[cback0220]

Back from Costa Rica. Beutiful warm country. We had a great time. We stayed at Playa Hermosa, near Jaco. And then at Playa Negra near Tamarindo. We did not unfortunately get surf for the first three days, but we got a good Christmas swell, that lasted the rest of the trip. The water is warm, but you have to watch out for nasty sting rays, and big submerged stuff(rocks, shelfs, coral). But there are also friendly things like mantas and sea turtle(we saw one)

Costa Rica is cheap, you can get beers for a dollar at the bars, or six packs for about $3. Shots are expensive at the bars, but a bottle of Flora Canye Rum is $5 and to me that is pretty good rum! You can get dollar shots of Guaro(?) but that stuff is terrible and will leave you hung over.The local beer is good, Imperial, Bavarian, and Rock Ice are the biggest three, and you will find those everywhere, for around a buck. If you get to Jaco there are some good clubs that get going around midnight, Monkey bar, and beatle bar were the best. We also went to the local rodeo up in Tamarindo, really fun. You can run out in the middle and get chased by the bulls, pretty rad. Food was super good, if you are in Jaco area, go to the Las Olas hotel and eat at the resturaunt on the beach. It is honestly some of the best food in that country. And it is cheap.

If you are going there you have to do the treetop canopy tour. It was definently an experience, if I had a digital camera I would load some great pics.
There are monkeys iguanas and either mackaws or parrots. The highest you are is 150 meters, and that is also about the longest line.

The roads are by far the worst part of Costa Rica. It is scary to drive almost anywhere. It is like there are no rules. And that is on the paved part, the unpaved part is worse. Just remember, the Pura Vida attitude ends once you are in a car.

Overall it was a great trip, a really great last hurrah before basic next week. If you have any questions, let me know soon because I ship the 3rd. The trip would have only been improved by my ability to speak spanish. It does help to know it.

Dan