An Adventure in Paradise - Costa Rica

Recently I took a belated honeymoon with my husband, Michael, to Costa Rica and had some of the most amazing experiences of my life.  We went for a week and spent the first four days on the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste region. The last three days were spent in the interior of the country near Arenal volcano.  What an unbelievable place Costa Rica is and the people are so friendly and warm.

First and foremost, this trip was the mother of all trips because I did numerous things that were normally out of my comfort zone.  I have to thank my hubby for that.  Surfing the waves in Tarmarindo? Hiking up the side of a volcano? Zip lining over a rainforest? These are phrases that you would not associate with me say 5 years ago.  Sometimes you just need to put yourself out there.  Feel the fear and do it anyway is what I heard from a college professor years ago.  Finally, at 42, I did just that.

One place I need to mention in particular is the Nayara Resort, Spa, and Gardens near the Arenal volcano. I have never stayed at a resort that was more beautiful, quiet, and relaxing with impeccable service to boot as this one.  The villa that we stayed in was right out of a magazine shoot.  The first time we walked in the room there were rose petals everywhere with a bucket of champagne sitting out on the outdoor patio which looked out onto the volcano.  Breathtaking! At night, we would leave the screen doors opens to the patio and we would wake up to the hear and see the rain gently coming down on the rainforest. Those are memories I will never forget.

Speaking getting out of my comfort zone, the employees of Nayara would speak to us mostly in Spanish. They could speak English but gently pushed us to speak their language.  I respect them for that. I studied Spanish in high school and little bit in college so it slowly came back to me.  I plan to make it a priority to speak their language the next time we come. (We already have been talking about returning to Nayara for an anniversary celebration some day. )

This trip has shown me that there is so much beauty in nature as well as in the people of different cultures. I am so glad that I ventured out to experience it.  Feel the fear and go take that trip you’ve always wanted, go for that new job that’s calling your name, take that next step in healing yourself, whatever it is. I feel blessed to have a partner by my side to explore this glorious world we live in.  What are your favorite places to travel? Any suggestions on where we should go next? Let me know in the comments.  Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Here are some looks that I wore during the trip.  My husband bought this Michael Kors red dress for me for Valentine’s Day.  Perfect dress for this exotic location.

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