Life's a Beach in Costa Rica...at least, that's the rumour.

We (my husband and I) were recently in Costa Rica for a week, a beautiful country that deserves more than a week of one's time. We had planned an eco-tour of 10 days to 2 weeks, but left it too late to get the required flights, so we hooked up with a tour group.

This was our first time in a group tour package, as we prefer to do our own thing, but it turned out to be, for us, the wisest way to visit CR the first time.  And we're pessimistic that we'll ever be so lucky again.  We were a small group (14) with a wonderful guide and driver, and small air-conditioned bus, and we quickly became family, with nary a spoiler in the group.  Within a couple of days, the bus rides and meal times were riotous, and we were staging happy hours in hotel rooms. Every age decade from the 20's to the 70's was represented in our group. 

I cannot imagine how Collin and I would've navigated the roads on our own in a rental car.  And we learned so much from our very knowledgeable guide. 

Costa Rica boasts world-class beaches with brown-sugar sand and warm water, but we spent only marginal time on beaches.  This was more of a boot-camp holiday for a wimp such as I am. We spent more time in rainwear in the  cloud forest, slogging through mud to a waterfall, climbing a recently  active volcano, piling out of the bus for bird and animal sitings, etc.  AND we ziplined across the treetops.
 
I am not known for my athletic prowess. It has been a family tradition that, whenever we have visited a midway, I am the member who "holds the sweaters" while others entertain themselves on the treacherous rides.  If I had dreamed that I'd be harnessed and flying through treetops, I might have reconsidered before boarding that plane at Toronto International.  But somehow, I agreed to try it.  Peer pressure I guess.  (When my younger daughter heard about it, she exclaimed, "SHUT UP.  YOU DID NOT!" )  But I did.  I did not, however, do the Tarzan drop, similar to bungee jumping.  I was not at all embarrassed to be the only group member to wimp out of that.  (and I was not the oldest!)

So, I was proud of myself for acting out of character on the zipline, but I would've enjoyed a bit more downtime with a pina colada and a book on a beach or by a pool.  While we were slogging through muck to the Rio Celeste waterfall, I was muttering under my breath, "Somewhere in CR there's a Canadian relaxing on a beach.  What am I doing here?" 

The accommodations and food were excellent and not overpriced.  The people are lovely, and their living standard seems to be healthy and balanced. The flora and fauna are stunning. Why would you not want to visit?  

Our group (all Ontario residents)  is planning a reunion in August!!