Costa Rica Calls!

Christmas trees, jingle bells,and Santa meant it was time to head to sunny Costa Rica.  As usual we headed to Dominical on the Pacific coastline for two weeks of Pura Vida!  This trip we were carriers with one suitcase full (50 boxes) of Christmas lights for Richard and Diane the resort owners. They live to decorate!
Of course the first few days we unpacked, stocked up on groceries, fresh produce, fish, and fruit.  It is so easy to eat healthy there.  With abundant farmer’s markets and local fisherman you won’t go hungry! Early morning walks on the beach and evenings up at the Rancho and pool were our daily ritual! It was very enjoyable to share experiences with the other guest from all over the world....including a couple from Switzerland, to a rancher from Patagonia, plus some fellow Americans.

Christmas Eve the owners invited us to their Christmas Eve annual party, so I prepared a new dish, Avocado Crack Dip.  Must have been a hit as I came back with a empty bowl! Just before the party started, the electricity went out.....so off we went with flashlights in hand!  The power stayed off for about an hour, but the party went on!

A few days later we went with our friend Daryl, dressed as Papa Noel to visit a Palm Tica farm and bring gifts to the children.  Dale and I were assigned duties as his elves, complete with elf hats!  At first the kids were shy and reluctant, some had never seen Papa Noel much less two elves from Texas.
It was very hot and Papa Noel was melting in his outfit but we stayed until every child had a gift. This is the true meaning of Christmas.

Playa Hermosa is our favorite beach, so we made several trips there to enjoy the beautiful beach and waves perfect for boogie boarding.  Dale proved he was still the Boogie Board Champion riding the waves all the way to shore! This beach is the perfect spot to just hang out with the locals, enjoy some cold coconut water, and people watch! The water is warm and you can walk for miles! Another favorite spot in what we call the Secret Beach, a manicured beautiful beach lined by palms, the prefect spot to tie up our hammocks.
This year we booked a tour of a animal rescue operation at Villa Alturas!  This resort is up on the mountain and has an amazing view of the coast!  Our guide was great and we learned how they try to rehabilitate and release the animals they get back into the wild!

Our course a visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at our new favorite restaurant, Feliz Langosta at Matapalo.  Great food and big portions...you never leave hungry!  We also made a trip up the mountain to Jolly Roger for the best hamburger in the area on New Year’s Eve! Pizza at a new place in Uvita was yummy....New York still pizza! Our last night we enjoyed dinner with
Richard and Diane at Tortilla Flats in Dominical.  At this restaurant I was introduced to a new delicious. drink....Basil Margarita...OMG!

During our stay we heard our old friends, Daryl and Diane were building a new home.  One day we drove up to their boutique resort, and then drove over and they gave us a tour of  their new home! It was very sleek and contemporary....with a view to die for!
Two weeks flew by and soon it was time to load up and head back to San Jose for our flight back to Texas!  It was a very relaxing trip, with perfect weather, beautiful beaches, old friends, and good food!
Pura Vida!