Dos Semanas en Costa Rica

Villa Playa Amigo high above Playa Dominicalito was our first stop. The views were breathtaking, and the villa was very comfortable. The drive up the mountain in our 4x4 was a little tricky, but Dale handled

it like a pro. After picking up groceries in Uvita, fresh fruits and veggies on the Auto Pista, and fresh Dorado from the fisherman we were set for the week. Our days were spent at a beach, either Dominicalito, Hermosa, and our favorite Playa Linda (Secret Beach). Celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary we spent the day at Hermosa, then drove up the mountain to the Jolly Roger for great hamburgers, wings, and ice cold beer. 

Ay Bonita at Playa Bejuco was our next stop, and we definitely felt like we had found a hidden gem. It was a small boutique resort with only 4 rooms only steps from the Pacific Ocean. Our room, called Ocean was simple but provided everything we needed.  The pool provided the perfect spot to relax and soak.  Playa Bejuco was a beautiful stretch of beach with perfect boogie boarding conditions.  Sunsets every evening were a work of art painting the sky with brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow. During our stay here we did a catamaran trip with Costa Cat at Los Sueños to Tortuga Island and a tour of Manuel Antonio on a hot crowded day. we enjoyed two dinners at Don Toro’s restaurant which was a short walk down the beach. The trip back from Los Sueños after dark turned out to be a white knuckle ride….after sundown Costa Rica gets really dark!

Sunset every evening was a show stopper.  Just when you thought you had seen the best, the next evening topped it.  Plus the real show almost always was after the sun slipped behind the horizon. Almost all beach goers stood in silence and watched the sun slip away every evening. God produced a spectacular work of art! 

Costa Rica beaches are perfect…..with warm water, sandy shores, and great waves!  Of course, Dale retained the title of Boogie Board King.  But, I did mange to get some great rides all the way in.  A hour or two of boogie boarding sure makes you sleep good at night! We both managed to get coated in Costa Rican sand at times.

Of course Costa Rica is abundant with a large variety of wildlife.  Howler monkeys served as alarm clock, sounding off about 6:45 am outside our bedroom window. The sloth is the most sought after creature, but most we saw were way up high in the trees. Four varieties of monkeys live in Costa Rica and we did mange to see all of them.  The jungle is lush and thick, so spotting wildlife is tricky.  

Costa Rica is a magical place, it spurs you to appreciate the simpler things in life. It cast a spell on you that makes you want to return.  Pura Vida!

The Murals of San Nicholas

 

Ho! Ho! Ho! In Aruba

Flying on Christmas Day we arrived, picked up our rental car, and drove out to Aruba Sunset Beach Studios.  This trip we were staying in a Large Garden #2 with an Ocean View.  I was surprised by Dale with a beautiful floral arrangement to celebrate my upcoming birthday.  After unpacking we went for a hamburger and beer at the Local Store, delicious as usual.

With the grocery stores closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Dec.26) I had ordered groceries online and had them delivered before we arrived. It worked out great for us!  Going to Super Foods on the first day they opened back up proved to be an adventure…..looked like H‑E‑B before a hurricane strikes the Texas coast.

Even though we have been to Aruba many times, we always enjoy exploring and finding something new.  This trip we visited Alto Vista Chapel, The Lighthouse, The Gold Mill Ruins, Baby Beach, The National Park, and Mangel Halto.  We spent one morning in San Nicholas exploring the 50 plus murals painted by some very talented artist on local buildings.  Another day we explored a beautiful church and a couple old cemeteries. Saint Ann’s church has a beautiful carved oak pulpit, altar,  and communion rail from the Netherlands…really gorgeous.

During our stay we enjoyed some fresh seafood at Zeerover’s, barbecued ribs at Smoky Joes, and chicken schnitzel at a new Bistro. On New Years Eve we had dinner at The Barefoot Beach restaurant with a table out on the sand.  It was a beautiful evening with a spectacular sunset to end the year. Dinner was delicious as usual, with the waiters singing Happy Birthday to me. Later that evening we watched a spectacular fireworks display, as the island seemed to explode for the New Year.

Our trip came to end and it was time to say goodbye.  With a late flight to Miami, then on to Houston, and a drive home we arrived about 3:30 am! It was good to see our friends JP and Eve, plus all the staff at the resort! Aruba never disappoints!