Adcap I visited Costa Rica in 1996 when we spent three weeks driving all over and I absolutely loved it. This time, we spent hardly any time in the country, just a quick wiz through but with a great day off near La Fortuna, home of Arenal volcano and a wonder of the world. According to me, anyway. In 1996, the volcano was going through an active phase and, during the day, there were multiple eruptions of volcanic ash. It was at night though that we really struck lucky. We were staying at the Observatory Lodge, just a bit over a mile from the volcano and in an elevated position, so the view was astounding. I was awakened by the bed shaking, I woke the kids up and we rushed outside to see the show. What a sight! Molten lava was exploding out of the top and running in rivulets down the side. It was one of the most exciting spectacles of my life. Alas, this time it was not to be as it has been in a quiet phase si...
Haa valley is my special place in Bhutan. Remote, cold, outstandingly beautiful it is the essence of the spirit of Bhutan. Of the few tourists who come to this country only a round 3% make it to Haa and even fewer stay the night. A couple of years ago I heard about a civil servant, from Paro Dzong, who had converted the farmhouse that had been in his family for generations into a home stay. I went to look and couldn't believe what I saw. It was marvellous beyond words in every way. I've stayed there a couple of times since and never fail to be overwhelmed by it. I really wanted the rally to have that experience but, there were not enough rooms. The owner suggested that the local farmers would be happy to have guests in their houses - a first for them. And so it was. We were dotted about in the village and all agreed that we had the night of the rally. Bed rolls on the floor, a long drop, a cold tap, charming, hospitable hosts, bed tea and all wi...
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