BTE

This was pretty much the BTE, or for those of you non-acronym type people, Best Trip Ever. We highly recommend Costa Rica! I'm going to blog in installments, otherwise I would be at my computer for hours!
Friday May 2, 2008- Day One
We got up at 1:30 AM, yes AM, to catch our 5:30am flight out of Chicago. Why didn't we drive down to Chicago the night before? I had so much work to get done that I could not commit to leaving at a reasonable hour- either way we would have missed out on our ZZZ's.
We got into Costa Rica around 11:30am, did the immigration stuff, waited for our bags for 45 min (they didn't make it), went through customs, and got our rental car. We were off! Joel pulled out the map and knew exactly where he wanted to go. The weather was a little overcast and rainy- typical for Costa Rica this time of year. I just sat back and enjoyed the ride, appreciating another culture and way of life. I was amazed at their simple, humble way of life. People walked everywhere, piled 3-4 poeple on a single bicycle, and their homes, which I am sure suited them just fine, to me, looked like shoebox shacks. It again opened my eyes to how truly blessed we are!
Anyway, we drove to the Waterfall Gardens and spent the afternoon there. They had exhibits with all the types of animals you would/could find in the rainforest like, birds, snakes, frogs, bats, monkeys and geckos. Our favorite exhibit was the birds. Joel was literally attacked by one of the birds while he was taking pictures (and illegaly feeding them to attract them)- it was so funny!





We drove to our hotel, checked in and walked the grounds. It was gorgeous! Old Spanish style with wood, stone, rod iron, and brick, set on a golf course with a cute little chapel where a wedding was taking place. Perfect. To add to it, we had access to the Executive Lounge, meaning free food and drinks with our stay.



Thats where my love for plantain(fried bananas) and guacamole began. I think I had it EVERY DAY, atleast twice. MMMMM.

Saturday May 3, 2008- Day Two
We awakened at 5:20am because we were getting picked up at 6 to go white river rafting. We were the first to be picked up and had to make 2 more stops in San Jose to get others in our group. San Jose, the capital, was buzzing at 7am on Saturday morning- we were shocked! We asked the driver why and he said most people work Saturdays too. Most jobs are 6, even 7 days a week! Crazy!
We met up with a bus that had about 20 other people, and began our 3 hour drive to the Caribbean side of the country for the rafting. We arrived at about 9:30 and stuffed ourselves with a delicious traditional Tico breakfast of rice and beans with fruit.
We were ready to hit the river! The rafting was soo much fun. Joel and I were at the front of the raft, which I think is the best. You get to take the brunt of the rapids and set the rowing pace...and you better not be afraid of getting wet! Our guide was incredible-he had been doing this for 18 years, so he knew what he was doing! One time he took us down a rapid and then cued us to row causing the boat to turn around so the front of the boat was facing the rushing water. He had us paddle into the rapid, where the front of the boat was rapidly submerging. Yep, we were sinking!! Just as Joel and I were going to be floating with the river, the guide brought his oar out of the water and the pressure of the rapid coupled the full-of-water raft made us do a quick 180. Joel flew out of the boat!! It was hilarious and happened so fast I didn't even realize he was gone!
The scenery was amazing- infact, indiginous indians still inhabit the area we rafted. There were several waterfalls, narrow canyons, and gorgeous greenery. The entire length of our trip was 18 miles. By the end we were tired and hungry, but had a blast!






On the bus ride home... I was beat!