Pura Vida and Adios Costa Rica

"Pura Vida" is a common phrase often used in Costa Rica. It literally means "pure life", but is used as a substitute for hello, you're welcome, good morning, etc. As Keira pointed out, there was a lot of Spanish being spoken. It was fun hearing her say basic words such as "Hola" and "Gracias". She enjoyed learning new words. I enjoyed brushing up on my Spanish as well. The locals were pretty jazzed to learn that I knew enough Spanish to ask basic questions and answer questions too. I wish I had more opportunity to practice, but fortunately I know enough to get around a Spanish-speaking country. 

Anyway, we really enjoyed spending time at the Springs hotel and were sad to say good-bye to head to the coast. But, after a few days in Fortuna, we were in a van headed for the coast. Our next destination was Tamarindo. While we had no issues with air or car sickness to this point, the ride out from the mountains toward the coast was another story. The roads were so rough and windy that I felt pretty nauseous for nearly 2 hours of the 4 hour trip. Even Mark said he didn't feel great. But, both of us made it without issue and Keira had no issues at all. There was a marked difference going from the lush rainforest to the drier and browner plains and beaches of Costa Rica. Looking back I have to admit, I enjoyed the lush environment more even though I absolutely love lying on the beach and soaking up the sun. 

After our ride we arrived at the Cala Luna Boutique hotel which was nice, but not quite as luxurious as the Springs. However, it was suitable and had the amenities we needed, including a beach and pool. Keira spent most of the time at the beach looking for little seashells and jumping and swimming in the pool. It was much, much sunnier and hotter on the coast. Keira's skin didn't react well. In fact, she broke out in a rash. Fortunately it didn't bother her, but signaled to us that she needed to stay more in the shade which meant limited sun time for Mark and me. It was probably for the better, anyway. Our time in Tamarindo was slow-paced and leisurely which was just fine.

Heading to the beach

Playing with the sand and digging for seashells

Keira and Mark enjoyed a morning walk at the hotel

Keira (bottom left) enjoying the pool

Beautiful sunset

Reading while I got ready to brush her hair

Rash that broke out on Keira's body

After our days in the rainforest and on the beach, it was finally time to go home. While it's always sad to have vacations end and going back to reality, I think we were all ready to head home. No matter where we go or what we do, there's something wonderful about going home.

At the Libera airport. Keira was starving and ate this giant piece of pizza.

Afterward, she stood in front of this dessert case...hoping...

Bottom line - If you have the opportunity, you should visit Costa Rica. It's not only a beautiful country, but the people are kind and helpful. There's tons to do - nature centers, beautiful geography (rainforest, hot springs, cloud forest, volcano, ocean, rivers, lakes, black sand beaches, etc), activities (hiking, white water rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, etc)...Here are some tips...Even though the exchange rate is 500 colones to $1 USD, we found that the cost of goods and services is on par with and sometimes more expensive than in the U.S. Make sure to bring sunscreen, insect spray and after bite. These things are significantly more expensive in Costa Rica than in the U.S., even in the non-touristy areas. Those are just some random tips off the top of my head. If you ever find yourself interested in traveling to Costa Rica, I can provide more info and tips, as well as offer a great travel service through Persnickety Travel. We truly didn't have to worry about anything as we traveled through Costa Rica and that was invaluable. Pura Vida!

Ticos and More - Part II

After a night of rest, we were ready to start our adventures and get to know Costa Rica. One morning we were up bright and early to meet our guide, Francisco, and visit the Danaus Eco-center about 25 min from the hotel. Francisco was not only an amazing guide who told us about the country, the plants and animals, but also spoke near-perfect English. We learned the most from him because there was less of a language barrier. During the tour, we saw a sloth "slothing" in a tree, many native plants and animal species, but the most exciting thing for Keira was going through the butterfly garden. I must admit, I have an unhealthy and irrational fear of butterflies, but think I handled myself pretty well so as to not spoil the experience for Keira. She spent a good amount of time trying to catch the creatures and coaxing them to land on her finger. That didn't work out so well, but she got some great photos on her very own camera. Keira was quite the photographer during this trip.

Family photo at the Danaus EcoCenter

Sloth bottom while he/she "sloths" around doing nothing

Hard to tell, but little ants hard at work under the leaves

Beautiful butterfly

A photo of our budding photographer

Taking a little rest after our tour

Following the tour, Francisco was kind enough to take us through the town of Fortuna so we could go to the market and get a little snack before lunch. We went to a little shop called Cosecha. They made the best smoothies. The Ticos, aka the locals, called the drinks milkshakes, but they were more like smoothies. They were delicious and not as thick as American milkshakes. They were the best smoothies I've ever had. If you're ever in Costa Rica and come across a Cosecha, definitely stop in. There are flavors you'll never get in the U.S. that were absolutely delicious! Anyway, we loaded up on snacks and drinks from the market and headed back to the hotel for lunch and a leisurely afternoon and evening of swimming and hanging out in the hot springs.

Our private, little pool

Keira and I saying "hi" to Mark from the main pool

Going behind the waterfall

Learning ping pong in the game room

The following is a video of Keira jumping in the little pool. She did this in every pool. Normally she's a little timid in the water, but with her back float and goggles she was fearless. She was tireless and probably ran and jumped in the water at least a million times.

Another day I woke up, worked out in the fitness center, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with Mark and Keira and then we all journeyed to the rainforest and took a gondola ride up to the top of one of the mountains. The views of the volcano and Lake Arenal were phenomenal. If we could've, we would've loved to try the zip lines, but had a great time watching the other visitors crossing valleys and going down the mountainside. Maybe someday!

Spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano

Photo of Keira and Mark on the Sky Tram

Taking a picture of our little photographer

Keira took this photo of Mark and me with Lake Arenal in the background

Family photo taken by another family in the gondola

Family photo with the volcano in the background

Costa Rican Adventures - Part I

Mark, Keira and I were fortunate to enjoy a wonderful family vacation to Costa Rica in March. Our friend, Amy, at Persnickety Travel put together an amazing itinerary that lived up to the "persnickety" name in every way. We didn't have to worry about a thing. Thanks Amy!!

Keira is a great traveler! Her stamina during long journeys and enjoyment of new experiences never ceases to amaze us. We took a 3+ hour flight to Houston, had a layover, flew an additional 4 hours to San Jose, Costa Rica and then had another 3 hour drive into Arenal. Through it all, Keira either slept, entertained herself, chatted with us or stayed mostly content until we arrived to our destination. I don't know many adults who are such an easy traveler, so am particularly proud of our little girl.

Going through security at MSP

Having fun with dad at the Houston airport

Relaxing at the Houston airport

Taking a nap en route in Costa Rica

Our ride was uneventful, but the roads were a bit bumpy. Some roads were paved, but many were no more than gravel. I was very happy to have arrived at our hotel. We stayed in the La Fortuna area, best known for the Arenal Volcano and its hot springs among other things. The Springs hotel served as our place of leisure and rest for the first part of our journey. It was a beautiful, beautiful hotel with wonderful staff and amenities. 

The Springs Hotel Resort & Spa

Hallway into our very spacious room

Our awesome room

K enjoyed the hammock on our balcony

As imagined, we were exhausted after our long journey from MN to Arenal, Costa Rica. We spent the first day touring the hotel property, enjoying our room, and grabbing dinner (fabulous view of the volcano from the terrace), followed by an early bedtime. More on our journeys tomorrow!