HAPPIER ROAD TRIP — PART VI

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:19-04:00 September 6th, 2014|Categories: Nature, Tourism, Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , , |

Costa Rica Crab

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: 15 eggs — $2.66

After visiting the animal sanctuary, Rob and I decide to drive farther south… all the way down to the Osa Peninsula. We’ve been there before and are excited to return to the place where we first saw Scarlet Macaws flying overhead: Agua Dulce Beach Resort. It’s just a five-minute drive from Puerto Jiménez, which borders the Gulfo Dulce: the bay that separates the peninsula from the mainland. It is the only resort on the beach in this area that offers air-conditioning. We book an oceanfront bungalow that includes a wooden porch. Out front are two rocking chairs, perfect for relaxing, watching the sunrise.

I slop on a ton of sunscreen and immediately head out to the beach. The sand is soft, it feels like New Year’s Eve confetti underneath my feet. Mother Nature must have known I was coming and arranged for two macaws to fly overhead. This is exactly how I remember it, and precisely why the Osa Peninsula is so magical.

The two birds vocalize back and forth with each other, using sounds that are not unlike a tarot card reader after her fifth Camel cigarette. I sit on a piece of driftwood and notice a pile of shells. Some are brown, shiny and look like tiny Godiva chocolates. Others are cracked open resembling angel wings. This country is always reminding me to revere the small as much as the big.

“I’ve scheduled a mangrove tour,” Rob says while taking a seat next to me.

“I don’t have to swim there, right?” Whenever my husband plans excursions, it’s important to inquire whether I’ll need my floaty wings to survive it.

“No, it’s just kayaking. We’ll have to leave soon so let’s get our stuff together and head out.” (more…)

FAMILY & FRIENDS IN COSTA RICA

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:32-04:00 March 22nd, 2012|Categories: Tourism|Tags: , , |

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Yogurt—$1.25

I never knew how popular I was until I moved to Costa Rica. My friends and family were concerned about the move at first. Like most, they wondered if it was safe to live in Central America. But after a few years, they all eventually get the bug to visit. I suppose I sent too many pictures of spectacular wildlife and one too many pictures of me having fun in the surf. Who can blame them?  If I wasn’t living here, I would want to visit as well.

When catering to guests, it’s always good to know what they like to do. Are they adventurous or do they just like to lounge at the beach? Do they want to hike a volcano or snorkel in the Caribbean Sea? I sound much like a travel agent, planning excursions and orchestrating flights. However, I love to share this country with my friends the way the Ticos have shared it with me. (more…)

SCARLET MACAWS

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:56-04:00 February 24th, 2011|Categories: Tourism|Tags: , , , , |

Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update:  Hotel on the beach in  Puerto Jimenez, gateway to Corcovado National Park- $125/couple

Waking up to the sound of the waves instead of an alarm clock is refreshing.  Waking up to the throaty, squawking sounds of Scarlet Macaws is magnificent.

I am watching them from my hotel porch as they glide from almond tree to almond tree.   They tear apart the outer shell and recklessly devour the nut inside. 

Their vivid colors streak the sky with splashes of red, blue, and yellow.  It’s nature’s way of saying,  “Look at me, I’m not meant to be ignored! Don’t you wish you could look like this?”  I watch as they finish breakfast and fly off to another location.

This is how my morning begins in Puerto Jimenez.  All before my first cup of coffee. 

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