Fun in the Sun

Friday was sunny, clear, less humid, a little cooler. Mom headed out early to go bird watching, while dad did a round of golf. So Maki, Alex, CJ and I headed for the beach. 

We took out one double kayak and one paddle boat. Maki and I started out in the paddle boat, while CJ and Alex were in the kayak. I had forgotten how hard it can be to paddle against the current, but boy was it fun to be out on the water. We were warned not to go past the mountains, but there was no danger of that; it took forever just to get close to the cliffs! Since we were all wearing vests and the water was very calm, CJ and Maki jumped into the water and played around. On the return trip, Alex and I paddled, while Maki and CJ were in the kayak. CJ, of course, cannot use an oar, so he told us all where to go.

It's our last day and we thought it fitting to just laze around the pool, so we spent some time in the pool and on the deck chairs. There are several connecting pools, including a really cool shallow area with rocks, perfect for sunbathing. There was a water aerobics class happening in one pool, and CJ seemed interested, so CJ, Alex and I joined along for about 10 minutes. Who knew what a workout you get from dancing and jumping in the pool. I just hope our little class doesn't end up on YouTube!

After a nap, we headed back for one last visit to the beach.  CJ, Alex and I had a great time running in the sand, making a sand castle, and playing the water.  We headed to a less crowded part of the beach (this wasn't hard, we just walked to the left 500 yards) and enjoyed the sounds and sounds of the surf.  Check out the photo of Alex, left, being zen o the beach.

Dinner was at one of the nice restaurants on the property: Cauri, which features an international a la carte menu. Spices, our first choice, which features Asian fusion cuisine, was totally booked. The food here at Paradisus is great. Our favorite meals were at Chimera and Sofia, but we have been pleased with the resort food.

We met some families who had been here for a week. I thought about that for a second. Could we stay at a beach property for a whole week? I don't think so. It's been fun to relax in the sun, but I love the adventuring and sightseeing that we have done. Plus, Costa Ricans seems to be proud and aware of their rainforest and ecology so much that it would have been a shame to miss the other parts of our trip. Yes, getting to Monteverde was bumpy and long, but totally worth it.

On the other hand, ending our vacation with a couple of days at an all inclusive resort where your wristband gets you everything you need has been luxurious and fun.

Vamos A La Playa

After 5 days of sightseeing, we headed for a couple of days on the beach. We left Monteverde at 9:00am on Thursday. It took us four hours to drive to Guanacaste and check into our hotel, the Paradisus Playa Conchal. The road out of Monteverde was ridiculously bumpy, as reported before. I got to sit in the front passenger seat and see that we were traveling, on average, about 20 kilometers per hour. We traveled that way for about an hour and a half. Our drive called it a road massage. Then we hit asphalt and it was smooth driving all the way to Guanacaste.

Paradisus Playa Conchal

Guanacaste is on the Pacific side of Costa Rica and it is gorgeous. The Paradisus is a gorgeous, all inclusive resort with 6 restaurants and a host of activities. I didn't actually know much about the place when we booked it, but the travel agent recommended it, so we agreed. When they say all-inclusive, they mean it. All the meals even alcohol), room service, and activities are included. There isn't even tipping when you order room service. The activities include kayaking, paddle boating, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, ziplining, horseback riding, and ATV rides. There's yoga, water aerobics, bird watching, cooking classes, even kids programs. There are off property excursions that include ziplining and nature tours that are extra, as is the golf, but so far, we haven't spent a dime extra, except for the Internet cafe. The rooms are gorgeous with two sitting areas, a flat screeen TV and balcony. The bathroom even has a toilet and bidet.  CJ: mama, there are two potties in here!

We hit the beach in the late afternoon. The beach is beautiful.  The sand was nice and smooth in one part, rockier and full of shells in the part next to the cliffs. The water is clear and blue-green, warm as bath water, with no jellyfish.  CJ is totally my son when it comes to the water. We walked to the beach and within a few minutes, he was entirely drenched, rolling around in the water, running into the surf.

We were beat afer a half day of travel and beach time, so we ordered room service (which was excellent and CJ got his salmon, which he had been pining for all day), then hit the hay early.