We just returned from a wonderful cultural adventure in Costa Rica. We've been dreaming of going there for years and it finally came to fruition. We took Spencer and Sawyer with us and had a great time creating memories together. Here are some of the highlights:

Leaving Kansas city on an early morning flight. We packed light and didn't check any luggage. Thank goodness Spencer and Sawyer love to read, because there was lots of waiting time in airports and long car rides throughout the trip. The night before we left, I checked the boys' backpacks to make sure they weren't bringing unnecessary items. Spencer had three BIG books and I told him to take one out. He and Brad convinced me that he'd need all three. He did... and then started on Sawyer's.

We flew into Liberia International airport and spent two nights at the Hilton Papagayo. Our first day was full of back road adventure and exploring beaches. Our favorite was Pan de Azucar (Sugar Bread Beach). The sand was really soft, no rocks in the water, and perfect for boogie boarding.
Before heading to the beach, we hit the open markets in Coco and bought the boys some sunglasses. Sawyer's lasted a whole three hours before one of the lenses fell out.
During the week, we made several visits to the supermercados (grocery store) to load up on essentials like milk, cereal, bread, oreos, and agua. It seemed like the boys ordered hamburgers and french fries every day. By the end of the week, they preferred cold cereal and milk for dinner and wanted to stay in the room while Brad and I went out. We didn't complain, but never got too far away either. (I'm not sure how Spencer felt when Brad showed him how to use his Blackberry to call Grandpa Halverson, just in case we didn't return).

We saw lots of cows as we drove through the countryside. Sawyer affectionately referred to them as "goat cows."
Sunday morning was a highlight. We gathered with the saints in Liberia for church. Brad and I were taken back to the good ole mission days as we asked for directions to the church. We got two different answers in completely opposite directions.
Costa Rica is a relatively safe country for tourists as long as you don't leave anything in your car. We had all of our luggage with us at church, so the branch president offered to lock it up in his office.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the meeting and singing the hymns in Spanish and could have stayed all day, just soaking it up. The boys were good sports, but tired by the end of sacrament meeting due to the language barrier. Afterward, they talked to some of the youth in the branch speaking in Spanish and English. I loved watching them make an effort to communicate.
One thing I noticed was that all the members bring their own hymn books. I was touched by their kindness in sharing them with us. Ticos (as they call themselves) are very friendly, warm, and helpful people.
As we were leaving, the full time missionaries came walking down the street. One of them was heading home the next day.

From church, we headed to the volcanic region of Arenal. It was about a 3 hour drive on very windy roads. Brad and I were amazed that the main highway through this part of the country was a two lane, very rudimentary road.
We soon understood why people warn you not to drive at night. There are massive potholes and no shoulder on the roads. What was more astounding was seeing all the locals walk along these streets with their children. They're literally walking in the road with big trucks and cars whizzing by because there's no where else to walk.
You definitely need a 4 x 4 to get around.
In the center of each town square, it was common to see a church and a park right across the street. That's where people socialize on the weekends. Every town has soccer fields as well for the children to play on.

The roads were crummy, but the scenery breathtaking. I loved seeing the impatiens blooming along the roadside.
Lake Arenal reservoir


Arenal volcano

La Fortuna- we stayed in a quaint little locally owned cabin for two nights. We loved getting to know the owner German and his family. They had a horse pasture out back and Marco Antonio helped the boys mount up bareback and later with a saddle. It was the first time on a horse for both of them.
German assured us that Botro was very "manso" (tame) and had Spencer walk underneath him to demonstrate. Throughout the trip, we commented, "that would never happen in the U.S."




German made breakfast every morning which the boys loved. His bacon was the perfect crispiness and the juice was so good.


I had gallo pinto most days. This is "la comida typica" for breakfast (typical Costa Rican breakfast).


La Fortuna Waterfall
This is the only place I didn't want to get in and swim. The water was so cold. I'd been spoiled by the 80 + degree ocean water and couldn't bear the thought of being cold. Brad started exploring and found a hanging bridge, so we all went back and saw it with him. Being out in nature and surrounded by all this green was heavenly.




In the evening, we enjoyed local hot springs. It was amazing to be sitting in a river of WARM water. The climate and water temperatures were perfect. We never felt that twinge of coldness that you usually feel when you get in the ocean. It didn't matter what time of day or night, we never felt cold or needed a jacket. I don't think I've experienced that sensation any where else.
Each day, we'd jot down our thoughts, feelings, highlights, interesting observations or details, so we wouldn't forget.

I ate lots of pineapple and mango and loved how they made the fruit look so appetizing.

Another discovery. Brad and Sawyer found this swimming hole one night with a rope swing. So, before leaving town, we had to check it out.




This is what got us from one adventure to the next. We named it "the tank."
The trip would not have been near as fun without our own transportation. It allowed us to do lots of things off the beaten path.

After Arenal, we drove 4+ hours to Manuel Antonio National Park. We saw lots of "monos" (monkeys) and iguanas near the beach.








Another waterfall discovery and cliff jumping en route to Dominical.
How often do you find tree lined beaches like this? With nobody there.




We stayed across the street from restaurant "El Avion." The twin sister of a U.S. cargo plane shot down in Nicaragua during the Iran contra war has now been made into a popular eatery.


The boys had some serious games of pool each day.

Back seat readers.

Near the river Tarcoles, we saw a bunch of crocodiles sun bathing.

Roadside souvenir shop.

Spencer and I usually fell asleep early, while Sawyer and Brad went swimming.

I had to finish the past few pages of "The Book Thief" before drifting off to sleep.

Goodbye Costa Rica- thanks for a wonderful experience! We hope to return someday.
