Middle-aged flash packers

Well today started with an earthquake. I was cleaning my teeth when I heard a noise that sounded like a spin dryer. In fact it was the bed shaking. No damage – shaken but not stirred. By the way it’s a myth that dogs sense an earthquake coming, they all started barking after the tremor, not before.
A long drive today to Santa Theresa, highlighted as a laid back surfy kind of place in Lonely Planet.
The Nissan x trail came into its own today. 5 river crossings and a teeth rattling “road” full of holes and ridges – absolutely brilliant fun. We had an unscheduled stop at the beautiful Casa Caleta as the jalapeño “firehouse” burger of last night was having a robust effect. So glad we stopped as the view from the terrace was stunning. It looked over a huge bay that had a river running into it. The tide was out and all I could hear was the odd bird call. We wished we could have stayed there.
Anyway, arrived in Santa Theresa about 2. First impressions not great. Horrible,dusty,busy road runs between the beach and restaurants/accommodation. Can’t tell you how annoying this road is. As a pedestrian trying to walk somewhere, you are forced to pick a route between rubble and being hit by an atv. (Quad bike thingy). You are permanently covered in dust from the traffic and stupid surfer types driving way too fast.
The hotel Tico Lindo is thankfully set back a bit from the road, up a side street. It is run by two crazy Barcelonian women. Think Barcelona meets New York – the neuroses knows no bounds. They talk twenty to the dozen but are very likeable. Unfortunately the hotel is run for their convenience and not the other way round. We were given a list of things we couldn’t do as long as my arm. This included bringing food or alcohol into our room. (They don’t have a bar.) immediately I was dreaming of drinking a bottle of wine on the terrace, maybe a couple of beers too with a bag of crisps. I wanted to turn my music up full blast after 10pm and scatter litter everywhere. Before I started having a total breakdown over this, Steve suggested we take a walk along the beach.
It’s beautiful and goes on for ever. Surfers cluster in certain areas but mainly its sparsely populated. I think I can live with it for a couple of days but not sure the surfer vibe is for me. In fact, unless you are under 25, have meaningful tattoos and are Canadian or American, don’t bother. If you are as old as me expect to have somehow become invisible as no-one will acknowledge you unless they want to use your sunscreen – couldn’t believe this – I am not your mother for Gods sake. Buy your own!