I went white water rafting on a grade 3-4 river on Monday. I was so nervous when we were given the safety briefing but as soon as we were on the river, I couldn't stop screaming and giggling.
It was such a cool experience. I was in the middle and the paddling was fine. I thought I'd get tired but there's lots of times you stop paddling.
We stopped at one place where people were jumping from the top. It looked pretty high but I was more scared as they were jumping so close to the rocks.
We had some lovely fruit and I was walking around on the rocks. I thought I walked on a rock but it turned out to be a cow pat! Now I'm all up for new experiences but I could've done without the new experience of hot cow poop on my shoes thanks!
Back in the river we kept getting stuck. It was fun sometimes as we'd have to jump up and down to try and free us, also sometimes other boats crashed into us.
When we stopped again, another guide ask me if I was enjoying the water, as I was hyped up I was saying 'Yes it's great' and next minute I know, his pulled me into the river. It was funny and very refreshing but very cheeky...
Caroline went to rescue me but she wasn't in the right position so I shouted at her to get into the right position, only I could bark orders on how to be rescued, they whole boat found this amusing.
The next day we went in search of the La Fortuna waterfall. We were walking but didn't realise it closed early ( I know how can a waterfall close but it does!) so we found a swimming hole instead.
There were some Ticos (locals) jumping from the rope. It looked great fun but I couldn't see how feel it was. I asked a local and he dived head first in. I was the first one in our group to get into the water. I didn't use the rope to start with but just jumped from the rock, it was still high!
The Ticos were really friendly helping us with the rope and even helping us climb back up. I think that's something I've really appreciated, people genuinely want to talk or help you without getting anything out of it.
We then left the Arenal/La Fortunate area and headed to Monteverde. This is where the cloud forest is.
The evening we arrived we went for a typical dinner. Rice, beans, plantain, and lots of meat. It was delusions and washed down with Gravio. A very strong shot drink.
After dinner, we were shown the typical Costa Rican dance, Eltorito. It translates to 'Little Bull'.
We had the opportunity to dance it and I danced with Stephen. He is a crazy German teacher. Such a cool guy.
The girl wears a huge skirt and you hold it up (Like the Can Can skirts but not at the front, to the side) and you twirl around and to the side. Then you use the flag to make the bull run to you. It was good fun and it was sweet when some of the group said how graceful I was. I'm sure they wasn't watching me..!
We had an action packed day on Wednesday. First off was the morning hike in the cloud forest. I have to admit, it was my least favourite activity. It seemed like all we saw was trees and a few flowers, I prefer seeing the animals.
Next up was the hanging bridges. I really enjoyed them as you saw the forest from the top of the canopy. We saw a green viper snake straight away. The guide asked if we had any questions and I explained the only question he'll get from me is 'Is it poisonous?'.
Next we saw lots of amazing humming birds. They are such gesticulating colours. In the morning hike, two flew so close to me, the guide said it was my pink jacket they were attracted to.
We also saw a family of owls. I thought this was a axing considering it was during the day.
The highlight of the hanging bridges was climbing inside the strangled tree. Vines grow around a tree until it dies from lack of sunlight then the tree is hollow. It was difficult to climb but I realised everyone else was using there bum to support themselves but I just climbed with my hands, damn I should have been smarter.
Next up was the zip lines. I wasn't sure what to expect. I was super nervous when we did the first line but after a few I got the hang of it and really enjoyed it.
There was a superman zip line where you lay on your front and it feels like your flying through the sky. The views were incredible as you are so high, it was totally amazing!
Next up was the Tarzan swing. I really wanted to say I'd done it. It was a 295foot swing. I went to the end of the platform but I just couldn't do it. I felt bad as loads of people were cheering for me to do it but I was too scared!
And finally (for now) was my awesome surfing lesson. I kicked arse at surfing in Quepos.
It's the first time I've ever surfed and the instructor said how I was the best one in the group.
I could some great waves and Jinah took a great video of me. I'm really proud how well I got on.
I'm really enjoying trying so many new crazy things but I think I've done so much in Costa Rica that the other countries I visit, I probably won't do as much.
That isn't necessarily a bad thing as it may give me more opportunity to truly embrace the culture and scenery.
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