Costa Rica...here we come!

We are getting very excited about the Costa Rica trip. The last time that we were there was in 1997 when we got married. We are learning that the area has changed dramatically. I fell in love with the place when we were on our honeymoon. It felt "undiscovered" then. I am keeping my fingers crossed that some of that character is still present. I hope that it hasn't been ruined by commercialism.

What is making this trip even more "interesting" is that we have made NO hotel reservations. We did this on our honeymoon also, and it worked out gr-8. We were able to move around more without the constraints of reservation commitments. Luckily, the hubby speaks fluent Spanish from growing up in Panama (the one in South America, not Florida! LOL). I hope this doesn't bite us in the butt...or freak the kiddos out!

We are landing in San Jose on the 29th and immediately heading to Jaco. Hubby wants to surf as soon as possible. Our plan is to stay there for a day or two, then head to the Arenal Volcano.

The Arenal Volcano is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. There are numerous facilities that have encompassed the hot springs in pools. It is so relaxing to sit in these hot springs pools and watch the volcano erupt. The girls are a little nervous about this, but I can't wait for them to experience it. The volcano was one of my favorite experiences.

From there we are heading back down to Jaco, then to Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos.

This place reminds me of Gilligan's Island. The girl are most excited about this place. In our honeymoon pictures, there were a lot of pictures of iguanas and monkeys from the beach here. Of course, they will be so disappointed if the monkeys are not there anymore. (Please God, let there be monkeys!)

From there, we are heading down to Dominical.

I have never been here before but it appears to be more primitive than the others areas that we will be visiting. The hubby says that there is a gr-8 place to go zip-lining here. I have also read that this is a good place to go whale watching and snorkeling. Hubby doesn't realize that I also know that this is a popular surf spot! He has worked hard to sell this place to me...now I know why! Tricky guy!

All of us will be adding pictures, videos, and posts throughout our trip (as long as we can get internet service). Feel free to post comments or questions. We are hoping to share this wonderful land with all of our friends and readers.

Thanks all for now,
Tamara