PURA VIDA EH?

When last you left Lisa and I, we had arrived in Costa Rica after an incredible flight and into Tamarindo after an exciting Tourismo (taxi) ride from the airport. After a pot of coffee and a good long look at the bright sunshiney Costa Rican morning, we went down to the La Colina reception area to meet our new friends: Lady Flora, Ken Shue & his friend Jenn, buddy Duff, and La Colina proprieter- Hans Wulf.

Hans was truly gracious and took Lisa and I to the AMAZINGLY modern and convenient AutoMercado (or super market) just outside of Tamarindo. What a pleasure it was to see that even here in the "Wilds of the Costa Rican Frontier" there are places being created that rival even the best that the US (or Canada) has to offer. The foods, fruits, and meats were fresh and well packaged / prepared, while the staff was friendly and attentive to our needs.

"Donde..umm..es..Ojo (garlic powder)?" and there it was.

It was at this time Lisa waxed poetic with the comparison that Costa Rica is like the native (and tasty) banana. Conveniant, attractive, compact, safe, flavorful, healthful, enriching, and appealing (pun intended). Costa Rica even LOOKS like a banana with the Nicoya area being a banana leaf...okay, work with me here people.

Anyway, it was Valentine's Day and we "made a party" as Lady Flora would say, going to The Lazy Wave international fare restaurant in the heart of Tamarindo. This magnificently designed outdoor patio establishment seems pulled straight from the most romantic of movies with paper lanterns, rich wood finishes, and a natural canopy roof. The Prix-Fixe Valentine's menu spanned the globe with native and international courses, each more delicious than the last. There we joined The Oaks' Robert Irvin (our fearless leader), Melanie Frei (number one) and her husband Nick. Many laughs and multi-language conversations ensued, lasting all the way back to our hotel room. I thought to myself, "If this is Costa Rica, I think I'm in love"...and I bet you would be too.

Fast forward a few days to the 16th, my 30th birthday, and WHAT a blowout! The La Colina girls (Flora, Sophie, Maritta), The Oaks' LOVELY and gracious Anna Lorena, & Lisa and I made our way to Playa Langosta's swanky Bistro Langosta for the big night. Only my second dinner in CR and so far I couldn't be more pleased. The wide variety of tasty tapas temptations tantilzed everyones tongues...yeah, and the wine was great too. Of course my favorite course was the surprize birthday desert that came to the table along with a multi-accented "Happy Birthday" song from the restaurant staff and patrons. When you get here (and you know you will) drop on by Thursday's for incredible music from a talented local trio.

The next morning I wanted to explore some of the world around me and made my way down to Playa Tamarindo, mere minutes from The Oaks and a quick walk from La Colina. Taking the shortcut through the famed Witch's Rock Surf Camp & Joe's Beachside Eats which leads out on to the sand you will immediately see happy people from all over the globe enjoying the sunning and surfing or just a relaxing walk. Make sure to look for the now famous "PIPA MAN" (or coconut milk salesman) who sells his tasty and healthy drink to tourists and locals alike and "Pot People" with their attractive, decorative wares. Head South (past the small make shift marina) to walk the volcanic ridge of Playa Langosta where small tidal pools, exotically colored fish, and the occational crashing wave bridge your way from sandy Tamarindo to shell covered Langosta...but remember (unlike me) wear LOTS of sunscreen!

Check back in a few days for more of Lisa and Ryan's Excellent (no longer CHILLY) Adventure!