The first day when it actually rained in the morning during this rainy season and we’re leaving - for the win! We were lucky this entire trip with minimal rain (despite what the forecasts said) while benefitting from low season crowds.
We had our bagel breakfasts prepared in to-go boxes and I spent some time chatting with the receptionist, Juan Pablo as we checked out and waited for our airport taxi. He loves to travel and gave me tips on how to spot and differentiate tourists. He also shared with me the former local mayor of the area, Quepos, is actually Korean! They call him “Chino Kim” even though he’s definitively not Chinese and apparently owns a hotel next to Manuel Antonio national park. Apparently he is well-liked and has lived here for about 30 years. Go figure and you seriously learn random things while traveling.
We also spotted a few more scarlet macaws flying around the resort and even on our ride to the airport. Actually we only heard our driver get excited about one and we learned macaws in Spanish is lapas.
Our less than three hour ride was uneventful in a comfortable Hyundai minivan with reclining seats. We stopped at a mega souvenir shop where we both picked up last minute items. Thanks Kenneth for the suggestion, but I think he had to go to the bathroom too.
Airport check-in was super easy and we breezed through security. I got to practice my last bit of Spanish as I fumbled through my travel vocabulary.
Marie and I separated as she heads direct to Newark and I transfer in Atlanta as I wanted to maximize Delta miles and in my quest to retain Gold status gifted to me from a generous friend earlier this year. Thanks to Marie for lugging my last minute buys at the airport, because they were liquid and could get confiscated in Atlanta; apparently, I have to redo security and there was potential my bag would sail on thru per Google, so we played it safe. I guess Marie had to fib at the gate when they ask, “did anyone ask you to carry something for them?” Um yeah, hot sauce.
Transferring in Atlanta was interesting as I saw someone arrested and escorted to the nether regions of the airport with about five security / army looking guys. Not much was open (how do places close at 6 pm at the airport?), so I ended up at a Wendy’s - which was a zoo because so many other places were closed. Although we landed early in New York, we waited an hour for the gate to open up. But I was the first one in a cab and home in 20 minutes from LaGuardia.
As I reflect on our Costa Rican trip that was originally planned for 2020, I had asked Marie to join me on a yoga retreat as I heard so many enjoying theirs in this mecca of yoga retreats and because I read Manuel Antonio was a must-see. I’m so glad that I did and that we powered through these past few years. Marie - you’ve been a support during the rollercoaster of last year and you plugged away with researching and options. You planned everything, researched, booked most of the logistics, and helped make this happen. My mind and time have been overwhelmed for the past year and there are very few people in this world that I would trust with my travel planning. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for making the trip so funny, and so fun.
Costa Rica is definitely a country I will hopefully return to. The people and culture are unique in their love of life. They emphasize a “simple life, free of stress, A positive relaxed feeling” as quoted in the National Geographic. They say “Pura Vida” which means pure living when saying “hello”, “you’re welcome”, how are you?”, or just because. No wonder they live so long.
Indeed Costa Ricans do maximize joy and take care of others as represented by their commitment to universal education, healthcare, and environmental protection. We witnessed the love of and excitement for animals many times.
Except for the bugs. My new hot travel tip: I invested in Wirecutter’s best rated insect repellent which is Sawyer’s and has 20% picaridin - effective as deet, but much safer. It did the trick because I’m returning with less bug bites than normal, but as a healthy and happy traveler. Pura Vida!
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