I’m home safe after two weeks travelling through Costa Rica. After spending the first half of my trip in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and San José (see last post), I bused myself over to the Pacific coast for the remainder. I spent a few days surfing in Playa Hermosa before spending the rest of my time in Playa Jaco. The surf in Hermosa was decent size with clean, fast barrels during the right tide. I did not manage to make it through any barrels as I had hoped but I definitely improved my skills for future attempts. I stayed and surfed at a location that I had been to before, but fifteen years prior. It was a pleasant few days that consisted of surfing multiple times a day, relaxing by the pool, and washing down good food with cervezas. Jaco was a bit more lively. I went out a few nights to booze and socialize, including the night of my 33rd birthday. I met some nice people here and there. Additionally, I had a chance to surf a few more times in the bay, do a workout, and go for a long run down the beach. On my birthday, I paid for a tour of some nearby waterfalls. This was a good experience as it gave me an opportunity to hike through the mountainous rainforest which I had never done before. We encountered termites, army ants, a snake, and various trees such as fig and bamboo. We also had a chance to swim in about a dozen waterfall pools. It was very refreshing. Overall, I had a really nice time in Costa Rica. I really enjoyed the tropical backdrop of palm tree lined beaches and orange sunsets on the Pacific coast. The slightly cooler, drier temperatures of the mountainous middle of the country was a nice relief too.
At home these past few days I’ve been mostly lying low. I’ve been taking care of responsibilities such as renewing my vehicle registration, investing in the stock market, mowing the lawn, etcetera. I have a few weeks left until I’m supposed to return to work. I’m considering a road trip across America starting in the beginning of April. For the next few days though, I plan to get a scuba dive in off Palm Beach County and reconnect with friends and family.