My trip to Costa Rica was for my 40th
birthday. Brian Dufek went with me to
celebrate in the warm and sun. Big
thanks to him for being there with me and even more importantly for driving us
safely around the Country! And when I say thank you for driving us safely, understand
that most of these roads are not paved, you are driving through small rivers,
while dodging huge holes. He was a
driving champion!
We left the day after Thanksgiving and spent time in
three different areas of the Country. First stop was the Nicoya Peninsula on
the Pacific Coast. We stayed in the town
of Montezuma with a husband and wife from Italy and Costa Rica
respectively. This part of Costa Rica is
dry, warm, sunny and very relaxed. It is
famous for its great surfing but also perfect for long days on the sandy
beaches. When you have 88 degrees,
completely sunny skies, a white sand beach and the Pacific Ocean; it is not a
bad way to turn 40!
Besides the perfect weather and sandy beaches, Costa Rica
is also known for its tropical forests. The next area we visited was the
Monteverde Rain Forest and Arenal Volcano. While I’ve posted a couple of
pictures, this is a place you truly need to see in person. There are so many
species of birds and plant life, smells and aromas, and constantly changing
weather conditions that really make this place special and unique. Brian and I
went on several amazing hikes through the rain forest… hikes that made me
realize I am not 25 anymore and that I really am 40! But not to be missed is
Costa Rican coffee, possibly the best coffee in the world! And what better
place to drink this delicacy than in the mountains where it’s grown!
The last place we’ve visited was the capital, San Jose.
The real reason for going back to San Jose was to see a very good friend, Daniel
Salom Soto. Daniel and I met in Italy during my initial sabbatical in 2008, and
it was a real honor to be able to spend the day with him in the city where he
grew up. It was a good chance for us to reconnect, and to also learn more about
the history of the Region as well as the Country of Costa Rica. Another plus
about being in the capital is that we had the opportunity of eating in the
nicest restaurant in the Country, "Grano de Oro".
What a wonderful way to celebrate “40”! As they say,
Costa Rica… “Pura Vida”!
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