I didn’t feel too comfortable being on my own there and as I couldn’t continue adding to the mural I took a stroll around the gardens and said hi to the animals.

It is a truly inspiring garden, made all the more magical by the animals and the sculptures.

There is one monkey who has to have human contact regularly otherwise she gets depressed and doesn’t eat, I nick named her Angelina Jolie.  As I was the only person there I decided to go and keep ‘Angelina’ company.

Because this particular type of monkey is a very sociable creature, living in large packs, constantly grooming each other, she gets lonely.

But not for much longer, as they have found her a new home with other monkeys of her breed. But she was very friendly and came right up to the bars. I never realised how like a hand their tails are. The underside of the tip looks like the palm of their hands.

Actually all the monkeys were friendly, maybe because I was the only person there.

I had enjoyed my time at the Gardens and it was now time for me to leave, but not before adding my name to the list of volunteers who had worked on the Grotto Mural.

I decided to treat myself to a slap up meal and boy it was good.

I was walking past Roxane’s (opposite Sugar and Spice) when I smelled grilled steak. Not just any steak, but Argentinian steak. It was also a very nice looking restaurant by a stream, so I ventured in.

The menu was fixed but for $17.50 I could have either sirloin steak or tenderloin, salad, chips or mash, garlic bread, wine, dessert and coffee. Excellent and it definitely sounded more appealing than the thought of going home and rustling up some more chicken and rice!!!

I sat at the lovely chequered cloth covered table by the window, watching the stream babbling away as the waiter brought my wine and water.

Not just a glass of wine (which, for the price, I would have expected), but a half litre pitcher (where was Roger when I needed him?)

Well, the steak arrived, sizzling on a cast iron trivet, there must have been 12ozs. I have to say not only was it cooked to perfection, but it was totally delicious. I couldn’t help thinking how much Roger would have enjoyed it. It was a shame he wasn’t there to share the experience, it was fabulous, worth every penny of the $20.20 (service charge and tax added) The perfect way to finish my Boquete adventure.