The Ticos (people of Costa Rica) have a famous saying, "Pura Vida", it is an expression that basically means life is good no matter what happens. You ask someone how they are doing, they will respond "Pura Vida". When life is good, you celebrate by exclaiming "Pura Vida". When life is not all as it should be - "Pura Vida". Well, in the spirit of "Pura Vida", we have been having so much fun, that I only have two pictures for this blog. But Pura Vida! I know most of you don't read what I write and just look at the pictures, if that is you, this will be quick (you already stopped reading didn't you?). But for those of you who like to read the brief summary of our adventures, this one will finally have some (not much) narrative!
We arrived in Costa Rica's Monteverde on Saturday and met Nicole's parents. We did a night hike to find nocturnal wildlife. Tyler and Josiah felt it was a success, Nicole and Emma felt we could have avoided finding the three tarantulas and the most venomous snake in Costa Rica (these would have been good pictures, why didn't I bring my camera!?!?!?). We also found various bugs, birds, and a sloth!
Sunday was supposed to be two activities. The horseback ridding went great - and I even got a picture!
All of us with our horses
Then we were supposed to go ziplining on the largest course in the Americas - including one that is over a mile long! However, a thunderstorm forced the cancellation of the adventure - literally as we were climbing the first platform with all our gear on, so close. But - you guessed it - Pura Vida! So we went shopping instead, not a bad alternative.
Monday we went to La Fortuna where the famous volcano Arenal is located. I was in Costa Rica 14 years ago with my college (George Fox with professor Viki Defferding). It was 2005 and we went to see this volcano that always has lava flowing (an amazing site at night I'm told). But we were unable to see it because of the clouds. So when we came back on Monday I had hopes that I would finally be able to see the lava flow that I missed. We got a clear day! But, as it turns out, the lava flow stopped in 2008. So as the saying goes - Pura Vida. At least I finally got a picture of the (inactive) volcano!
Volcano Arenal
After the volcano we went on to a hotsprings. A pool that is literally heated by the volcano! The waters flow from pool to pool cooling down at each level. The waters go from scorching hot to just warm at the bottom. There is even a natural sana and water slides. The water slides were the best I have ever ridden - a few with speeds of over 25 miles per hour! Lots of fun! Oh, and the hottest pool was 152 degrees and Tyler went in over his head. Emma went in to her neck. No one else even wanted to put their toes in that water!
Tomorrow we will head to the beach to finish our short trip to Costa Rica. Very soon our 7 weeks in Latin America will be over. I can't believe it is going so fast! (I also can't believe you are still reading, if you are, let me know on the facebook comments so I know all my work typing about our adventures was not a total waste!) Thanks for reading! and of course - Pura Vida!
I always read every word!💖😄💖sometimes twice. Thanks for letting live outside of the US with you and the family.and next time be sure and take the camera, skipping the Tarantulas and snakes is fine but I would have loved to have seen sloth 💖 love and hugs to all of you. Aunt Ramona
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