Blogs from Escazu, San José, Costa Rica, Central America Caribbean

What’s the downside of visiting one of the best tourist destinations in the world? Everything else pales in comparison, or at least initially. The spectacle of Machu Picchu was still afresh when we landed in Costa Rica. The bar had been raised and expectations were soaring, albeit unconsciously! The weather in April was warm and balmy and San Jose’s airport was more than welcoming. Here, people greeted one another saying “Pura Vida”, meaning “have a pure life” and this wellness greeting was heavier on the scales than greetings for a good day or part of a day that we were so accustomed to. Perhaps there was some intrinsic quality in the people and their attitude towards life that led to Costa Rica topping the world’s Happiness index, three times in a row :) :) :) With ... read more

My trip has finally begun! It's always shocking to look back and realize how fast time actually does fly. My dad and I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica early this afternoon. The flight was awesome for a couple of reasons: 1. My dad has so many frequent flyer miles United upgraded us both to first class for both lengths of the flight! Free booze, free meals, and free Direct TV. (Ballin'!) 2. The views from my fancy first class window seats were incredible! It was my first time flying over the Gulf of Mexico and it was beautiful! At first I thought we were going to be flying over open waters for the majority of the time, but as soon as that semi-disappointing thought crossed my mind out from the bottom of my window I ... read more

November 11, 2011 Playa Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Our first stop was Manuel Antonio. As far as the national park and beaches, I am convinced they are among the most beautiful places in the world. Walking through the park, we encountered beautiful butterflies, huge iguanas, dozens of monkeys, coatis, and a baby sloth that fell off a tree and was very curious, crawling right up to us to say hello. The people there were another story. The town seemed to be basically run by a group of men in their 20´s. Waiters and surf instructors by day, they were drug dealers and thieves by night. We did surf here one morning (though we declined instruction from a drug dealer). Although extremely tiring, once you stand up on a wave, there is no better feeling. We took ... read more

First, we'd like to say shana tovah to everyone! May this year bring you much happiness, health, love, and peace. May you be inscribed in the book of life. So, many of you know that today is the Jewish new year--Rosh Hashana. And as any nice Jewish girl would do, I went to synagogue to hear the shofar blow, eat a little apples and honey, and listen to the cantor sing. However, today's service was a little more exotic. Peter and I ventured out into San Jose to find the only reform synagogue in town. First, they wanted to charge us $175...EACH! Aye caramba!! Then, she offered us $90 total. We looked at each other like "uhhh....wtf...where's our cab?" Next she told us she'd give us the student discount of $35 each. You should have seen ... read more

Well here I am in Escazu, after a pretty hellish start. First of all there were the two below average flights (God, American Airlines have some miserable crew!) Then, i nearly missed my connection from Miami to CR. Then, I got interrogated at customs for 20 mins. Then my luggage never appeared. And contrary to the welcome commitee I expected, there was noone at the airport to pick me up! And, icing on the cake, I thought (in desperation) that some man was waiting for me so went and asked two airport officials what name was on his sign as I thought he may be waiting for me, and it turned out "he" was a cardboard cut out. Cringe! Despite the bad start its all worked out well. Escazu is beautiful. Really green and pretty, surrounded ... read more