A few weeks ago, my daughter, Jenny, told me she was going to spend 10 days in Costa Rica and I was welcome to tag along. She was even going to put my dogs, Ella and Lilly, into a "pet resort" here so I wouldn't have to worry about them.

Naturally, I agreed. While Costa Rica was never in my bucket list, I'd heard only good things about it. So hellz, yeah, count me in!

Flying to Costa Rica

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/13/2022		Page Views: 660
Hashtags: #Coronavirus #Maui
All about my unexpected trip to Costa Rica.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (359 words)

We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch the Uber which took us to the airport where we were to catch the first of no fewer than three flights to take us from central Arizona to Costa Rica, a distance of around 3,000 miles.

Arenas del Mar

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/14/2022		Page Views: 624
Hashtags: #Coronavirus #Maui
The Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (681 words)

The whole idea of a resort, it seems to me, is to provide so many amenities that the guest doesn't really need to leave the grounds.

Iguanas are our Friends

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/15/2022		Page Views: 596
Hashtags: #CostaRica #ArenasdelMar
The Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (393 words)

So, by the third vacation day, we had begun to establish a kind of routine, which began with a leisurely breakfast and planning to make plans. Today, we decided to make a short run into town for groceries (to save on room service).

Rainy Day

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/16/2022		Page Views: 607
Hashtags: #Coronavirus #Maui
Even on a rainy day, Costa Rica has stuff to do.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s) (140 words)

Arenas del Mar, our resort, isn't too packed this week because May is actually the start of Costa Rica's rainy season. That doesn't mean it rains all day, every day; but it does rain at least a little, every day.

Gymnastics and Water Sports

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/17/2022		Page Views: 636
Hashtags: #Coronavirus #Maui
A private beach in Costa Rica.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (253 words)

As I've said, the point of staying at a resort, is that one isn't forced to go anywhere else. Here at Arenas del Mar, we have a Jacuzzi in our suite; directly below that is a swimming pool, and just past that is a private beach.

Water Falls

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/18/2022		Page Views: 611
Hashtags: #CostaRica #Waterfalls
The Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (398 words)

My daughter Jenny loves waterfalls, as do I. And so do her kids. So we've been planning to visit one that was highly recommended by the employees at the resort. And we intended to go today, come hell or high water (so to speak). Even though it was raining when we got up.

Pool Day

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/19/2022		Page Views: 627
Hashtags: #CostaRica #ArenasdelMar
The Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (248 words)

Although we were in Costa Rica, ostensibly on vacation, the fact was that Jenny had to work. She was working remotely so her being in Costa Rica was no problem; but having the kids underfoot while she was on the phone with a client was.

Manuel Antonio Nacional Parque

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/20/2022		Page Views: 620
Hashtags: #Coronavirus #Maui
The Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (427 words)

Jenny's been wanting to visit this national park since we arrived, but today was our first chance to do so. On the way there, we also took a half hour to look at a house for sale.

A Haircut, Swimming with Monkeys, and a Flight to San Jose

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/21/2022		Page Views: 625
Hashtags: #CostaRica #Quepos #SanJose
The last day of our Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (688 words)

Today was our last full day in Costa Rica. This evening, we would fly to the capital, San Jose, and spend the night to catch our early morning flight back to the USA.

Adios Pura Vida

By: Paul S Cilwa	Occurred: 5/22/2022		Page Views: 598
Hashtags: #CostaRica #SanJose
Conclusion of the Costa Rica trip.
Estimated reading time: 2 minute(s) (334 words)

The bed was comfortable and I slept well. (As well as a 71-year-old gets to sleep, I guess.) Anyway, the next night I saw would be in my own bed.