Finally, Beach Time!

After a long wait, I have finally be re-united with my love, the ocean. After my time in Australia I developed a serious need for the beach, and after 2 years I have finally come back. I spent my weekend in Manuel Antonio, which is one of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Costa Rica. It's on the southwest coast of Costa Rica, about 3 1/2 to 4 hours by bus. 

I left work Friday and went straight to the bus stop in downtown San Jose which would take me to Quepos, the small town next to Manuel Antonio. Now, bus rides aren't expected to be the most comfortable form of transportation, but in a foreign country where I don't have a car and only had to pay $5 for a ticket, it was without a doubt the best option. I didn't know what I was in for. The bus quickly became packed with kids, tourists, and locals. By packed I mean 10-15 people standing in the aisle at any given time. By some grace, I was able to get a window seat both to and from Manuel Antonio, so I definitely had one of the better seats. But then we hit the mountain roads. And there, a window seat was NOT so optimal. I had been warned multiple times by people, websites and articles not to look out your window when going through the mountains on a bus. They were not kidding. Those mountain roads are dangerous and unforgiving, and that bus driver was showing no mercy. Guard rails, open edges, we were speeding along just the same. And I had no control. But like a bad accident, I couldn't look away.

After finally getting to Manuel Antonio that night and checking into my hostel, Vista Serena, I arranged all my things and hit the sack pretty early, getting ready for an early morning. But as hostels usually go, I didn't get a good nights sleep between people slamming doors, coming, leaving and talking at all hours of the night. Rising around 6:30 Saturday morning, I went to the main area of the hostel to get directions before walking to a bus stop and catching the bus to the park. Against my better judgement I ended up taking a guided tour through the rainforest. This ended up being a very good decision. Along withe 3 Germans, a Swiss, 2 Israelis, a Costa Rican and 2 Japanese, we were a UN group of sorts being shown the wildlife and plants of the area. I wouldn't have noticed about 90% of the things that Ricardo, the guide, showed to me and as I watched a group of white-faced monkeys play in front of me I decided the 20 dollars was well worth it. I saw everything from monkeys to alligators to spiders and sloths, along with breathtaking beaches and forest. 

After the tour I hit the very un-populated beaches with 4 other girls and finally got that salt water in my hair. It was so fun to spend time with some Europeans, and when they spoke German it didn't even phase me because I'm becoming so used to hearing other languages that I don't necessarily understand. 

By mid-afternoon we decided to head back to the main area to get showered and I had to go to the bus station to get a bus ticket for the next day. Around 6 I re-convened with the 4 other girls for a wonderful dinner at a restaurant called El Avion. Not only was it called the Airplane, there was a legitimate airplane inside. It was a wonderful dinner with a great atmosphere and equally great company. By the end of dessert I was ready to get back to my hostel and get to sleep, so I said my goodbyes and headed back.

Sunday morning, after packing my backpack back up, I headed back on the bus for another day at the beach. This time I decided I would stay on the main (free) beach. It's much busier and bustling with people trying to sell you beach towels or necklaces, but for the most part still a relaxing day. There were a number of surfers there, and watching them is always good entertainment. I met a great surfer who had the tiniest kitten who couldn't have been more than 2 weeks, so I cuddled with her while watching beach soccer and surf. I met up with the 4 girls from the day before again, playing in the waves and getting some color. Turns out this Minnesota skin is not suited for Costa Rican sun, no matter how much sunscreen you apply. A little red, I had a really had a hard time leaving and atmosphere that I love so much. Thankfully it's always just a $5 bus ride away. Another drive home on a packed bus and a driver whipping around the edges of a mountain, I was finally home late last night. And I don't think the e-mail I sent the second I walked in the door was soon enough for poor mom, sitting by the Skype all night waiting for my call. I'm sorry, mom! Remember: no news is good news.