Costa Rica

With pandemic raging through the new Omicron variant of Covid, we wanted this year to travel somewhere close, sunny, and rural. We chose Costa Rica for a jungle and beach adventure. Ruben prefers cities to high-flying treetops, but Ray and I did go with stalwart traveler Adriene, her entomologist beau John, and new addition Todd, who was both our designated driver and pack animal. We spent a total of ten nights in four destinations, two of which featured the forests and mountains of Santa Elena and La Fortuna, followed by beach holidays in bustling Tamarindo and quieter Montezuma. I got to zipline through and over the jungle for the first time, soak in the world’s largest hot springs area, and finally enjoy the surf. Sadly John’s bag got stolen along with his passport and camera. Ray’s bag arrived late. Nonetheless, I was amazed at Costa Rican hospitality, the fun times with friends, and the chance to get away for the end of another year.