The Best (kinda) Surprise // Costa Rica

In today's post: getting immersed in nature, white water rafting, a very frightful dinner (which may or may not have included the presence of a snake), and touring a coffee estate. It's all happening here, folks.

-- Day 3 --
December 25, 2015

Interestingly enough, I don't even have that many pictures from the park we went to (Manuel Antonio National Park). With the humidity and all of the unwanted sweat, I definitely spent more time focusing on spotting the animals, reptiles, and birds rather than taking pictures.

Look at this cute little guy!

We ended our visit with a stop at Manuel Antonio Beach which was located within the park. The water was warm and I felt like I was floating in total bliss. It was incredible. Blue skies and blue water.

7:14 p.m. - It was Christmas Day after all, so we headed to a nearby restaurant (Barba Roja) for dinner. They were so lovely and even gave us complimentary desserts. 

9:19 p.m. - To make what was already the perfect day even better, we all headed down to the pool for a late night swim. Ugh. You guys. No words.

-- Day 4 --
December 26, 2015

6:30 a.m. - Today was the day. We were going white water rafting. Now if I'm being totally honest, I was pretty nervous for this. Any activity that has to do with water potentially coming in contact with my eyes usually freak me out because I'm always afraid that my contacts ($$$$$) will fall out. But wow wow wow, the scenery that we passed going to the river was spectacular. 

9:48 a.m. - It finally came time for us to head out onto the river. We suited up with our life jackets, helmets, paddles, and hobbled over to our raft. And believe me when I say that I will never forget the next 2.5 hours. If you ever get the chance to go white water rafting, DO IT. The people are always always amazing and it is honestly so much fun.

lol my parents are so cute

Lunch was included and was lovely but let's move on because this is where the 'surprise' from the title of this blog post comes in.

7:10 p.m. - We were having a lovely dinner along the beach, chatting and laughing, when all of a sudden my friend's mom screams, "SNAKE!". yeah. that happened.

Pictured here: my horrible panicky attempt at capturing a picture of the snake

Shown here: post-snake sighting & me laughing at how my dad always talks in pictures

Adrenaline rush after adrenaline rush. Oh, Costa Rica, how I love you so.

-- Day 5 --
December 27, 2015

10:01 a.m. - Well friends, the day has finally come. Our last full day here in Costa Rica. Goodbye beautiful hotel room with the most breathtaking views...I'll miss you.
We began to head back towards San Jose, with an optional stop at the Doka Coffee Estate on the way. The drive was as stressful as can be since we had no GPS and Costa Rica has minimal road signs. 

2:29 p.m. - WE MADE IT. *cries tears of joy* With the last coffee tour at 2:30 p.m., we all hopped out of our cars and booked it to the ticket office. Cue the hour of relaxation through caffeine. 

Club Penguin, anyone?

The Doka Estate tour was, yet again, another great way to end our day. But the awesomeness wasn't over!! We drove over to our hotel for the night and were blessed with the most amazing moonlight (but mediocre dinner...you win some you lose some).

Thank you Costa Rica, for the most amazing memories. I can't wait to come back again someday.