We were delayed until further notice with the lack of a permit from the maritime office once again, though our guides have been very good about letting us enjoy our trip without worry.

To kill time this morning, I was able to take a walk through the nearby park, observe some locals fishing and see some flora and fauna I had never seen. Eco observation - "rubbish" collecting in the low spots provided an interesting contrast to the poster in front of the park , which provides awareness of shark endangerment through export and consumption. I come to find out the cause and promoter of these posters is non other than the gentleman who is handling our paperwork with the maritime office, and will be joining us later.

The local art museum was also of interest - a common theme of life and death throughout was found through mixed media. Struggles of life from the 1800's through the 1970's were represented through love, birth, life, war and death. There has been much turmoil for the people of Costa Rica and Central America and it still exists today in some areas like Nicaragua and El Salvador. I have learned much on this trip while also taking in beauty in unexpected places.

This afternoon, we grabbed an Uber (paying in Colons, ~ 8,640) to the Britt Coffee plantation. We learned about planting, growing, harvesting, roasting, brewing and of course, drinking coffee. Our guides Luis and Tino did a fantastic job of educating and entertaining our group. We tasted local fruit, raw cacao, many coffee products and watched butterflies and spiders of many colors. All in all, a wonderful experience despite the change of plans.

Eco Info: only 5% of Costa Rica's exported coffee is Fair Trade. Fair trade must be organically grown.

Later today we found our permit was cleared and we will be able to board tomorrow.