I didn't even write about our amazing trip to Costa Rica, December 3-10. So, lets start there.
We (really I) chose Costa Rica for many reasons. The wildlife, the rainforests, the adventure...It truly was our best vacation thus far in our journey together. It had been about 3 years since our last "big" vacation (we went to St. Thomas, St. John and the British Virgin Islands) so it was due time to get away and see another part of our amazing world.
Arriving in Liberia, Costa Rica was an adventure in itself. It is not a main airport, kind of resembles a barn. Once we got our bags, we walked outside and the craziness started. Picture about 100 Costa Ricans yelling at you, trying to get your attention to take you wherever you wanted to go. I remember just laughing, because it was so crazy. Being the planner I am, we of course already had booked a driver. I was just scanning the signs for my name- and there was Leo- our wonderful guide for the next 5 hours- who was as thrilled to see us, as we were him. Leo quickly learns I love animals and we had only been in our van for about an hour before he pulled over on the side of the road to show me my very first monkeys. There they were, calling out to eachother- leaping from tree to tree. Amazing. That marked the first of many stops to see animals. Which thrilled me. We arrived at our hotel, which was not disappointing in the least. We had hot springs (which are kept warm by the volcano) on the property and we did get in there once. I really enjoyed them, until I saw a very large creature appear from under the water and scamper away. I promptly removed myself from the hot spring and went back to our cottage to shower. :)
The next couple of days were spent in Arenal (home of the glorious rainforest and volcano). We hiked A LOT during this trip- and it was very hot and very humid. Living in NC we are used to the humidity- but NC has got nothing on Costa Rica- this humidity was serious! Arenal is where we ziplined for the very first time (250ft above the ground) which after I got over the initial shock, was awesome. The people were gracious and the land was gorgeous. A truly great start to this trip.
We then left Arenal to go to Manuel Antonio- the land of the gorgeous beaches. It was about a 5 hour ride- and was very memorable, as we were able to stop to see the crocodiles who lived underneath a bridge we were traveling on. It was surreal to see them below you thrashing around, just waiting...These cute little german ladies sat behind us- speaking german to eachother. (Europe is hopefully our next BIG one...so this lit a tiny fire underneath our tails to start learning german. ) Our first night in Manueal Antonio was gorgeous..the sunset was beautiful. I will post pictures underneath here...if possible. Blogger sucks about posting pictures. :(
For the next 3 days, we hiked, saw sooo many animals (monkeys, sloths, etc.) and just truly enjoyed time together. We found a hidden beach that was so quiet and serene and just stayed there chasing crabs and taking photos.
After being married for 6 years (this May!) and being together for 10 years, things become very comfortable and if you aren't careful they can become boring and old. Thinking back to this vacation gives me so much joy. From jumping into waterfalls, hiking down paths that probably weren't meant to be hiked on- and thankfully having a partner who braced himself as I tried my best to be an advanced hiker, to ziplining, to feeling the air move as monkies ran between our legs, seeing the sunset, meeting new people and remembering why we got married in the first place. I wouldn't trade anything for those times.
We ended 2009 with a trip to Kentucky for Christmas to visit my family and enjoy my sister and her hubby that flew all the way from Alaska. It was a great Christmas. New Years was spent in the mountains with our friends- we did this last year as well (could this be a tradition forming??) We rented a condo in hopes of spending some time just having fun and playing in the snow. Fun was definitely had, but playing in the snow- not so much. It was literally 2 degrees that weekend and we got snowed/iced in. We have had the craziest winter here, but it was still a great time. So, this just meant a lot more Catchphrase- which when mixed with wine and other alcohol can be a crazy game of battle of the sexes. Ahh yes, we laughed and argued pretty much everytime that stupid buzzer went off. J calls it the hot potato game- makes me smile. Christmas Time
New Years
Moving on into 2010...things have been going pretty well so far. We were able to take a great trip to Alaska this February to see Sarah and Paul- I know, Alaska in February! But surprisingly it was no colder there than it was here so it made for a really great trip. We went on glacier hunts, went on a dog sled ride, and J finally got to break in that snowboard. Yes, we took that thing all the way to Alaska!Other than that, I'm slowly starting to re-introduce running back into my life after running my half marathon back in October. No plans to run another one that long- just to do some smaller races and to really finally get myself where I want to be fitness wise.
James' season starts in 2 weeks and is once again packed full of travel- no surprise here. I can't believe its already the middle of March.
No big resolutions for the New Year, just goals and hopes. Here is what I am after this year: 1)Finishing what I started last year and finally get to where I want to be, fitness wise. 2) Doing another big leap to getting out of debt- woot! 3)Taking my puppy more places in the car besides the vet and groomer. 4) Go to Arizona for Thanksgiving as a couple...we have yet to go back home together. 5) Blog more.
These are just a few goals and really the only ones I can think of right now.
I hope this finds everyone well-
Until Next time....
Hugs,
S
