On September 8, 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica and took refuge in the calm waters just off the coast, between tiny Uvita Island and what is now the port of Limon. The native Indians greeted the Spaniards with interest and brought out goods to trade with them. They swam out to the ship carrying cotton cloth, shirts, tumbago pendants (an alloy made of copper and gold) and weapons such as clubs, bows and arrows.

The Spaniards in turn found the Indians friendly, clever and intelligent. They also admired the unusual animals of the region. With two Indian guides, the explorers left unfulfilled their great dreams of treasures to be discovered by those who followed.

Our shore excursion took us into Costa Rica's rainforest to the small town of Sarchi, an artisan community known for its colorful ox carts and other painted wood products.