Now that I am back from paradise, it feels almost surreal that I went on a vacation. Real life catches up quickly. As soon as I came back, I got a slight cold. The weather here did not help. It dipped into the low 40s, 30s, and some nights, even 20s. Shortly after I came back, I went back to work and it was like nothing really changed. So before I forget it all, here are pictures of our few days in paradise. Part I of ???.

***

After almost the whole day of flying, I saw Costa Rica from our plane.

Surreal…

But I know it was real because I kept pinching myself.

We soon landed and started our adventure.

Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica

We saw the Gulf of Papagayo from atop the hill.

We were really hungry after our flight and went to Soda Teresita right by Coco Beach to eat. “Soda” are casual restaurants.

Fried Fish at Soda La Teresita

Pork Chop at Soda La Teresita

The plates were piled with yummy food and sides. Black Beans, Rice, Cheese, sides of salad and some lemons. Really delicious. Typical Tico food. Tico is a colloquial term for a native of Costa Rica.

Mapache Boat Tour

After a night of rest, we set out on Coco Beach and boarded the Mapache Boat tour that our hotel arranged for us. Everyone talked excitedly of the possibility of a whale sighting (again), so we were hoping we will see some on that visit.

On our way with a small boat tugging on our big boat

Along the way, we started taking pictures of the vast ocean, sights, and of our feet.

Somewhere in Costa Rica

Our legs needed some color.

No turning back now… We were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

We saw flying fishes and some excited sightings of dolphins. But alas, no whales…

When we got to our little private beach in the middle of nowhere, some of us laid on the beach and try to work on our tan. Some of us got restless, and went splashing in the waves. Some went kayaking. Some went snorkeling. Some on our stomach and photographed little creatures on the sand.

little sand crab on the beach in costa rica

On our way back, we saw a few more sights. And it was very relaxing. Ever heard of Monkey Head? This is Monkey Head as it looks like one.

Monkey Head, Costa Rica

We were thirsty, so we brought some drinks by the beach. Shaved ice and Agua de Pipa (Coconut Water)

Once on land, we were thirsty. I love the Coconut Water and did not much care for the shaved ice due to all that sugar. But it looks pretty.

Papagayo Seafood

After strolling around for a bit, we decided to eat. Off we went to Papagayo Seafood Restaurant because everyone said it was great.

Seafood Salad

Garlic Shrimp

Side of Veggies

Food looked good, right? We did a bit of shopping after that and went back to our hotel to sleep.

Part II of our adventure coming soon. Like they say in Amazing Race, where will they go next? 😉