Costa Rica – Pura Vida!
Bienvenidos Costa Rica! After a relatively painless border crossing, we drive into lush Costa Rica. We immediately notice the lack of trash along the side of the roads, good signage, nice houses without barbed wire or grates on the windows, and lots of nice cars vs. the horses and carriages that are prevalent in Nicaragua.
But Costa Rica’s riches come with a price. The costs here are about double as what we have paid in the other countries and are equivalent to U.S. prices. We are trying to stay away from the tourist circuit in order to remain within our budget.
We veer off of the Pan American highway to the small town of Fortuna, located at the base of Volcano Miravalle. The resort is heavenly: 5 thermal pools, water slide, steam room, fountains, swim-up bar, good restaurant, and beautiful gardens, all with the volcano looming in the background. The kids spend their days doing various tricks on the water slide. I love the fountain that pours water out like a huge Jacuzzi jet, which feels wonderful on my neck and back. The Claremont Spa has a similar concept called “the luge”, but for a lot more money. Paul has the best steak on the trip thus far – a big, juicy filet mignon cooked to perfection, unlike the chewy, overcooked beef that we have become accustomed to. The cost of our cabana ($80) includes use of the pools and a huge breakfast – quite a good deal for Costa Rica:
Although we could easily stay at the resort all day, we venture out on little road trips to neighboring mineral baths and towns, and take a combo tractor ride/hike to a beautiful (and cold!) waterfall.
Eleven years ago, we vacationed in Costa Rica when Patrick was 7 years old, Connor was 2 and Quinn was not even thought of. On the trip, Patrick always seemed to be holding some kind of crawly thing: monkeys, parrots, frogs, lizards, etc. Quinn is exactly the same. At one moment, he is carrying two huge frogs – one in each hand. A few minutes later, he is picking up beetles. Then, he is “boxing” with a praying mantis. I am both appalled and intrigued, because I would never touch any of these creepy things by choice, but am interested in watching the interaction between human and beast.
We head to the Pacific coast tomorrow in search for budget accommodations and tranquil beaches. As they say here, “Pura vida”.
Tags: Costa Rica
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