Costa Rica, March 2021
After three months living in Mexico in the latter part of the pandemic, and just after my divorce finalized, it was time to mix it up yet again before returning to American with the Rogue. Costa Rica would do!
I have visited numerous times, starting in 1988 at 21 years old, taking my sixteen year old brother long before cell phones or the internet, when no one had heard of it. I had my honeymoon there, and took my kids when they were five and seven. This time around, as the Rogue had never been to a jungle locale, I chose Manuel Antonio Beach for two weeks in one location to chill and not overdo the travel with all the Covid rules and restrictions.
My old amigo Mario met us at the airport (Met him in 1988 on a long since retired train with his friends all those decades ago!). He and I were pen pals for decades, until emails were invented, then ultimately FaceBook.
Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica
Our hotel was a dream, Shana Hotel, perched above the jungle leading down to the sea. The infinity pool provided a respite from the intense heat, and a non-stop show as monkeys frolicked overhead in the trees – and sometimes pounced on our deck chairs.
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Manuel Antonio National Park Excursion
New Friends
We met a couple Brian and Bower from Florida along with their son Brad, and we ended up sharing many a dinner out, pool time, drinks, and a jungle excursion.
Meeting new people wherever we go that stay forever friends are some of my favorite parts of this nomadic journey with the Rogue. We visited Brad in Houston afterward on our Road Trip Across America. Hope to meet up with Brian and Bower again soon.
Found the best steak restaurant where meat and potatoes are cooked over a massive fire. Also a restaurant in a relic of an airplane.
Monkeying Around
Poisonous Dart Frogs and Snakes, Oh My! Costa Rica Jungle Rope Bridge Excursion
The Rogue celebrated his birthday in Costa Rica. What better present than an adventure hiking… with poisonous dart frogs and snakes! On precarious swinging bridges high up in the jungle. Such laughs and fun.
Hotel Staff
Staying two weeks in one spot gives you a chance to get to know the local workers. For me, getting to speak Spanish is a real treat. Here’s a collage of photos of some of my new amigos.
The stringent Covid rules of the time necessitated having a private group come to out hotel to administer Covid tests to be allowed back to the U.S. Practically haz mat suits and all.
San Jose (the Capital) and Amigo Mario (of over Thirty Years!)
We spent the last night in the capital, San Jose, meeting up with Mario and his family. His son Alberto pulled out a little teddy bear that apparently I sent to him when he was born! So special.
Pura Vida!
I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone, meeting people from all walks of life, cultures, with different languages, and then staying in touch. It’s a big world out there and it becomes a little smaller when you get to know individuals.
Costa Rica’s motto: Pura Vida!
Next up: Road Trip Across America!! 2021
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