Back in December, when my friends Sara and Michelle were visiting - the morning I drove them to Herradura to catch the water taxi for Montezuma, Desirae was with me. After the girls left, we had a little time before we needed to get back to EO. I asked Des if she had ever seen The Marriott Resort at Los Suenos. She had not.....neither had I. Now was the time to check it out.
Los Suenos is probably the most beautiful, expensive marina between Mexico and Panama City. I have been fortunate to have been deep sea fishing on several boats ranging from a classic old 32ft fishing boat to a 70 foot super yacht.
I had no expectations, just wanted to see the resort. I should have known - it was breathtakingly beautiful. We checked out the hotel, the pool area, the golf course, a gift shop and convenience store. This was the beginning of the holiday season and this little unexpected side trip was a pleasant way to experience how those with money enjoy their holidays. I will probably never get to stay there but if you have money.....I highly recommend this very tropical classy resort.
Pura Vida
Several days ago Brett invited me to go surfing in Este with him and Doug. While we were there Legend and Joe show up. It has been relatively calm and even tho I really don't like beach breaks I was happy to be invited to go somewhere else - even if it is just down the beach aways. When we got there, sure enough - manageable - I was even excited to be going out somewhere different than my usual.
At first it seem just fine and then.....bigger waves started rolling in. And then.....even bigger waves. At one point I saw Brett flying across the face of a wave with spray over his head....seriously! So there I am - once again - big waves for me and of course here comes a huge one. I did what I often do - decide whether I go for it - or die :) I chose to go. Within seconds I found myself looking down the face of what seems a giant wave and it is rolling over me because I am too damn slow to get up and catch it. She caught me big time and slammed me to the bottom! Plus, that was just the beginning - she slammed me 2 more times!
All I could think was I needed to get out. Once she let me go, it was easy to get in as the beach was not very far. Over my shoulder I saw Brett coming out also and I knew....he was worried and checking on me.
I hate to admit this but as I sat on the beach I thought "You are getting way to f*%#* ing old to be doing this.........." and I truly hate that thought - but it is true. If I had to rate this wipeout it would be in my top 3 and I have had some spectacular ones thru the few years I have been trying to learn how to surf.
On the other hand....I had a great time, I wasn't afraid, I was glad I went. 5 days later my neck is still jacked but recovering :)
Living the life in Costa Rica!!!!!
Pura Vida
Every once in awhile I NEED to find sea glass. Yesterday evening she was calling. So....First thing, I went down to the surf shop and borrowed my walking partner - Oscarina. She is easy to hang with and a delight to have around. On the way we found Elizabeth exercising her horse Millenio. Once at "the spot" it was just Oscarina and me. I have no idea how long I was there....that is the beauty of searching for the glass. On the way back we stopped to check out some unique tide pools while a Yellow Throated Tiger Heron watched from high above. The simple pleasures of living in paradise :)
Pura Vida
Friday was the big day and after having been to the waterfall the day before I made the executive decision Debbie was going to have fun on her birthday no matter how much work she had. Sometimes pulling her away from her mortgage business that she is fortunate to be able to run while in CR, is difficult. But - it was her birthday! So, the day before after the ATV trip and while surfing in the evening.....I asked Bob if he could take us in his new car up to the waterfall I had just been to. Bob's Suzuki is new to him and he has been wanting to do a big adventure. This was his opportunity - taking the wild crazy road cross country - as Des and I had done the day before - all the way to the waterfall.
Pepper has been living with me since January 1st and while eating breakfast I asked her if she would like to join us. She was in!
The drive up was full of wonder. None of the 3 had ever been on this trail or up to this waterfall. Nothing I love more than sharing something amazing and beautiful for the first time. On the way back we stopped at my favorite bar/restaurant where all 4 of us shared the same meal - a costa rica typical plate of fresh fish - this being dorada aka maui maui, rice, black beans, salad, plantain, cold beer - yummmmmm!
Then the trip back. Rather than take the public road, Bob opted for the trail again. This time he was fully aware of what to expect. A rocky, mountain dirt road just wide enough for one vehicle. At one point there is a very steep hill. This was where mild manner Bob became wild cross country driver extraordinar :) He gunned it and up we went - at the top - he just keep going. We were now flying past the trees, the hills, the old cemetery, the cows - all the while - Debbie, Pepper and I bouncing around the car - totally out of control - laughing hysterically!
Debbie had told me she wanted to celebrate her birthday night at the Shake Bar and Restaurant right here in Esterillos. A few days prior she had told the bartender Gustavo she would be there Friday night. What she didn't know was I sent an e-mail inviting everyone in town - and - everyone showed up. Deborah brought a huge delicious cake. I asked Alejandro to get Debbie started with the first dance and from there.....the party was on. An awesome evening had by all.
Debbie - May you have many, many more birthdays such as this with your friends here in EO!
Pura Vida
Jack is from New Jersey. He has lived in Costa Rica for 10 years - built a beautiful house in the mountains -hates having his photo taken so with all due respect - no photos of Jack!
On Thursday, Jack had offered to show Desirae and I the cross country way to his house and the waterfall - on ATVs.
Needless to say - this was an over the top day spent with our friend Jack.
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU - Jack!
Pura Vida
