Pura Vida Costa Rica
Life is good. Costa Rica has proven to be every bit as wonderful as we remember, and we’re heading back to marriage equality in Washington State. Double win!
Before we explode with excitement over the election results, we want to share some of our best photos from Costa Rica. Despite significantly more tourism since the last time we visited, we continue to endorse the country as a must-see destination.
Two things really stand out for us. Costa Rica’s residents are among the warmest we’ve ever encountered, and the country’s diversity of experiences is truly staggering.
We kicked this adventure off in “restore and create” mode up in a cloud forest. In addition to being supremely relaxing – an ideal location for goal setting – it was hiking and waterfall nirvana.
We then moved on to a completely different vibe on the beaches on the west coast of the country.
The beaches we’re gorgeous and empty. We’re not huge beach guys, but we couldn’t resist hanging out in the sand. Plus, we got the chance to joke around by perfecting our fake “gay Sandals” promo photo. We took about 100; here is one.
Don’t worry, only an occasional surfer may have saw us acting like fools.
The Pacific Coast beaches of Costa Rica were hot, but the heat really picked when we hit the jungle down in the Osa Peninsula. We loved it there where, just like up in the cloud forest , we were focused on closing out 2012 and dreamscaping 2013. Our lodge was all up in the flora and fauna mix. We especially enjoyed the crazy storms and monkeys (yes, often crazy too).
Part of our adventure was made possible by the tourism board. Because we love Costa Rica, we extended our stay so that we could take in as much as possible. And there’s a lot to take in…
ooh and ahh worthy sunsets.
Beautiful flowers, mind-bending bugs/insects and hyper-sized leaves.
Look what we saw from the tiny planes that moved us from destination to destination.
And how could we forget our time up at Arenal Volcano. It included an afternoon enjoying some natural hot springs (from the volcano’s geothermal activity), and an against-type visit to the pool bar.
Okay, we’ll stop. But not before mentioning Costa Rica’s soul-stirring, simple food. From tasty breakfasts to traditional Costa Rican casados for dinner, we loved the availability of fresh, uncomplicated and mostly vegetarian food.
But, let’s be honest. Anyone who has been to Costa Rica knows that the best part of the food is drenching everything in Costa Rica’s pride and joy – Salsa Lizano.
Last time, we made the mistake of not bringing any back. Not this time. We were just a little excited (people at the store thought we were insane).
Final verdict = pura vida Costa Rica!
Beautiful photos, guys! If those don’t make a person happy (and boy, do they), the good news out of Washington State sure does. Congratulations! Enjoy the Salsa Lizano
It’s a #MarriageEquality and #SalsaLizano extravaganza
Amazing photos… seriously brought back so many memories of my time in Costa Rica. Even though it’s not one of my favorite countries it will always have a special place in my heart since it was my 1st stamp in my passport…lol! Anyway so I didn’t know y’all weren’t much of beach guys??? Did y’all have Gallo Pinto? I miss that so much… one of my fav breakfast ever. Oh & have yall gone north to it’s neighbor NICARAGUA??? Now that is one of my favorite countries it’s a complete 360 from Costa Rica.
Honestly, we were a bit worried to head back to Costa Rica. Our first visit holds such significance for us, and that was at a time when Costa Rica was just getting some traction in terms of tourism. While things have certainly picked up, we very rarely felt like it was over-the-top busy.
Did we have gallo pinto?!?! Do you even know us, Jamie? We expect no more nonsense questions from you.
So… that is to say YES we had gallo pinto – pretty much every day (with a gallon of Lizano on top).
Aww pretty photos! Of course the sunset one is my favorite!
You like that one more than our “Gay Sandals” beach shot?
Oh GOD I miss Costa Rica. *sigh*
It’s an easy place to miss, isn’t it!
I want to see this alleged video! Link please =)
And I agree about the West Coast: I’ve been twice in the past year with the ship, and I love how deserted the beaches are. Gotta make it to Arenal next time!
The setting of Arenal is other-worldly. Sadly, that’s the one place that – this time around – we felt was overly crowded.
I love that you guys are in more of the photos!
I only spend a few days in Costa Rica because it was too much for my budget when I was in Central America although I must admit it had the best gallo pinto of any country.
Their gallo pinto definitely beats out the rest! I tried to like Nicaragua’s more, but not possible!
Yay – two more gallo pinto fans. People unite!
Coffee! Right now I am drinking coffee delivered direct from Costa Rica. We were there about 8 years ago and were so taken by a particular brand that we came home with a suitcase full of it (very inexpensive in the grocery store). We discovered we could order it online and still get it delivered to this day.
What’s in those bottles in the grocery store?
Yes, coffee! We often had it chorreador style – what a treat.
The stuff in the bottles is Lizano. Get your hands on it, pronto!
Great photos. My favorites are the one of Kent under the giant leaf (made me laugh out loud) and the relaxation invoked by the picture of the hammock. Very nicely done.
We’re hoping you will be sending out wedding invitations via email. Looking forward to congratulating you both in person in Mexico next year.
The first time we went to Costa Rica we were in awe every time we saw a huge leaf. So, we took lots of ridiculous pictures like that.
Can’t wait to accept your in-person wedding congratulations. We couldn’t be happier about how things turned out.
Beautiful photos! Costa Rica is just amazing – our favorite country for wildlife! We have never been anywhere else in the world where we saw so many monkeys, sloths, toucans, coatis, hummingbirds and other animals in the wild. Costa Rica just has it all – amazing beaches, jungles, volcanoes, hot springs, wildlife… The rain at this time of year is insane though! Next time you go we have work out our schedules better though so that we can meet!!
We’re still sick over missing you by just a day. And we stayed only about a mile away from where you were staying near Arenal. The universe is definitely trying to bring the four of us together. Let’s let it win
Costa Rica looks gorgeous and also very chilled; wouldn’t mind spending a bit of time there
You should – it’s great!
You guys are adorable! Costa Rica is a such a beautiful place -I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! Major score on the Salsa Lizano, I studied in Costa Rica in college & it’s one of those flavors that sticks with me! Yummm..
Thanks, Bessie – you can reserve judgement until you meet us in person
Okay, so you are on the gallo pinto AND the Lizano bandwagons. I want to kiss you.
I have not been to Costa Rica but its natural beauty has been attracting me for a long time. Looks like you had an amazing time. Good for you– you deserve it!
It’s worth a visit, for sure.
Costa Rica is a great spot, but hot damn they are jammed with tourism. It’s good, but I found Nicaragua a bit more interesting. Nonetheless, I’d happily hop my ass on a plane to CR, but I’m enjoying myself in Thailand at the moment. Glad to see you dudes are getting some sun and fun.
I wish we were eating Thai for with you and M.
We’re always getting fun… just not always in the sun.
Love, love, love the concept of “pura vida”. I love that place and you captured it well in the photos!
Agreed, pura vida is a great concept to have attached with a country. It’s really the ultimate “easy” destination. Easy to communicate, easy going (warm) residents. I guess it’s not that easy to get around (unless you fly) – those roads are ridiculous. Okay… it’s mostly an easy destination.
Love the photos boys! Costa Rica is one of my favorite places on earth. Their is a hot sauce out there called half moon bay. The guy who sells it is really cool. Anyhow, it’s to die for. All different flavors. Just talking about it makes my mouth water. Time to get back and stock up. The first time I went to CR I tried to bring back Imperial beer, bad mistake. It exploded on the plane. Rookie drinker move.
Ah, Imperial beer… we had some of that too. Wish we would have known about that hot sauce.
Love all of the pictures! Your jungle lodge had us pining for Costa Rica. We are absolutely thrilled that Washington came through and we cannot wait to celebrate with you two in person. Love you guys!
Two marriages = woot!
We have a bottle of Salsa Lizano in our fridge!!!
*sigh*
These photos make me want to go back RIGHT NOW.
Savor every drop.
That monkey shot is adorable! All the photos are great actually, I’ve heard so many good things about Costa Rica and this post shows me why!
It’s a great, diverse place.
Love the look of that jungle, though I would probably expire with the humidity! Great post guys!
At times the humidity was a bit rough but not as exhausting as we thought it might be. And that’s coming from two guys who need their cool air (Seattle conditions!).
Great photos guys! Looks like good times were had
Thanks, Cam. Yes, it was fantastic. It was easy – and that felt great.
Salsa Lizano is da bomb! I would always have a bottle in our fridge, and they even sold it in Canada. Wonderful photos, that sunset is pretty damn amazing.
Yay for Lizano. We’re having it tonight with dinner – treating every drop like it is gold.
I wanna go to Gay Sandals.
The pictures we took of ourselves on the beach (example above) make us think that that’s what the ad campaign would look like if a gay Sandals existed.
Looks amazing. Hope it is not too crowded with tourists by the time I get around to visiting the place.
Two word —> shoulder season!
So excited about marriage equality in Washington…next stop, the world! You guys look so happy–can’t wait to hear what’s on tap for you in 2013!
Thank you, Marsha. We’re excited to hear what your 2013 has in store.
Wonderful pics boys! And, Congratulations to you & Washington State!
Thanks, Guys – Washington State did good, right
Looks incredible! And I am thrilled about Washington’s decision on gay marriage!
Thank you, Emily!
Amazing photos and FOODS! Now you are making me dream.
Thanks, Juno. You’re making us dream about Iceland
Costa Rica looks gorgeous! I love that photo of the monkey, so cute! And “gay Sandals”? You guys are hilarious!
Glad you get the gay Sandals pic – not sure others did/do.
Everything about this post tells me that I should plan a trip to Costa Rica. Honestly, I don’t know why I haven’t been there yet. Cute pic at the pool bar, by the way.
A pina colada does a person good
Beautiful scenery, and it’s great to hear that the people are so warm and friendly in Costa Rice. I want to be submerged in that natural hot spring right about now!
Great photo of the monkey followed by the sunset.
Thanks, Nico!
All I was looking for were photos of Costa Rica. And I found your very nice blog! I’m hoping to retire there one day with my partner (we are what you two will look like in 30 years . . . just as crazy and daring as you are now, but with less head hair). Keep up the good work, and good luck on your lives together in Washington.
Thanks for the nice message!
Costa Rica would be a great place to retire. Have you visited?