Tamarindo

A pretty and non eventful drive through the mountains, 4  hours later and we were in Tamarindo. The locals call it Tama-Gringo, as there is a large expat and tourist population. The surf is pretty consistent and there are many cheap lodgings and places to eat and drink, making this part of Costa Rica a favourite to many. That said compared to every where else we have been so far Tamarindo was the most expensive- we were still able to score some amazing accommodations thanks to Johnny. (long story short, we stayed at a very reputable hostel, Selina's, the room they gave us was a 4 bunk dorm, there was no hot water, WiFi wasn't working great and we were right next to the DJ...after some serious grumblings they upgraded us to the most amazing space we have stayed in yet!)

The pool at Selina's

Both of these units were ours they were totally beautiful inside

Another temporary pet- this cat was Anneka's favourite, her name was Maui

We just bummed around the town for 4 days, surfing, eating, and hanging out at the beach. Tamarindo was a pretty easy place to vacation, most people spoke English, (thank goodness, our Spanish is so bad it's embarrassing), nice beaches around the area (the one in town is OK, but if you head outside of Tamarindo they are nicer), great stores, amazing restaurants and bars are everywhere.

this was a beautiful beach about 30 minutes away Playa Conchal

Anneka to impatient to wait for me, decides to venture on her own

Livy has a love hate relationship with surfing

The number one reason we chose to go to Tamrindo when we did is because I had read that they  are one of the few Central American places that really celebrates Halloween. The girls were really disappointed to be missing it back home as its one of their favourite days of the year. Our neighborhood crew usually gets together for some pre-drinks and pizza and then we all head out together. Its really a festive day and the girls look forward to it for weeks. If you read my Facebook you will know that we were were so lucky to be art of such an awesome event. All the expats get together and have a "Trunk or Treat" in the main square, where cars decorate their trunks and hand out candy. It's a huge celebration and there were smiles all around. The girls got their Halloween "Tamarindo" style after all.

The main square where are the kids gather

A decorated trunk