. When he came out of the ocean, he came directly up to me to start a conversation, just like that! It was a good example of what I may do in the future. We ended talking for a little bit before joining in a game of soccer on the beach; it was the Ticos versus the Europeans & North Americans. The Ticos kicked our ass. For having practically no experience with a soccer ball, I played pretty well, tending more toward the defensive end of the field to use my speed.

Afterwards, I went into the ocean to cool off and wash off the loose sand. I got into a conversation there with a guy named Tony from Montreal, Canada, who's here for three months to learn Spanish. He's only been here two weeks. He's a total stoner, but not of the long-hair, hippie variety, so it's cool. He's a nice guy.

After that, I went back to the cabin to shower up and get changed for dinner. When I walked out, I happened to see Ronald, the Dutch/German guy I had talked with earlier, I invited him to come with me to dinner to continue our conversations on travelling, culture, and politics. After taking a good old time at dinner (we were the last ones there), we walked to a bar recommended by Tony earlier. The group of Europeans was there, including one guy from the Netherlands, a guy from Germany, and a guy from Switzerland. Tony came by later on. I talked among the Europeans, but later talked mostly with Ronald. At the end of the night, Tony joined Ronald and I at a table to talk about all sorts of things.

My experience here in Samara has been good so far. I think I'll stay for at least one more night. Now, time to read another chapter or two of Lord Jim, and then lights out.