Samara Beach Living

   Samara was perfect for me to settle down in. I loved the beach town, which is fully accessible by foot, and the easy pace of the locals. Horses and cows, just like dogs, roam free in the streets and fire flies light up at dusk. It was here that I found a new obsession with coconuts and fresh Mahi Mahi fish straight from the fisherman. Pura vida is the only way of life, which literally translates to pure life. It's meant to describe the easy going nature and full enjoyment of our one time on this earth. This lifestyle fit my schedule perfectly!
   I got into an amazing routine. I woke up early and did yoga on an uninhabited beach. This was my favourite time of the day as I had time to reflect and be thankful. Then I jumped into the refreshing Pacific Ocean before heading home to get ready for class. My morning walks took me past farms and the howling monkeys that always put happy smile on my face.
   The TEFL program I did to get myself certified to teach english was challenging and fast paced. We were thrown straight into the deep zone and were expected to teach with a partner within a few days. There was 10 of us to begin with and it so happened that my partner dropped out without an explanation on the third day of class. I was forced to teach on my own in my first week and I couldn't be more thrilled to take charge! Lessons ran from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm with 2 interactive classes and the afternoons to plan, teach or observe classes.
  Four weeks went by in a flash. I had enough rice and beans to last me a life time and a hell lot of fun with my new found friends! Our local, Pablitos, was incredible for some beers and bocas (soup appetizers that come free with any beverage) for only $2. We met there a few times a week to practice some broken Spanglish with the locals. This usually consisted of embarrassing questions and answers that kept us laughing for hours. Surprisingly, my Spanish improved and my love for the town grew. What a great place to call home for a month!

 Samara Beach with a rainbow

 Always a good time for a coconut!

Buena Vista Beach during sunset

 

  

My favourite batch of English Teachers


12 OCT - 10 NOV 13

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall

   After spending a week vacationing in New York to visit my beloved family I was finally ready to move into the complete unknown. The first stop was the thrilling Arenal. This place is known for its volcano that last erupted in 2010 and the gorgeous La Fortuna waterfall. I stayed at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel because it had 12 hot springs for me to enjoy. It was out of my backpacker budget but I just couldn't turn down the temptation of baths of different temperatures engulfed in nature. I certainly needed them after zip lining through the rain forests, hiking for hours to craters and blue waterfalls, and repelling down waterfalls.

   This is definitely a must stop for other adrenaline junkies like myself! There is enough to do to spend a few days in. Make sure to pack your hiking boots and get ready for some extreme trails that really take your breathe away. I would suggest packing a lunch and going up to both Rio Celeste and Cerro Chato, which are both great day trips.

   To rinse off try the Tabacon hot river. Yes, there is such a thing! It's a full flowing hot water river that is so far free to enjoy. It's just a few kilometres out of the city centre and it's the best kept local secret. To make it even more unforgettable pack some candles and enjoy after the sun set. 

 La Fortuna Waterfall

 Arenal Volcano

 Rio Celeste

Me at La Fortuna

8-12 OCT 13