Reflections on our trip to Costa Rica

This was a very different trip to us as we generally visit museums, castles, historic sights, sit in cafes..... We usually visit several countries and cities. This trip was nature, nature and more nature. A month in one country. Many people go to Costa Rica to do zip lines, white water rafting and other adventures. Neither of us likes to sit at the beach either. We knew that we weren't going to do those things. Frankly, I worried that we might be bored or that I would be freaked out by the creepy-crawly things.

But, it was a wonderful vacation, exceeding our expectations. For one, we were in four, quite different climate environments which made it interesting. The central valley was spring-like, the cloud forest was cold and remote, the northern Pacific coast was hot and dry and rather 'touristy' and the southern Pacific coast was hot and wet.

This was probably one of the most relaxing vacations we have ever had, but we were NOT bored. The birds were interesting every single day of the trip and we frequently consulted the bird books we brought with us. (Thanks to Willy) We hiked, but never too strenuously. (With the exception of Santa Elena, I guess) We ate well. We did a lot of reading. (The Age of Acquiescence and Richard Ford's Bascombe Trilogy) We met incredible people, some of whom, I think will be friends forever. We hope so. The Costa Ricans were unfailingly friendly. When we first arrived, it felt incredibly foreign, but, by the time we left, it felt familiar. The roads were a challenge, but Mark rose to it. I was a coward and "let" him drive the entire trip. I guess it would be more accurate to say that he let me be a passenger!

There were some creepy-crawlies, but they were not an issue. Mark said that I stepped over a tarantula, but I never saw it. We did not see any snakes, nor did we look for them! We saw one dead scorpion. We heard and saw monkeys, but they kept their distance. My fears were completely unfounded, although Mark did kill some pretty good-sized spiders at the house in Monteverde.

We were cut off from the internet a lot which was both good and bad. We were frustrated not to be able to do the blog daily or keep up with the news, but it was also nice to be unattached. We did not miss television at all.

Both of us were very relaxed by the end of the holiday and both of us wanted to stay a little longer, a very good sign.

We are both open to a return visit, although there are SO many wonderful places in the world to see that I don't know whether we will. Life is short. But, getting to Costa Rica is not a long trip, especially from Florida, so maybe we will. We do want to see some of the friends we made again, that's for sure.

If we go again, we might consider using more taxis and maybe even going without renting our own vehicle.

We were very pleased that we chose to stay in a lot of bed and breakfasts because you meet people at them especially if you stay for a number of days. People do not mingle nearly as much at big hotels and resorts, nor do you meet as many people if you rent an apartment. We will definitely continue to stay at bed and breakfasts.

I was worried about the food a little bit because I don't really eat rice and beans, although Mark loves them and did eat quite a few of those dishes. But, it was not a problem for me as there was almost always good fish and fresh vegetables and fruit. Neither of us put on weight which was also a nice surprise.

Taking up birding made the trip have more dimensions to it than it would have had otherwise. Hiring guides was wise as they spotted things we never would have seen and also identified them. If we had gone to Costa Rica before taking up birding, it would have still been a good vacation, but birding has opened up a new world to us. Birding people are almost unfailingly nice to know, so birding has also meant meeting a lot of great people.