HallmarcDotNet

Mon, 29 Jun 2009

We had so much fun in Costa Rica! We went for ten days with a small group from Bryan's school. I'd been excited about the things we were going to see, but didn't even think until we got there about the difference of doing an all -inclusive vacation. Usually we go camping or to a timeshare or impose on family…but on this vacation I didn't have to do anything except worry about myself for ten whole days! That was so nice. Since I was not a chaperone on the trip, I didn't even have to worry about Bryan or any of the kids! Melody and Thomas stayed home with Dad and Sheila and I didn't worry about them because I knew they were having a great time with their grandparents. I'll post some pictures of what they did during our absence also. It may take me a couple posts to complete my story of our trip. Anyway, we were driven all over Costa Rica by a fantastic driver named Alex. He drove our comfy bus across narrow bridges and along windy mountain roads and busy city streets with great skill. We flew into San Jose. In the central valley around San Jose, lots of coffee is grown,

along with ferns and houseplants to export. I saw many of the plants that I personally have killed in my very own home growing free and wild in Costa Rica.We also saw lots of wildlife. I will spare you all the pictures of birds and butterflies, but here is a nice iguana.

We went to two different active volcanoes. One, called Poas,  had fumeroles coming out and the escaping gas sounded like water rushing in a river.

The second was especially active while we were there (it made the local news) and we went at night to see the glow of the lava coming down the side. This one was called Arenal, and we spent two days in the area.

We went kayaking on lake Arenal one day.

We also went to a fantastic hot springs where the water was heated by the volcano. This was so relaxing and didn't have any sulfur smell at all. The kids enjoyed the water slides, but Marc and I just relaxed. Just to end this entry, I'll add a couple pictures of animals we saw. Bryan with local caymans,

a poison arrow frog (did you know you would have to eat about fourteen of these guys to kill you?),

and a sloth.