Costa Rica

Costa Rica was more beautiful, the people kinder, and the food more delicious than my memories allowed me to remember. 

Seven years ago I lived in Costa Rica for six months. It was my first time out of the country and it was wonderful (despite the fact that I had a herniated disk the entire time!!). Returning to the place of my first full immersion experience reminded me of my love for Spanish and for the places and people that speak it.

We arrived in San Jose and stayed with my "Familia Gringa", the Gaults. They cared for me through back surgeries and gave me a home during my six months studying and teaching in Costa Rica.

 As our first goal was to explore Corcovado National Park in the Osa Peninsula, we skipped the 8 hour car ride and took a plane to Puerto Jimenez.

After riding bikes for an hour and a half on a sandy road looking for a beach, we finally decided to just stop for a beer and some lunch, and I filled my longing for salsa lizano. The best sauce ever.

   
 

We wimped out of the 13 mile hike into the park after our guide offered us a super deal to fly in so that he  could also avoid the hike :). The flight proved to be an adventure and delight in itself.



Roger, the best guide ever!!!




We flew just over the canopy and landed on a small strip of grass in the middle of the jungle.

Sweet sloth!!! This was the first critter we saw.

A beautiful toucan

This was an estrangular fig. It grows from the top of a tree to the ground and can kill the tree it is growing from as it cuts off the tree's sunlight. This one killed the tree from which it grew, leaving a hollow center with winding vines. It made for a delightful climbing tree!

Bird eater snake. I touched him!


Playa Corcovado

After Corcovado, we took two boats, a taxi, and a bus to get to Uvita, Thankfully, a friend of a friend (Carlos), became our own personal guide for the Uvita area. Carlos gave us all of the surf and beach beta he had. We surfed and explored a new beach each day, and stayed in the mountains without electricity and with outdoor showers. I love outdoor showers!!

We went dancing for Elena's birthday. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), no one was there so we had our own little reggae party by ourselves. This is the 4th consecutive birthday that Elena has spent with me. The last two have been on trips with me!! I am honored

Playa Ventanas

The waterfall, known at "the waterfall". It evidently has no other name.

I also slide from the top of this waterfall. It was great fun. Elena was too chicken to do it! :)

On the mountain overlooking Uvita

Playa Hermosa in Uvita

At Playa Ventanas there are two tunnels that cut through the rock which lead from the shore to the ocean.  

Elena is the greatest travel partner. I will go with you anywhere sister, you just name when and where!!

I leave you with this, the funniest sign I have ever seen. As Mrs. Gault says, somethings get lost in translation...