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Arizona In All Its Colorful Glory
Arizona is one of the most colorful places to vacation.
Between enchanting sunrises and sunsets and the colorful
fields, pine forests with the ever-changing climates and
moutain ranges that seem to change colors by the minute,
it is art for...
Colorado Dude Ranch Vacations
The usual summertime activities can be enjoyed at many Colorado dude ranches, including swimming, hiking, and fishing. During the winter months, guests may find that sledding, sleigh rides, ice-skating, snowmobiling and cross-county skiing are...
Enjoying the Best of the Mediterranean
The calm, unspoilt and pure waters of the Mediterranean Sea are actually part of the Atlantic Ocean. The Mediterranean is almost completely enclosed by the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa and the Sea connects some of the most fascinating,...
Golfing in the Algarve
Only two to three hours away by air from most of Europe's major airports is the sunny Algarve in Southern Portugal. Known for its spectacular coastline and rugged mountain scenery the Algarve is one of Europe's premier golfing destinations. There...
Paphos, Cyprus - Top 5 Places to Visit
1. Tomb of The Kings
Spread over a vast area, these impressive subterranean burial
chambers were built in Paphos from 3rd Century BC to the 3rd
Century AD. They are carved out of solid rock with some being
decorated with Doric pillars. Put...
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Costa Rica - Tales of the Guaro
Every country has a unique beverage it claims as its own. In Costa Rica, the beverage of choice is Guaro.
Beverages
There is a certain national pride associated with claiming an alcoholic beverage. Think of Mexico and tequila immediately comes to mind. Vodka, of course, goes with Russia. Visit Greece and an ouzo headache can't be far behind. Aquavit in Sweden will definitely turn your head...and stomach. Costa Rica, of course, couldn't miss out on the fun.
Guaro
Depending on which bartender you speak to, Guaro is either a mind erasing alcohol beverage or an energy drink with a little kick. Guaro is the national beverage of Costa Rica. Despite visiting Costa Rica on multiple occasions, I have never tried. And for good reason.
The Guinea Pig
Ten of us were hanging out in the beach town of Carrillo just taking in the evening after another day in the sun. Carrillo is a great town for fishing and a few epic surf spots are close by. It is similar to Tamarindo, but without the overwhelming ex-pat influence. Unfortunately, Carrillo is extremely tame at night. Put another way, there is really nothing to do.
A bit bored, the ten of us had congregated in a café overlooking the ocean. Tables and chairs had been pushed together and we had reached the point in the evening where we were telling lies about how great we used to be. The bartender/owner approached our table and suggested we hadn't experience Costa Rica until we had sampled Guaro. One of our merry band was selected.
Known humorously as Mexico Mike, our
guinea pig was experienced in the ways of Mexican Tequila. Mexico was remotely close to Costa Rica, so the drinks were probably similar. Indeed, Mexico Mike was the man for the job.
The shot glass came. Jokes were made. Mike through it back. A small grimace, a lime, slaps on the back and general laughter. Just as we started egging each other on to be the next person to experience Costa Rica, a funny thing happened.
Mexico Mike was becoming Pink Mike. Laughter stopped and concern spread across the table like the rash developing on his arms. We were probably three hours from a hospital and the term "pink eye" was taking on a much larger meaning. His skin was turning pink! You could actually see it moving down his arms and across his chest. His girlfriend, Stuart, was not happy!
It has to be an odd feeling to sit there and watch your skin change colors. Mike was cracking jokes as is his nature, but there was a definite tension to his laugh. Fortunately, the reaction soon slowed and retreated. Within 20 minutes, he was good as new and we had a new story to tell.
We universally passed on further offers of Guaro. A traveler has to know his or her limits!
About the Author
Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles.
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