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.