The beauty of nature

Yesterday I had an amazing day exploring some of the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.

There was four of us from the hostel and Manfred (the tour guide and hostel owner) took us on his own tour. First of we were driven by another lady at the hostel to meet the Manfred, now I thought Mum was a bad driver, this women trumps her!!!

When we were on our way, our first stop was Tarcoles river where we saw crocodiles. Manfred said how usually there are only about five or six at the river but we must have counted at least 25. The bridge overlooking the river was busy, lots of tourist and a group of Americans. All of a sudden they were screaming and cue OMG!!

Apparently a poor little monkey was trying to cross the river and he fell and the crocodiles ate him. I missed it which I´m glad of but was wondering what it would have been like if one of the people fell off the bridge.... Just wondering...

A bird was walking close to the water and I had my camera at the ready just in case they felt hungry again but Manfred said they don´t normally touch the birds, much to my disappointment.

The change in weather from San Jose to over the Pacific side was incredible. San Jose is far less humid and lower temperature, whereas it was so hot and sticky over the other side. I´m not complaining as it was lovely to have the heat and luckily I was sitting in the front so I wasn´t squashed in the back, I´m not actually sure how I managed that considering I am the smallest one but just goes to show whoever gets there first I suppose (small victories...!)

We then headed to the beautiful beach of Punta Leona which means Lioness in Spanish. The road down to the beach was a small dirt track, lots of pot holes but it was nice as it clearly wasn´t the typical tour guide beach.

When we arrived we had to walk through a little forest and on some beams over a river to get to the beach. It´s actually a beach for a hotel but they haven´t made it completely exclusive yet. We found a nice shady spot under some trees and headed straight for the water.

The water was an odd sandy colour but it was still fairly clear. It was so warm. It reminded me a little of Cuba, like walking into a bath.

I went back to get my camera and to my surprise there was a naughty raccoon trying to get inside our bags. I thought it was really cute but also mindful of the fact it was a wild animal, I did what all tourist do... I got my camera out and started snapping.

When I decided I had enough pictures, I figured I better tell someone that our bags are getting raided. Manfred told me to shoe him away... I started to throw stones near him (clearly not at him, that would just be mean) and all the little bugger did was look at the stone then look at me, it was quite amusing actually. A local decided to come over and help get him away so that was good.

We then decided to walk around to the other side to the other beach. The walk was a little difficult in flip flops as lots of stones to walk over and climbing but as soon as I saw the other beach, it was well worth it. It was a little busier than the other (that must be where the tour groups normally go) but it was still wonderful.

I made a few little messages in the sand, one for Stu and another was "Costa Rica 2012". But unfortunately when I got back to the hostel and tried to upload all my pictures, I managed to corrupt my memory card. I´m gutted as I had some great pictures but thankful it was only one week in and not towards the end of my trip.

After the beach we headed off to Jaco to get some lunch. Manfred took me to an ATM as I hadn´t been able to withdraw cash since getting here, I was starting to panic until I realised the machines I was using didn´t accept Mastercard. Thankfully that´s all sorted now.

We went to a nice little restaurant just off the beach. On the TV was the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics. I thought it was amazing and kept laughing, especially at Mr. Bean´s set. I was really proud to be watching and actually a little sad that I am missing it. I´ve asked my brother to record the Gymnastics and horse riding for me so hopefully he will.

Lunch was really nice, typical rice, beans, chicken and banana. I never actually eat the banana, it´s just too weird. For lunch and a drink cost 2 pounds and 73p. Bargain!!

After lunch we drove along the famous Jaco beach, personally I wasn´t impressed. The sand looked dirty and so did the sea, I much preferred the first beach we went to.

Then we went to our final stop, Hermosa Beach. It was really dark sand and the waves were crashing into the shore. It was lovely as the sun had started to set and I just sat up against a fallen tree reading my book (What better scene to read about naughty Mr. Grey).

The beach was lovely, quite, still and peaceful, until a hermit crap decided to take a seat next to me. Let´s just say my scream and jumping up about 10 foot in the air ruined the tranquil moment. This of course amused Manfred no end.

We left the beach just after 5pm to head back to the hostel It took over two hours to get back so I was very sleepy by the time I got in. I was looking forward to a nice hot shower, but who am I kidding. This is a hostel so I settled for a luke warm one.

On the way back, the sky kept flashing. I wasn´t sure if it was lightening or fireworks but it turned out to be lightening. It was amazing. Everytime it flashed, I smiled. It was really odd as sometimes I´m actually scared of lightening but it just looked so beautiful and it´s the first time I´ve seen lightening without thunder or rain.

During the night though it made up with the rain. It rained from about 10pm until gone 6am. It was so loud crashing down but it sounded fantastic, such energy.

Today is my final day in the hostel, I am heading over to my joining hotel this afternoon. I´ve really enjoyed my first experience in a hostel and it is all thanks to the wonderful owners Manfred and Meylinge. I would certainly highly recommend Costa Rica Love Hostel.

Best day so far

Today has probably been the best day so far. I've been feeling so lonely since getting here and frankly a bit bored. Because there isn't much to do around the hostel.

But today I went on a little tour of a few rivers and rainforest. Because the guy from the hostel runs the tours, it was only me and him.

I didn't have a problem with this as he seems nice. Although when we were in the car in the middle of the forest and he said 'Oh damn I've forgotten my knife' I was slightly concerned.

It's funny as he must have seen the colour drain from my already pale face because he started laughing and explained it was because there are some flowers he likes that would have wanted to take home to his girlfriend.

I did have the opportunity to swim at the first river (Las Juntas) we stopped at but I decided not to. Funny enough, ever since the conversation regarding worms wiggling up my 'lady bits', I don't really want that thanks! Cheers Dad and Stu.

The second river (Rio Sucio) we went to was beautiful. It's the only river in San Jose that forks and merges into one. And one side is brown (due to the zinc in the mountain) and the other side is blue. It was really pretty.

We also visited a coffee plantation. I didn't realise coffee beans were red berries when ripe, they go brown from the roasting. See, I'm learning so much!

The guide also took me to the oldest church in Costa Rica. Is was so beautiful and looked in great condition. He said they have restored it several times. It was originally built in 1895.

He also explained that wherever a church us built, a sports field is built in front of it then a school. That is how the towns are established.

I'm currently in San Jose relaxing in the sun sitting outside the museum. It's been really nice just chilling out and people watching albeit a little lonely.

I've been a little naughty and indulged in some retail therapy. I have two defences: 1. My bag was only 12kg on the way out and 2. I bought two bra tops, a dress and a shirt for the grand sum of £7.12. How could I resist!!!

I think the saying "I can resist anything except temptation" springs to mind.

Tomorrow is my last night in the hostel. I'm looking forward to starting my tour on Saturday and really exploring Costa Rica and hopefully making some friends.

I was going to leave the hostel a day early until I realised they were holding out on me and there's a bigger bathroom. It was like the holy grail when I saw it this morning. It's huge compared to the one I've been using. I may treat myself and even wash my hair tonight.... I know how to live!!

Even the longest journey starts with one small step.

So, my first official travel blog post. I should be used to writing things down in a blog, but I haven't actually written much for a while.

I've enjoyed an amazing weekend with Stuart (my boyfriend). It was his birthday yesterday so we've been together since Thursday. We wanted to spend as much time together as possible before I left.

We really didn't sleep well last night. I kept waking up. It's really odd as I knew I wouldn't sleep well but I was so tired, I thought I would have at least slept a little better.

To be honest, I don't think I slept well not only because I'm going to miss my friends and family loads but this is a pretty big journey for me.

I'm usually a very homely girl but I planned this trip to escape from the anniversary. At the time of booking, I figured I'd prefer to be some place else. Well looks like I've slightly shot myself in the foot...

Don't get me wrong, I am so looking forward to meeting new people, exploring new beautiful places and trying a whole bunch of new things. But I didn't anticipate how difficult it would be to leave everyone.

The journey to the airport was typical. Lots of traffic, I felt nervous and Mum was driving me crazy. I feel bad as I'm sure she means well (ok, who am I kidding, I hope she means well...) but she was really getting on my nerves. I honestly have no patience with her, it's sad really.

By the time we got to the airport, I felt a little rushed. I think I got checked in about an hour and half before my flight. That's actually pretty late for me.

Stu came to the airport with me and we had breakfast together. By the time I walked through security, I was really sad.

I know it's mad as I'm going on such an exciting adventure. But I've also embarked on an amazing journey with Stu.

I never expected to have such strong feelings for someone so quickly. But there really is something special about us. I will miss Stu like crazy but I know he'll be there when I return. Hell he better be, he has my car...!

All joking aside, I'm so thankful for how I'm feeling. I went through the worst year of my life last year, and 2012 has been the best year so far. And I'm sure I've got plenty more great years ahead.

I decided to upgrade to Premium Economy. It wasn't too expensive and it's been nice having a bit extra room. And even real glass and knife and forks... I'm so rock 'n' roll!

I have to admit, it's been really nice. The service with Virgin has been great. It seems Virgin are a very good brand. I'm not sure why it happens to be my favourite brand of late...

Changing flights in Miami was a bit of a nightmare. The signs for where to go wasn't exactly the clearest. Then by the time I had queued twice for different passport controls, I literally had enough time to grab something to eat before catching my American Airlines flight to San Jose.

It's the first time I have flown AA. It seems ok but nothing special. I was fortunate enough to be given an exit seat so I had plenty of leg room but because the flight was just under three hours, there was limited entertainment.

What has kept me slightly amused (and slightly scared...) is some of the advice offered to me for my trip.

Let's see Daddy's advice was;
- Don't leave my drinks unattended (which makes sense however he never said I wasn't allowed to take drinks from strangers).
- Tap my shoes out before putting them on (this is the one that's freaked me out, luckily if any nasty bugs come out of my shoes, then I can at least whack them with my shoe).
- Be safe. (It goes without saying really...).

Some more unique advice has been;
- Plant something, you never know you may return. (Good advice however logically I'm not sure it'll work).
- Do one thing that takes you out of your comfort zone each day. (To be honest, just waking up without any of my friends or family is that).

It's great receiving advice and handy tips. My lovely friend gave me a beautiful travel journal with some lovely quotes and little 'must do' things. I intend to update this blog as much as I can, as well as keep my paper journal.

When I got to Costa Rica airport, I thought it was going to be difficult finding my transfers as lots of guys come running up asking if I need a taxi but I said to one i've arranged through the hostel and he knew who to take me to, so that was good.

The staff at the hostel are very friendly but one of the ladies English is very basic, similar to my Spanish.

I do wish I had taken more time to learn Spanish but funny enough I've been pretty occupied over the last few weeks :-p

My lovely friends bought we a handy phrase book so I think I'm going to spend some time learning some.

I keep getting the little Portuguese I know mixed up with Spanish. I'll figure it out.

The hostel is very clean but basic, which considering this is my first ever stay in a hostel, I'd have to guess this is actually good.

When I got settled last night, I sent Stuart a message and we skyped. I feel bad as it was about 4am in the UK.

I got really upset as I just felt really overwhelmed. I think I was tired from the journey, slightly concerned at my lack of knowledge and preparation and incredibly lonely.

Stu was amazing comforting me and said I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning. Thankfully he was right.

I think today I'll go and explore local to the hostel. Driving at night made it look like a shanti town.... Not good. However the driver said it is a safe area.

Maybe tomorrow I will try to find the beach. I need to get some directions from the hostel. I'm apprehensive about just jumping on a bus but I suppose worse case scenario is, I just get a taxi back. Ok, who am I kidding that's so not worse case however I don't want to think like that.

Well this is my first post from Costa Rica. Hope you are all well and love you loads.

Mucho amor y buenos deseos.