Who Wants to See a Monkey?

Adventure in Costa Rica

Our attempt to move about internationally with ten adults, two children, three toddlers, and two infants was successful. My travel group this trip included a grandpa, a grandma, aunts (of which I am one), uncles, and little cousins. Our group was viewed in amazement by everyone we came across as if we were some rare and endangered species moving about in a foreign environment. Apparently a large family traveling together in this day and age is unheard of. We were constantly being asked, "Is this ONE FAMILY?" My neighbors on the plane, Americans immigrated from Indonesia, wanted to know every detail about the family and our excursion, and said that it was so great to see us all together because Americans are not family oriented.
I can't say enough about how wonderful, beautiful, and adventurous Costa Rica is. With shorter travel time and less expense than traveling to Hawaii, I would suggest this trip to anyone who isn't afraid of a little adventure. With a lot of research and bargain hunting, you too can get there at the same price as a domestic trip to California.

We spent the first day driving to our first location, La Fortuna, close to the Arenal Volcano. We let the kids stretch their legs at a playground along the way, and refueled at a charming little restaurant where we were served hot chocolate with our fried plantains and rice dishes.

We kept our jackets on most of the time in La Fortuna with plenty of rain and fog. Our first morning experience: We ate breakfast outside, took a short walk through the rain forest where we were shown a "walking palm tree" that moves itself 20 centimeters a year, and hiked down to a waterfall that furrociously fought against JR and his brothers when they jumped in, all before lunch.

Afternoon: Ate, slept, ate.

In La Fortuna we also experienced zip-lining, hot springs, and the local flavors.

On the fourth morning we left the rain forest for another road trip, this time south toward the ocean. The five hour journey ended up taking us all day, but got us there in time for the sunset.

It didn't take me long to realize the bumpy, winding roads with potholes, needy children, and motion sickness was worth it.

The entire family shared one house for the remainder of the trip where Emerson LOVED waking up to the opportunity of going immediately outside, and constantly having cousins to play with. I miss going to sleep and waking up to the many mysterious jungle sounds coming through the open doors and windows.

Sunday, the following morning, we had the opportunity of visiting a small LDS branch in the middle of Quepos Town. The church, held in a little house, spoke only Spanish, but it still had the same great spirit that makes me feel at home no matter where in the world.

We visited a couple of great beaches, one of which we were mysteriously the only group with women and children . . .

We visited the Manuel Antonio National Park, where we actually ended up seeing just as many animals as we saw at our house, but the pretty beaches and new scenery made the long and tiring hike through the park worth it.

The last day we enjoyed the secluded beach, just a short hike below our house. The kids had the water basically all to themselves. Until the last day, E uncharacteristically preferred digging in the sand to getting near the water. He also learned a few new Spanish words including, "Hola" and "Guapo."

We hope this memorable vacation to such a unique and adventurous destination was not the last!