Welcome to the jungle!

by Tamara

We had planned to head back to San Jose yesterday...but just couldn't leave the beach! We went for a walk and found this quaint true "Costa Rican style" hotel. The picture above is the view from my porch. There is no air conditioning but you don't need it. The place is cooled by the breeze from the ocean. There is also a hammock on the porch and screens along the front of the house instead of windows. At night, you hear ALL of the sounds of the jungle and the waves crashing on the beach. This place is not for the weak at heart. It definitely doesn't offer the plushness that La Mariposa offered. However, if you REALLY want to "feel" Costa Rican living, this is the place. The name of this "hotel" is Nature's Beachfront.

This is a picture of the front of the hotel:

A lady named Anna runs the place, and she will talk your ear off! I imagine that it could get quite lonely down here at the bottom of the mountain by yourself. When I say the bottom...it's a long steep walk! This is us walking down but you can bring a car (which we did once we checked out of La Mariposa).

The kids were VERY apprehensive about staying here but seemed to get into it once they climbed into the hammock! The hubby was "totally stoked"! He walked down the beach and rented a surfboard. We didn't see him much for the rest of the day!

By the way, I forgot to mention that there is a crocodile that lives in the little lagoon in front of our hotel. He hangs out and waits for small dogs to come for a swim. The kids have been freaking out about that! In the picture below, look over by the trees at the right. You can see his outline if you look closely. See how close to the people that he is!

This picture below is of Lexie on what is called a "Costa Rican seesaw". It's just a fallen palm tree but works great as a seesaw.

We were blessed to see one more Costa Rican sunset. This time we were on the beach. Each time, I am in awe of its beauty. Sadly, the hubby seems to be saying goodbye to his beloved mistress..."Until next time, mi amore!"