Even though over 1,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the ‘big one’, last week, many of us on the peninsula are suffering the shock of the resulting damages, many of which we are still becoming aware. The quake hit on Wednesday, but the heavy rain that came in on Saturday night brought unwelcomed water into many homes, hotels and other businesses that were unaware of their roof damage until it began to rain—INside. Numerous structures with heavy tile roofing found many of those tiles on the ground after the trembler. Because of the extreme weight of the tiles, that is often considered enough to hold them in place; however, in areas where earthquakes are prevalent, it’s wise to adhere them with concrete to better ensure their stability.

Barcelo Tambor Beach, who said they were fully booked, had approximately 150 of their most exclusive and expensive rooms-many overlooking Tambor Bay, declared unsafe and uninhabitable by the Paquera Municipality, until repairs can be made. Other homes and businesses have received quotes for thousands of dollars worth of necessary roof repairs that cannot be put off, because of the timing, as we enter into the heaviest rains of the season.

Damages suffered at Los Delfines also depended on where you were—some people’s pools suffered major cracks while others just had high waves. Patios sunk several inches and cracks separated foundations and garage floors, while others sustained no major damage. The clubhouse kitchen had a wall come down and the restaurant suffered cracks in the floor and wall that made it necessary to close for a week, but has now reopened, after spending about $100,000 in repairs. Many Pacific beachside businesses also suffered as mud slid, rocks fell and floors and walls suffered damaging cracks.

While businesses were trying to ready themselves for the holiday local/tourist run, it was announced that the Puntarenas ferries running to and from Playa Naranjo and Paquera would close for dredging, for an entire week, surrounding the holiday weekend. That, of course, requires that everyone, including delivery trucks, take the Tempisque Bridge. It does mean that you will have to allot a little more time to drive around (3 hours by car vs. 1.5 hours by ferry) instead of beginning your holiday by imbibing on the ferry.
So if you were planning to come to the peninsula over the holiday to find some relaxation and tranquility, why not start out with a nice drive across the Tempisque Bridge. Then, when you get here, the pura vida will be waiting for you. And if we have a shaker while you’re here, just lean back and sing along with us, “I know, it’s only rock and roll, but I like it, like it, yes I do!”