Quick Trip Recap - Sara and Ryan in Tamarindo

Despite have issues arrive and departing, I think Sara and Ryan enjoyed their trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica.   I had afternoon classes all week, but we still planned morning and afternoon activities each day for them (and sometimes me).  We planned around my schedule, which allowed them to do some activities on their own, eat some meals without me 3rd-wheelin' it, and have a little 'we are finally vacationing without our kids' time!

I skipped class Monday afternoon when they got in (only Monday though).  We had some lunch, hit the beach, and explored the town in the evening.

Tuesday, we hiked over to another beach nearby, Playa Longosta (lobster beach-  although, I didn't see any).  There is only 1 resort down there, so it was nice and quiet.....at the beach, at least.  There were some pretty major waves in the water, but we enjoyed every bit of it, even the multiple underwater flips/tosses and turns.

Tuesday afternoon they zip-lined and loved, loved, LOVED it.

Wednesday morning, we went ATV-ing at another lovely beach nearby, Playa Flamingo.  We had a really swell guide, and he took us into the mountains, and then we got to ride along the beach.  It's another less populated beach, so you can get away with stuff  like that.  Being the dry season, the mountains were a bit.....dusty......so by the time we were done, we were covered in a thick layer of dirt.  It was kind of awesome....really awesome actually.

In all honesty, I had no interest in 4-wheeling, but Ryan wanted to do it, so we went.  Super glad I did!  Plus, another 'new thing' I got to try while on my travels.

Wednesday afternoon, Sara and Ryan surfed with my school peeps- both having some success too!

Wednesday night, we went for a big BBQ on the beach.  My best meal here yet!  We topped their last night off with some coconut pie and banana pie from Nogui's - best pie in town/in Costa Rica/in the world/EVER/I am being really dramatic about this/but it's true.

Thursday morning, before they hit the road, we hit an early morning boat ride/hike, up the river, on the hunt for crocodiles.   I even had a better time than expected, especially with Victor Huge (not the French writer, the Costa Rica boats captain/guide).   We saw Costa Rican 'swamps,' lots of animals, heard the 'clopping' sound of clams opening during low tide, and even howled at some howler monkeys. Lots of neat things to explore in CR.

Alas, Thursday at noonish, they headed back to the USA.
Adios amigos!