A cachete

My husband surprised me with a trip to Costa Rica for our 5th anniversary, which fell 6 months prior to my spring break.  At that time baby was 3 months old and we thought for sure it would be no problem to leave her for a week by the time spring break came around.  As the trip drew closer we kept wondering if we could actually do it, but eventually we did!

50 bags of milk barely eked out the week!

The first time I went to Costa Rica was for a "study abroad" my junior year of college.  I put it in quotes because it was so much fun it shouldn't have counted for credit, but at the same time I really did learn a lot.  Ever since that trip I have been dying to go back!!  During my study abroad I learned 2 Costa Rican phrases - "Pura Vida" and "Tuanis".  Pura vida literally means pure life, but is used similarly to the Hawaiian Aloha.  People say it for hello, good bye, you're welcome, etc.  Tuanis is a little bit lesser known (at least to tourists, I suppose) and I think means something like "cool."  During our trip last week I learned yet another new phrase - "A cachete"  One of the zipline guides told me to say it to the last guide when they asked me how the experience was.  It seemed really surprising to people that I said that, but I think it's another positive word meaning something like really good/having it all.  It's weird trying to understand words that have no translation!

Pura Vida

We stayed at the Westin Playa Conchal, an all inclusive resort on the Pacific Coast.  Neither of us had done an all-inclusive before.  It was nice being able to go out and do activities and eat without worrying about how much each thing cost.  Lots of activities were included such as beach yoga, bike rides, coffee tastings and more.  We did venture off the resort for a day trip to Arenal which included a boat ride, ziplining and hot springs.  Ziplining through the rainforest is hands down the funnest thing I have ever done!

sunset on Playa Conchal