Tag

Costa Rica

Latin America, Travel

Experiencing Real Relaxation at Tabacon Springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

I was wrapped in a towel damp from my wet swimsuit.  It was raining, but I didn’t care.  The canopy above our outside bed kept us dry enough.  The rain actually accentuated the tropical environment that surrounded us – the lush green foliage, the rambling creeks, the birds cawing, the occasional volcanic rumble, the steam from the hot springs.  At Tabacon Springs, for the first time in a long time, I felt…

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Latin America, Travel

The Art of Negotiating on the Side of an Active Volcano

So there I was standing on the side of an active volcano in the Rincon de al Vieja National Park in Costa Rica arguing with our driver over the cost of our excursion.  I was refusing to pay the full cost and he was refusing to drive us back to our hotel until I paid the exorbitant amount.  Held hostage with me was my wife, my mother and father-in-law, and my wife’s…

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Latin America, Travel

How to Survive the Zip Line Arenal Costa Rica

I zip-lined once before, and it was a terrible experience. I was in college and the School of Recreation (apparently one can actually major in recreation) was hosting a day to show off their new team building ropes course.  I shimmied to the top of the climbing wall eager to soar down on the zip line that ran the length of a football field.  I harnessed up and away I went.  …

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Latin America, Travel

Pura Vida in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Pura Vida is that first morning walk along the beach and looking back to see my footprints imprinted in the virgin sand of morning. Pura Vida is getting slapped by the unexpected wave as the tide rolls in.     Pura Vida is sipping on a late morning beer with a good book in my hand and a view of the ocean for when my eyes get tired of reading. Pura Vida is…

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