Archive for February, 2010

It was hard to leave our enchanted hut on the beach but knew that a slew of rainy adventures lay ahead. I can count on my fingers how many times I’ve been in a rainforest, mainly while visiting Hawaii, and every time I go I am in utter awe. Santa Elena, Monteverde, was no exception. I have to admit, we’ve been extremely fortunate while on this trip- the hotels have all been amazing, the opportunities constant, and the people along the way . . . amazing. It so was interesting to go from beach bunny, surf town, grass hut living to a cabin in a rainforest, filled with monkeys, unique birds, and exotic sounds. I don’t think one experience is better than the other, just different. When coming to Costa Rica, I highly recommend an even mix of both. That is why I am dedicating this next post to both sides of the “tico” spectrum. I’ll let your personalities decide which of the two speaks louder.

The Beach: Playa Negra, The Nicoya Peninsula-

Biggest fish I’ve ever seen a man catch.

Hey look . . . it’s my fiance!

This bird only spoke english. If you even tried to speak spanish to him, he would scream.

The Playa Negra coast had some of the coolest trees I’ve ever seen.

The Rainforest: Santa Elena, Monteverde-

This is the White-throated Capuchin Monkey.

This particular one, was a ham . . .

Numerous canopy bridges allowed us to take a closer look into the many lives that make up the rainforest.

The Quetzal- one of the hardest birds to see, let alone document! They stay high up in the trees, away from people but Joe and I were on a mission and walked away successful.

I haven’t written for a few days . . . .

and that’s because . . . .

Joe and I got Engaged!!!!!

It all happened last night. We had a meal fit for royalty, cooked by chef Kevin, on the beach of our favorite resort- Playa Negra Hotel. After the meal Joe asked me if I would like to go for a walk out on the beach or play a game of pool. I chose the beach walk. Off we went to peruse the tremendous amount of stars. We sat down where Joe proceeded to find a few shells for me, I make jewelry out of them and he’s been collecting them for me. One shell, two shell, three shell four, “here’s another one,” he stated. I put my hand out to inspect, (it was pitch black out) it took me a good 3 seconds before I began to question and then he turned the spot of his flashlight toward the palm of my hand. It was a ring. He was asking for my hand in marriage. He had already asked for my mothers permission and had been planning this moment for months. I cried. babbled. Cried again and then headed back to the restaurant. We then proceeded to buy the entire restaurant shots, celebrated until 2AM and then made our way to honeymoon hut #3. The maids had cut flowers for us, placing them lovingly beside our bed along with a collection of bougainvillea that delicately outlined a heart, atop our white duvet cover. It was a fantastic night. Simply enchanting and I am oh so happy with my decision to not play pool.

Tomorrow we bid “adios” to our Pacific-side haven and begin our rainforest adventure. Not sure how accessible wi-fi will be over there but will try to keep you posted.

I am in love with our hotel- “The Hotel Playa Negra.” So far my favorite part of this beach occurs after sunset. Everyone here goes to bed at a fairly early hour so the beach is then ours to conquer. It is so beautiful here and the full moon always allows ample light for play mixed in with thoughtful reflection.

Dancing in the moonlight with two of my favorite people.