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

La Fortuna and Monteverde

We arrived in La Fortuna staying at the most beautiful hostel- It was called Arenal Hostel Resort ($45/night for the four of us but if your solo you can stay here for $10)- looked very exotic with waterfalls, a swim up bar and hammocks all over- the girls were in heaven, (let's be honest we were too, it was incredible!)

La Fortuna is a pretty little town at the foot of Arenal Volcano (no longer active, only stopped smoking in 2015)- We were told that the views are often obscured by fog and clouds, however we were quite lucky and had perfect views for a couple of days.

Arenal Volcano

that blur at the top is the tip of the volcano- view from our window

Our friends from the UK that we met in Puerto Viejo were joining us here for a few days so that was something to look forward to. There is so much action and adventure to do in La Fortuna, we had to be picky and choosy...The first day, Johnny did a repelling activity (where he went on several repels down waterfalls- he said it was kind of lame and not worth the $$) and the girls and I went to La Fortuna waterfall- we got caught in a major downpour, having to walk back up a steep incline with very little visibility (when it rains, it RAINS) while at the time the girls were miserable, we could later look back at it as an adventure.  The waterfall itself was beautiful , however pretty pricey just to get into the park- $5 taxi, $16 entry fee (for Liv and myself)  made for an expensive view and short swim at one of Costa Rica's million waterfalls...Pretty for sure but not sure if it was worth the $$$

The next day we went to another animal shelter- this one was called Proyecto Asis. I spent a little more money so the girls could "volunteer" (sounds funny I know to spend money to volunteer, but that is how these places get funding). They had an awesome time learning about the animals and then preparing the meals and feeding them.

Ever since we left for this trip, the girls have been so excited to try white water rafting, we kept promising we would do it in Costa Rica. What a day we had! $45 and we had a full day of adventure- the rapids were not too crazy (we had to do a class 2-3 because of Anneka) but it was exciting enough that we were all happy. Johnny and I even fell in! The girls were pretty freaked out at that point, but after we were very quickly pulled back into the raft, the fun resumed. I have no pics of this day as we did not bring our camera, but this was up there with one of my favourite days. 

The next few days were spent meeting new friends from Montreal (they were all in their early 20's so Johnny and I felt like we were partying with Jess and his friends). Hanging out with Jo, Dan and Esme from the UK and enjoying everything La Fortuna has to offer. The best things after white water rafting was for sure the natural hot springs. You can go to a ton of resorts to pay to sit in the hot springs, or you can go to the free hot springs- this was definitely the way to go. 

Hanging out with our Montreal Friends in the pool

On our last night there, there was a flip cup and beer pong tournament...of course Johnny and I played- about as close as its going to get to reliving our youth- and we totally rocked it.... (except when one of the kids nick named us "Team Mom and Dad" that one hurt-ouch!)

We sadly left the comforts of Arenal Resort and headed to a small B&B in Monteverde, called Nina's Place (the cheapest  by far $30/night including breakfast!). Very basic, but clean (sort of), the room honestly felt like you were at someone's cottage. Perfect for 2 nights. We came to Monteverde to do 1 thing- Zip lining- we heard from several people that the best zip lines were here, so we braved the drive- crazy in the pouring rain, up and down the mountains- but so worth it!

The day for zip lining came (we were even lucky enough to have sunshine, which rarely happens)....I have never been so scared...10 platforms- 2 superman's (that's where the zip line is attached  from the back like your flying). Some valleys we went over were as high as 2-300 ft and 1.5km long! Then came the Tarzan swing- jeez this thing...you literally leaned against a door, held on to a rope then had to jump off, free falling for about 80 ft until the rope caught and swung you. This was 148 ft high and at first I refused to to do it, but then BOTH girls finally mustered up the courage so I was shamed into it. Glad I did, but kept my eyes closed the whole time. 

Anneka Braving the Tarzan Swing

Next up...Tamarindo- our last stop in Costa Rica- WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!