Doing the Mosta in Costa (Rica)

I don’t do anything halfheartedly. So when it comes to vacations, I’m picking up and going somewhere that is passport required that I’ve never been.

I booked this trip mid May. After I had paid in full, I realized that my passport was expiring in June. Expedited my passport. Received it a few weeks ago. Thought I had all the proper paperwork to get into Costa Rica. Found out at 5:30 in the morning the day of departure that I hadn’t filled out a required form from the government. Sat on the floor at the airport in Atlanta almost in tears trying to fill out this form in Spanish. Got the form filled out. Made my flight to Houston. Had a two hour layover turn into a ten hour layover because of mechanical issues and pilots going off the clock. But you know what? I made it.

A couple of summers ago I started traveling through a touring company. It’s hard to find people who have the time, money, and flexibility to travel, so I don’t let that stop me. I go by myself and meet strangers in my tour group when I get to my destination. I get the exotic feeling of traveling alone without the terrifying reality of actually traveling alone. 10/10 would recommend.

After flying into San Jose, the first city that we stayed in was called Tortuguero. It is only accessible by boat, so strap on a life vest and call me Gilligan.

We arrived at this adorable bungalow style hotel in the middle of the jungle and were greeted by the bartender with something they called “frog water”. I can’t be sure exactly what frog water was, but it had sort of an oaky afterbirth.

I had this little beauty all to myself. Honestly, I felt like I was on The Bachelor, and I was there for the right reasons. I swear.

My little treehouse had no air conditioning, but it honestly didn’t matter (and this is coming from someone always at Sweat Level Midnight). The windows were open with screens. It was very shaded and it rained all night. It was IDEAL for sleeping-other than the howler monkeys, but what are you gonna do, ya know?

Tortugero was on the Caribbean coast side, so we went to the beach and their “downtown” area.

I will only be drinking out of coconuts henceforth. Please and thank you.

The next day we went to Tortuguero National Park. When I saw that on the itinerary, I assumed we’d be walking. No. Another day of boating.

In the past few years, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not an animal person. God made them for a reason, and they all serve a purpose. But those purposes do not delight me. It was GLARINGLY obvious on this trip who was McKayla Maroney ‘not impressed’ with the birds, alligators, and iguanas. But was I impressed with the views? Absolutely.

There’s just too much to share in one post, so on Friday, I’ll be sharing my top favorites from Costa Rica for Friday Favorites. I know you’ll be waiting with bated breath. Grab some frog water, and I’ll see you back here then.