After reading Steph’s recap of South Africa, I took away something important. It’s important to remember your feelings when exploring a new place. Justin and I have always made sure to put down phones and cameras and just be sometimes. A place always looks better through your own eyes.

This trip made me feel so much gratitude, but there are a few other smaller things I want to remember, so I’m going to do a quick recap using my five senses.

I heard…

Waterfalls. Late night games of Farkle. Crazy birds with mohawks arguing by the pool every morning. Lots of Spanish words I understood (thank you Rosetta Stone.) A little Justin Bieber. Splashing from cannon balls into the pool. Waves. Strong winds. The funny sounds that the Monkeys make.

I tasted…

Tropical drinks of many different colors. So many fish tacos. Imperial Beers. Rice & beans with every meal. The taste of salt water when the waves knocked me over. Fruit juice out of a box – it was so amazing. Fresh eggs that tasted better than any I can find at home.

I smelled…

Salty waves. Sunscreen. Chlorine from the pool. Sweaty people in the Liberia airport. BBQ’s on Playa Conchal. Malibu Rum. Fresh coffee (which we definitely stocked up on for home.) My favorite spray in conditioner.

I saw…

Beautiful sunsets every night. Fish jumping alongside our sail boat. So many stars at night. Turquoise waters. New kinds of birds and plants. Dogs everywhere. Beaches that each had their own personality and vibe. Surfers everywhere.

I felt…

So blessed that we have friends that like to experience new things with us. Relaxed in a way I can’t remember ever feeling. The Pacific Ocean. Warm breeze. And again, so much gratitude.

Costa Rica is a wonderful place to visit. I’m excited to show you pics of all the beautiful beaches and sights that we saw.