Costa Rica felt like a vacation from a vacation (please don't hate me those of you who are reading this from behind a desk or bundled in warm layers due to cold weather)-- after over a month spending time in remote highland Guatemalan villages, a shanty Caribbean community in Honduras and ultra low-budget Nicaragua-- all destinations full of gnarly and fabulous backpackers-- we were now in a clean, somewhat developed and way more expensive vacation zone. Although not my cup of tea (or more realistically rum) in the long-run, a quick stretch in Costa Rica was the perfect addition to our tour of Central America and of course my tan.
In Costa Rica a common term used in pretty much every way imaginable way is PURA VIDA or "pure life"! From ordering food at a restaurant, to meeting someone new or even asking what time the bus may arrive-- all interactions end in a solid pura vida-- sometimes followed up with a fist bump, if you are lucky!
Allow me to share our pura vida adventures!...
We enjoyed a zipline canopy tour in Monteverde, high above a tropical cloud forest-- which was by far one of the coolest and most thrilling things I have EVER done. The zipline featured over 15 different zips, ending with the famous Tarzan Swing where you free fall off a tower and then are caught by a rope attached to you, to then swing high in the air from side to side just like-- well, Tarzan! It was epic-- loved, loved, loved it!
After Monteverde we headed to Manuel Anronio National Park where we got up close and personal with monkeys, sloths, tucans, giant iguanas and the BEACH. A gorgeous park surrounded by equally as spectacular ocean-- it was wonderful! We enjoyed a gourmet pizza dinner for Thanksgiving and of course gave thanks for the amazing trip we are on! Although not turkey, some gourmet pizza beat the traditional dish of gallo pinto-- fried beans and rice mixed together. (I must say it is indeed quite tasty... just not necessary at ALL meals!)
Our last stop in Costa Rica was Dominical, a small surf town on the Pacific. We (notice a pattern here) spent lots of time on the beach and also went on an awesome day hike to Nauyaca Falls. Just the same as our entrance to Costa Rica, we ended up stuck on the side of the road after our hike, bus not coming for hours-- thumbs out and hoping to hitch a ride back to town. After being passed by approximately 30 cars who wanted nothing to do with us sweaty and muddy gringos, we finally were picked up by a friendly young couple. Icing on the cake, besides a safe and free ride back to town-- they played the only English music they had in their car... Barbie Girl by Aqua!
We had a long but smooth travel day and border crossing to get to Panama City from Dominical and enjoyed a full day today exploring this interesting, bustling and historic city. From the canal and Casco Viejo (old town) to the Causway and downtown-- we certainly made the most of our quick 24 hours here.
Tomorrow morning we leave Central America and begin our trek across South America, starting with Colombia. We fly directly into Bogota and will be in and around Bogota for a week (Chanukah, I believe) and then off to Peru to hike the Inca Trail... So much to look forward to it's a little ridiculous!
Adios Central America (it's been real) and hola South America!
I think you should be jumping with your hands in the air in ALL your photos! So cute. What an amazing time it sounds like you are having! Happy Hanukkah, miss you ooohhh so much. xoxo
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