Costa Rica
travel
COSTA RICA {Part 3}
We spent our last few days in Costa Rica hidden in the jungle near La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano.
We woke up Sunday at 4 am {that should be a sin on vacation} and drove 6 hours towards the country town of Pital. Carson served in this area so we decided to wake up early so we could go to church with all his old converts and friends.
At first I was like man...this is waaay to early to be driving that far. But once we started driving on the green mountainous country roads and got to the church at 9am I immediately was so happy with our decision to trek so early in the morning. There is something so peaceful about driving through there so early in the morning.
The LDS church in Pital is held inside a small house with an attendance of about 40 people. It was truly humbling and amazing to be in the presence of these people! My favorite part was seeing everyones face's light up the minute they saw Carson and realized who he was. I couldn't help but tear up multiple times while we were there realizing how much Carson had changed this little branch and how strong it was still going
After church we went over to visit with a woman Carson had baptized and her family. She was gracious enough to cook us lunch and pick us a pineapple for dessert. Pital is known for its fields and fields of pineapple... Carson screamed like a little girl the minute they broke out that pineapple. haha
I must say Costa Rica pineapple BLOWSSS Hawaii pineapple out of the water.... nothing like it.
We made a stop to see the apartment Carson lived in in Pital {I was dying at how cute it was} then ran into his old landlord who was so sweet.
If we had any regrets of the trip is was not staying longer in our TREE HOUSE HOTEL!
It was truly one of the most amazing experience either of us had ever had. Image the cutest little tree house in the middle of the Costa Rican Jungle... they drop fresh squeezed orange juice off on your porch every. single. morning. Birds/Toucans flying around in the trees right next to you. It was AMAZING.
We were dying because the only thing between you and the outdoors in the shower/bathroom was a screen wall. Showering in nature. It doesn't get more natural than that.
When you stay in the treehouse you also get a free night hike around their 2 mile property. It was so fun getting to walk around and see all the hidden wildlife... and even had frogs thrown on us by our guide.
We celebrated our 2nd Anniversary while staying there. The day started out perfect. We woke up to all the birds outside our treehouse and just sat and listened while we drank our fresh juice. We headed down to breakfast that the hotel provided for us {Seriously. you will not find a better hotel or hotel breakfast ever. The managers were so personable and AWESOME. Also the Mango stuffed french toast... just yes.}
Then headed out on our days plans.
First stop was La Fortuna Waterfall.
This is a steep stair walk/hike down to a MASSIVE waterfall. We met up with another friend of Carson's who lives in Costa Rica and his girlfriend who also joined us. We had such a great time swimming in the waterfall, and just visiting with them.
Next stop was Zip-lining near the volcano and lake. We were DYING because it was the most sketchy zip-line ever. there were no brakes. enough said. Just imagine people flying down a zip-line like a missile... and crash landing with only a rope to stop you. haha
We keep joking that this anniversary is probably going to be impossible to beat because it was such an amazing day. How much better does it get...??
Our last day in Costa Rica we drove back into San Jose and visited more friends. Wilmar has the sweetest family and is an amazing cook. We spend the night laughing our heads off, eating a delicious dinner, and teaching everyone "American" dance moves {can you say whitest moves ever... lawn mower and shopping cart anyone? haha}. I also fan girled a little when I learned that Wilmar was a referee in the Italy World Cup... if you know me at all you know I LOVE soccer. and I LOVE the World Cup. He let me touch his red card.... haha
I was blushing hard core.
And then once again Milton and Carolina were gracious enough to let us stay at their house our last night so we could catch our early flight the next morning. Seriously if you haven't watched Meet the Mormons you need to.
Costa Rica was not only a dream vacation, but it was the experience of a lifetime getting to see/meet/experience where Carson served his mission and lived for 2 years. I can only hope we will be able to visit there again someday!
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