The Magic of Monteverde: Cold Showers and Lots of Barking!

Hannah found the Hotel Sol Samara by doing a google search for dog friendly hotels in the area. The price was good - about $55 a night on average as we were staying 3 nights and they had a deal going with the 3rd night free. The place looks brand new and they are still getting the kinks worked out. I highly recommend the place. Especially if you like the sound of roosters crowing early in the morning. And a large chorus of barking dogs. The beach is just a short walk away down what we have come to call "The Guantlet". But the local dogs are getting used to us so the walk isn't as exciting as it was the first half a dozen times. You'll have to check out the pictures and look for the long-legged chihuahuas. They must be a special breed of guard dog in the area.
We checked in upon arriving at Samara and hit the beach to check it out. On returning to our room, BigJohn and I found it being infested with large red ants as we watched. We were stomping like crazy. They were fast little guys and we were finding them on the walls, floor, and ceiling. Thought we had them all killed but they kept coming in so we went to the front desk and a hotel employee showed up with a broom and a can of some type of insecticide. Sprayed the gap at the bottom of the door, hoped for the best, and returned the broom and can of spray. Returned to the room to find a puddle on the counter beneath the air conditioning unit which had just been turned on. BigJohn had put a glass there and it was filling up quickly. We needed to find a bigger glass. Meanwhile the ants had figured out another entry and were heading back in. At this point Hannah decided we should just move to another room. The front desk staffer agreed.
I felt like such a spoiled American - moving just because of a few ants. We moved next door. No ants. Finally able to shower and hit the bed. Got into the shower, turned the hot water faucet, and it fell off the wall onto the shower floor. Took a look at it and I could tell it had been repaired before. No threading was left on it. But I was able to twist and turn and finally get the shower going. Decided not to mention this to BigJohn. He'd had enough excitement for one night. Let him find it on his own in the morning. Finally off to bed. Looked over for the switch to turn off the bedside lamp and saw what looked like a little puff of smoke coming out of the socket where the light bulb screws in. Hmmm. That's odd. Then the whole top part of the lamp just broke off and fell on the floor. The air smelled like burning electricity. The lamps been on the floor in two pieces ever since. You'd think housekeeping would have noticed it. I hope they don't think I broke it. Or that I broke the shower. Which reminds me. We haven't had any hot water since that first night. Maybe they just give you hot water your first night so you'll be enticed into unpacking and making yourself at home. And then they turn it off for the rest of your stay. But hey, it's Costa Rica! Who needs hot water when you have all this sunshine!?
Almost forgot to mention how helpful and courteous the staff here is. Can't be beat. And that there's a free full service breakfast for everyone included with the room. The grounds are beautiful. I really do recommend the place!