It’s definitely going to take some time to re-acclimatize to the Coloradan snow after a week of the Costa Rican sun and adventure. I feel like both Marissa and I can agree that this trip was packed full of surprises considering the fact that we literally planned everything on the fly and everything somehow worked out in the end. I’m really happy that we didn’t stay at some all inclusive resort or go with a tour company because it allowed us to really “put it in drive and ride!” Although there were times where we were both stressed and freaking out I think the adrenaline that comes with that outweighs the comforts of security. We both have the same mindset in that I want an adventure and that comes with being spontaneous and accepting things as they come, which is exactly what we did!
The best decision of this trip was to rent a car. Our lovely “Monty” as we called him (short for Monteverde) took us all over Costa Rica and we definitely pushed him to the limits. Since we didn’t really plan much at all neither of us had very high expectations so that our actual experience would be organic. There was a route and a few things we wanted to do, but it didn’t even occur to me that like 80% of our drive was on mountainous dirt roads filled with pot holes. Keep in mind this California boy refuses to drive at the sight of snow and now I’m expected to drive through the Costa Rican mountains?! BRING IT ON!! Monty kept us safe but also allowed for us to come and go as we please so we were able to really see a lot of the country in a short period of time.
We started off the trip in San Jose which was literally the worst city I’ve ever been to so it wasn’t a great start to the trip. The hostel was crappy, the people were rude, and we were staying a very sketchy part of the city but I didn’t want to let this negative first impression to put a damper on the rest of the trip. Soon after San Jose we made our way to Monteverde which was really interesting. I think both Marissa and I assumed it would be a lot more rainforest like, but rather it was very dry and dusty. We did an amazing zip line though and saw beautiful parts of the countryside. We packed in our time in Monteverde and then made our way to the beaches in Tamarindo. This was our time to play, enjoy some relaxation on the beach and to really just treat ourselves. The initial arrival into Tamarindo was stressful because our hostel had an issue with our reservation and we needed to find another place to stay on the fly with just a few hours before it got dark. We managed to find a super cute bed and breakfast that was owned by a former tennis pro! Another lesson we learned this trip is that everything happens for a reason, even when you don’t think so in the moment! Tamarindo was amazing but I think we can both agree that Arenal was our absolute favorite part of the trip.
I’ve never seen an active volcano let alone hike around one until I went to Arenal. I felt like a tiny little ant next to it and really just tried to focus on it’s amazing beauty. This was the Costa Rica I wanted to see. The rain forest, waterfalls, hiking. Arenal had it all. We met another guy from Washington D.C. so we had a buddy for a part of the trip and I’m happy we crossed paths because he recommended us to wake up really early to check out the La Fortuna waterfall so that we will be the only ones there. We did just that and it was so cool to be the only two people swimming in one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. Truly magical and a great way to end our trip before we headed back to San Jose.
We truly did pack this week with a lot of activities but I think my favorite aspects was to be able to disconnect from work and take a moment to realize where I am in life. Marissa and I had an amazing conversation at our hostel in Monteverde which basically consisted of ‘if you want something, then now is the time to do it!’ Neither of us really have anything tying us down or preventing us from achieving our goals. It’s of course important to have realistic goals, but what I think is even more important is realizing how you can pave the way to make it happen. I really want to go to Australia and work the harvest trail so it’s going to be more on my radar to make this happen in the next year or so. I’ve been struggling a lot lately with what I want for longer term goals and after this trip I have a lot more clarity into what I want. This trip was also really important for me because it’s been the first time in my life that I’ve completely financed a big trip like this on my own and I’m proud that I made it a reality. I truly believe you can make anything happen if you really put your mind to it and although something may not seem right or goes in a different direction that you thought it will all fall into place in the end.
Sometimes I need to reflect and look at what I’ve accomplished in my life so far considering that fact I’m only 23! I feel so lucky to have done so much and have some amazing people in my life, but I’m definitely not done yet. Costa Rica started off as a thought and dream, but through action it became a reality. If you really want something you just gotta do it otherwise it’ll just pass you by, so in a world full a dreamers but the one that makes it a reality!
