Although this trip was almost 5 years ago, I feel as if I need to document it here before my memory slips away. We traveled to Costa Rica to the Riu Resort in Guanacaste for Brad's cousin's wedding, so we decided not to waste the opportunity and we planned excursions outside the resort to get the most out of our trip. The hotel was open-air outside the rooms so tropical birds flew in and out in a constant whoosh of color and sound. We paid extra for our ocean-view room- which was worth it according to the jungle-facing room people who told us the birds and howler monkeys were so loud at night that they had to keep turning the AC up louder to drown out the noise!
We explored the resort and indulged in the all-inclusive fruity drinks for the first two days, getting caught in beautiful, pounding downpours on the beach that only lasted for no more than 5 minutes. The black volcanic sand was almost unbearably hot on our feet, so it was better to be on the beach later in the day (or wear flip-flops like I did) I purchased a wonderful fedora for 15 colones on the beach from one of the vendors and it has become a beach fashion staple. The first excursion we went on was a half-day boat trip down a river where we had a close encounter with some hungry Capuchin monkeys and alligators which almost breached the edge of the boat! (after our crazy boat guide coaxed them in). One woman on our tour had packed a sandwich in her pack and the monkey climbed from the trees straight to her backpack where he proceeded to unzip the backpack and take out her sandwich as if he just purchased it from a vending machine- so heads-up- if you are around monkeys- don't carry any food! Our second excursion was a waterfall/jungle hike with horseback riding. We drove through the beautiful rolling green hills and plains to reach a mountainous area where we hiked deeper down into the jungle. A couple local dogs followed us on our trail, so unfortunately the wildlife was a little skittish because of all the noise they were making (and a woman who was NOT part of our group who whined the entire time about being out in the woods-she also wore high heels-on a JUNGLE HIKE) We were able to spend some time at a swimming hole that was fed by a gorgeous waterfall- and boy was the water COLD- but totally inviting after hiking in the humidity. We then were all paired up with horses that were trained to walk up the mountain trail back to where we started. It was my first time on a horse (and Brad's) and to be honest- I don't think it's my thing. I was constantly apologizing to my horse who seemed irritated that he had to carry a tourist up a hill in the heat- my horse sighed heavily and grumpily cut everyone so I ended up being the first to the top, Brad on the other hand couldn't get his stubborn horse to move so he remained at the bottom for some time before a guide helped him along. I was tempted to get off the horse and walk next to him because I felt so bad for making him carry me. When we reached the top we entered a "restaurant" which was basically an open barn-like building where we ate delicious steak, black beans and fried plantains. The bus took us back to the resort and we went out dancing at the Discotheque on the resort. Luckily as a pale Irish redhead I did not burn the entire time! (I've got my sunscreen game down pat) Polish-Italian Brad on the other hand crisped up his back pretty good and I spent the last couple nights applying cold washcloths to his lobster-red skin. I would love to go back to Costa Rica- maybe when we retire we can buy a vacation home there!
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AuthorI believe that travel is essential to exist in this world and that it is the perfect medicine for staleness. Archives
August 2022
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