Hawaiian Facts

Facts & Info of Hawai'i

• Hawaii is the only US state with a tropical rainforest. 
• Hawaii states nickname is "Aloha state"  - because the word "Aloha is one of the most commonly used terms in the Hawaiian language. Based on context, Aloha can mean 'hello', 'welcome', 'love', 'best wishes', or even 'good-bye'. 
• Hawaii is the only US state made up entirely of islands.  It's composed of 132 islands, w/ 8 main islands. Only a handful of which, are inhabitable. 
• From East to West, Hawaii is the widest US state, only behind Alaska, measuring 1,523 mi/2451 km, in width. 
• Ka Lae, on the big island, is the Southernmost point in the United States. 
• The word Hawai'i is from a Proto-Polynesian Hawaiki, meaning, 'place of the Gods' or 'homeland'.
• The Hawaiian language only has 12 letters. 
• Hawaii state population (2014 est) 1.4 million. Population rank in U.S., 40th. 214 persons per sqaure mile. 
• Hawaii has it's own time zone (to no surprise) (Hawaiian Standard Time) It's also one of two US states that doesn't follow Daylight Savings Time. (Arizona is the other)
• Hawaii is the most isolated population center on the face of the earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Phillippines. 

Hawai'i

Aloha

Waikiki, Honolulu

Moana, Honolulu

Laying back @Seaside hostel  Waikiki - gulping down this APA 'Big Wave' Beer brand! Refreshing..

Cool hostel space - Seaside - only minutes from Waikiki Beach - I stayed here last year on my trip to Hawaii, also.

Managua

Good Ole' Managua

Managua is the kind of city, where you don't wanna leave, as at the same time you wouldn't necessarily self-reproach if, however, you never return. 

Managua = Nicaragua's menacing capital city. Centrally located in the South Central part of the country. Any place in the country is easily accessible from Managua. 

My initial time at their bus terminal, I was confused as a politician debating at a Presidential debate! As, my Spanish is only 'tokenish'. at best. There weren't any signs directing passengers to specific buses for routes. (As the locals know it like the back of their hand'.)I relied on my Spanish to pull me through and get to the north. 

I asked a guy "can you tell me the bus line to Jinotega departing at 10:30"? He pointed to a specific bus, I loaded the bus. The entire time I'm having an eerie feeling that this is somehow, not my correct bus. As the bus backs up, getting ready to take off; I walk to the front of the bus and ask the driver ''where is it this bus is headed?!" The driver replied in a groping mutter "Masaya". Which wasn't where I was supposed to go. Not even close, lol. To make a long story short, I jumped off the bus and got the correct info of the bus heading to Jinotega, which was an hour and a half away.            

More To Follow.............................

All-in-all, the B&B that I stayed in Managua, was by far the best B&B I've stayed. I haven't stayed  in many during travel, but it was a great one. If you're ever in Managua, Nicaragua - then Casa Lucia B&B is your best bet - backpackers/travellers. 

NICARAGUA - @ first sight!?

First impressions of Nicaragua

1. Grimy

2. Impoverished - at least, compared to its neighboring country to the South 

3.  A lot of room for growth - which is actually a good long-term thing.. #Tourism

• My first town was Rivas, I bused there from CR. ( As I briefly explained in a former post ) 
• Then, was, San Juan Del Sur - Hey people, if you're into to the party scene & you love the beach; well then, whenever in the area of Nicaragua, hit up' SJDS. Just not my cup of tea. That is All!
• Jinotega was my next location, man, hey, I stay there for 4 weeks. It was quite, (wait for it - wait for it) Excellente. I befriended a very sexy Senorita - she had a colossus crush on me - yeah, I know.. I can sense what you'll are thinking. And, I'll cover that part a little later, lol. 
• I pictured my cabin earlier in a post - but, here's a little snippet pic of the daily breakfast at La Bastilla Eco Lodge in Jinotega, NI.. (Pictured above) Of course, the natural Arabica coffee & huge el jamon&queso omelette w/tostada. Since omelette was the only breakfast item I could correctly pronounciate - that's what I ordered for the most part. #(Don't judge me!)
• I showed the La Bastilla cottage workers (guys) some kickboxing combos, stances, and basic technique's. Some, to my surprise, caught on quite quickly. 
• All proceeds from the cottage/ cabins go to the small college. The college had a whopping, like 50 students. They all rotate working in the village each week. There allowed to go home on most weekends that there not on the working scheduling shift. 
• 
  

USD's Recent Surge In Value = Winter EuroTrip

My Extempore EuroTrip Plans

Although not set-in-stone, I'm flirting w/the idea of traveling Europe for the latter part of the Winter. 

1.) It's 'off-season' there, so It'll be less crowded/touristy - albeit, I plan on spending NY's eve there! '16

2. )The USD is appreciating against major other currencies; one, in particular, the EURO - which makes it that much cheaper for USD travelers to travel in Europe. 

3.) I'll make the most out of some cooler weather; as all my past travels have been to remotely warmer climates. 

4.) Touching up on French wouldn't be a bad idea either - I'll make sure to visit France or Belgium & partake in a Francais refresher's class. (Must do)

5.) I can't forget about the array of multitudinous drinking pubs to indulge in - I imagine myself in an Irish pub during New Years Eve; drinking Guinness from the tap! #Guinness #Dublin


6.) My childhood friend from back home is also planning to come and join me, although it'll be after NY's - it'll be epic if we would bring in the New Year together in Europe, however. 
#Wingman  #Euro  #Leggo  #'2016  #Willie

Solitude..............

The picture below illustrates my past 3 weeks activities !!!

Jinotega, Nicaragua (2015)

"Ain't NO Mountain High enough" - Marvin Gaye

My Current View

As well as my current home  --  birds-eye view of my cottage

Nature --- at it's best!

#WorldNomad

From 'San Juan Del Sur' 2 the Northern Mountains (Nicaragua)

I taxied from Revis, North, along the Pacific coast to SJDS/Mountains  A touristy party, beach town, known to many as the party-goers mecca; as far as Nicaragua goes. I spent the lighter part of 4 days there. 

Didn't party one bit. The first night, as I stood, looking down at the streets nightlife parties, passing along. A Nicaraguan woman, flirts, sending inviting signals to come, join me in my room. "NO, thanks" As, I don't mess with prostitutes... 

Next morning, I watch all day beach volleyball games being played. I guess it was between a few locals and a few tourists. The locals won, as they play volleyball, at the exact spot, maybe 365 days a year! 'Practice makes perfect', I thought to myself'. It was a jovial experience, watching them pound the Europeans, who were every bit drunk as hell anyways.

Working out on the beach is a hobby for me at this point in life. I ran some, push-ups, sit-ups, the usual.
Costa Ricans are a bit more inviting than Nicaraguans. Not surprising since Nicaragua gets only a fractions of tourists/ foreigners as CR does annually. Nicaragua, not to distance future, tourism just pretty much taken off; if you actually think of it presently as taken off.

One thing I can say about Nicaragua so far, that has CR toasted; is the coffee!!!!!!!!
 I'm now in the northern part of the country. In a region, that cultivates most of the country's overall coffee cultivation. Hell, I can even view the bountiful coffee berry plants cultivating from the back porch of my cottage! Arabica coffee beans, cultivating as far as the eye can see, literally. It's (coffee) served as a complimentary welcome gift, during initial reception at the cottage; along w/dairy sweets, which were also sweet&tasty.

Bottom left: You see the coffee bean plants cultivating

I'll surely purchase a couple of 1 lb ground coffee bags, as gifts/souvenirs, whenever I do leave this village! #Coffee

I MADE IT! - 2 NICARAGUA..... (Interesting Voyage)

Um, Yeah, I made it to yet, another Latin American country. As, I flew back here from the states after I decided it's just that time for me to start back 'working', in that for at least.

So, I flew to Alajuela/SJ. Out of know where I thought Nicaragua - got a taxi to the TICA bus terminal www.ticabus.com, and #Walla, they were departing to Revis, Nicaragua in like 10 minutes from then. 
Of course, I booked the ticket, it was like 27 bucks, plus some addition fee of $9.00. I'm still confused what the 9 extra bucks fee was for, but oh well. 

The bus wasn't maxed out in passengers. So, I had plenty of space to stretch out.  Along the way, I talked to this young Finnish lady (solo) traveller - nice small talk while we sit and enjoy the gorgeous view. 
However, in that bus ride there to Revis - I realized how blessed and gracious I was to have the opportunity to be travelling and have traveled to such places abroad & domestically. Many people, especially where I'm from, just don't get the opportunity in life, to do so, at all. 

On the ride, passing through somewhat Costa Rican slums, if you will. Seeing some of 'the real' Costa Rica.
Big-rig drivers rig broken down on the side of the road. The driver working on the engine, tirelessly, sweating, it's dawn, almost dark. I'm sure he has somewhere to go - like delivering his truckload for work.  #TheLittleThings

We get crossed the Nicaraguan border, pass through a customs & immigrations screening. Local Nicaraguan men & women lined up, soliciting us local sim cards, snacks and also offering currency exchange services. 

It was a pretty long day, as I'd been up flying from Denver to Florida the night before. #RedEyeFlight

Only to catch a bird from Florida to Latin America - then was the bus ride to Nicaragua, and I'm here folks.

#WorldNomad

The Voyage' 2 Nicaragua!!

So, my travels continue after Denver, CO's botched job opportunity, with me back in the place I was so recently! CR - for hopefully a very short time. 
I'm currently brokering a bus transport deal from San Jose 2 the border of Nicaragua. It hasn't been as smooth as I wanted to go - but hey, life of a traveller.... Hopefully, my next post will be from my destination - Nicaragua, Latin America!!!

MORE TO FOLLOW...........

I'm now in it for the Long Haul - Indefinite travels!! #WorldNomad

After only one day of working a job, (actual orientation), I up and decided to discontinue it only to dedicate my precious time to traveling. 

So, that's what exactly I'd done.

I'm already at my new destination - find out the revelations of it soon..  P.S. It's not Thailand

My Top 3 Favorite Countries?!????????????

Top Countries

1. Thailand - who doesn't have Thailand in at least their top 5?!  #Ko Tao

2. Jamaica - 'wha ah gwaan', Jamaica? Biggup! The jerk chicken alone, put's them in contentious. 

3.  Montreal, CAN - Parlez Vous Francais?! I love the French style - reminiscent of New Orleans!

Rainy Season N' CR = Beauty

The view from the tree house on a rainy day - downpour!

'Paradise, People'

Southern California

Southern California is actually my second favorite place in the world - since it's in the U.S. & I'm American; I really don't consider it in the runnings.  #SanDiego

Surfers Haven

Dominical

First, if you're a surfer, Costa Rica is the place to be. Secondly, if you're not a surfer, Costa Rica is the place to be. 

I took a local bus to Playa dominical - a tiny, tiny surf town on the southern end of the Central Pacific. 

A place where everyone knows each other - literally! You can't help but not see a 20 year old, long haired, tanned male or female cradling their surfboard, shoeless, walking towards the beach where the waves. I saw with my own eyes topped 10 feet. numerous times a day. I'm like, whoa! It;s cool to watch, but I'll pass. I was offered surf class, like in every city I went to. Tamarindo, also is surf heavy mecca, but as I previously stated - I'm not too fond of that place. just sayin' #Touristy #Expensive

However, the sushi spot in Dominical was 'on point'! I love eating Sushi - I would say it's surely one of my favorite things to eat. 

I was also dwelling on taking a shortened Spanish class there in Dominical but didn't. Opportunity passed. 

A place called Manuel Antonio/ Quepos

How I so, miss Thailand

As I'd taken the bus ride to Manuel Antonio from Montezuma - I started too suddenly reminisce about the overlooked calm and serenity that I'd just experienced in Montezuma. Which is my favorite CR city; for the umpteen time stating so, Lmao........ #Montezuma - must visit Nicoya Peninsula region of CR!

Manuel Antonio had a welcoming theme after all. The hostel was a tree house style fixture. Nestled in this heavily dense jungle/ rainforests terrain. I laid in the hammock for a lot of the time - drinking chilled Pilsen Beer. 

So, Quepos I stayed, although Manuel was about 4 km away, which has a great National Park as their main attraction - which draws scores of tourists alike to take the tour. I didn't since I had already done a few in other CR towns. Although, I was invited by a Spanish lady. She was nice, I actually met here in Montezuma Pura Vida hostel a few days earlier. She, herself, has been on some long travels she told me. Like India, where she says "one has to be mentally prepared before venturing there". She told me some unforgiving stories of it. (More to follow)........

So, I hiked from Quepos to Manuel Antonio beach - which was quite steep, gosh! The beach had a giant rock, right on the shoreline; that I sat on for about two hours. Just staring a the massive waves that caught my eyes. The sound of ocean waves washing ashore is a wonderful sound. It kind of brought me back to my California college days. Where I'll visit the beach, at least 4 days a week. For relaxation, peace of mind. Meditation, the likes... I miss Cali  #SanDiego

Montezuma - Montezuma - Montezuma

                                           Pura Vida

• Ok, so I have a new favorite region in CR - it's none other than Montezuma, CR.
• Montezuma is the smallest/ least populated region I've seen so far. 
• It's nested on the Western coastline of the Puntarenas province. It's beachy, fluid, & just damn relaxing. It's super chill. It also didn't hurt that it had some great hiking avenues. So, I know you know I partook in that. 
• Some nights, I'll coral the fence surrounding the local soccer field; just too watch the locals of all ages square off in a friendly soccer/football game. Soccer is so international - I do the same in Jamaica when I'm there. Actually, in ever country I've visited, it's been the that story. Although, it's also growing quite rapidly in the States as well..  #PuraVida
• 
  
• I stayed in 'ZumaVille' for a little over a week - now looking back, I'm asking myself, why did I up and leave?! #Smh It'll be a next time for sure..
• Whenever or if ever you're in CR and you want a bit of peace & quite yet still have your much needed travel amenities, give Montezuma a shot! #ThankMeLater
• I recorded a short beach video clip - I'll upload it later on.. Until then, Adios Amigos....
• 
  

Random Travel Quotes

• "Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year." - Unknown
• "Know thyself?' If I knew myself, I'd run away." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
• "It's a helluva start, realizing what makes you happy.' - Lucille Ball
• 
  

Whats in my backpack?

What's in my backpack?

• For starters, I carry rare U.S. minted coins such as the Suzanne B. Anthony dollar - also I carry the 'Silver dollar' coins; I give them too special people that I meet along my journey.
  
• What's also always in my backpack when traveling is my special gold wristwatch - It's for those formal bar/club nights. 
• My lucky dress shirt, a military-grade compass, a hoodie (comes in handy) - also, a light rain coat or windbreaker. (seasonal) flashlight, I also backup my pictures from my cell phone unto an external hhd, I also have a pocket knife w/ an internal built - in flashlight.
• A flask for those extended airport layovers. 
• A book, which changes titles of course as I finish reading them, although I'm soon to get an e-reader for those long beach flings. 

The last few days here in CR I've been?!?

• Honestly, I've been exercising and drinking beaucoup alcohol!!!!  Beaucoup: French term = Many/Much!!!!  #Dos-cervezas-por-favor - has been my favorite, yet, most used Spanish phrase
• I seldom think of past relationships when traveling solo; hell, solo or not, I think of them! Some more than others. Things like... What if (her) & (I) would have still been together?!? Kids?!? House?!? or (Wait-for-it).........................................(Wait-for-it) Marriage?1? Just don't know! But at the end of the day... That is what makes life so D**M interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• In out of nowhere, does rapid, penetrating thoughts of settling down in my sub-conscious mind! Should I? Why? Will I become a better person? How could I suddenly leave the travel life?!? #Globetrotter #WorldNomad #NomadicSoul  Will I be sober? Will I find a decent job?!? Will I survive that lifestyle that I so much disown when forced to be in?!!!!!?????
• I love traveling too real 'gritty' places; I feel at ease in a way..... Like, living in third-world countries..

My Costa Rica exit is rapidly approaching!

Pura Vida Exit

Today I'm sitting watching the tv series 'Curb Your  Enthusiasm'; really funny, dry-humor show that I seldom enjoy watching - helps to  past time. Larry David's a character, literally and figuratively. Soon I'll be departing the country. My next destination is unknown. Hopefully, I land this seasonal job soon; if not, then it's back traveling for me. I'd wholeheartedly love to be an English teacher in Asia for about 6 months.

There are many thoughts of things I could be doing; during or without traveling. Just depicting the exact ones is the mishap. As I sit here writing this passage, a howler monkey is climbing a treetop, just outside my window. Barely being seen because of their small stature. Yet, the noise they make, along with their hyperactivity, makes them appear larger than life! Name after their the elongated howling sound they make at the beginning and end of each day - their howling noise can travel upwards of three miles through dense forest! #HowlerMonkey

Since I'm currently in the 'writing mood', I've recently yearned of being an author. Being inspired by my late, dear friend Andrew Carlisle III... I miss you dearly my friend R.I.P 'DREW'...  He was so charismatic and he Authored a few books. However, authoring is an art (writing), and expression indeed. And I know I should actually be reading more - especially while traveling! A beach book or two wouldn't hurt at all. Maybe I start off of a short biography of my life until this point- then, release a book about my all my adventurous travel experiences. Next, release a short, travel tips and recommendations pamphlet. On all aspects of travel: both domestic and international..

Tamarindo

• Tamarindo, CR - not a place I'm too fond of. As it's on the lower end of places I've ever visited. The people seemed different, not to mention it's super touristy; which I try to avoid like the black plague! (Quite a few ex-pats)
• However, I did meet up with some folks I met earlier in my trip here in CR. They invited me to go on a 3-hour fishing voyage with them. After consideration, I declined. I had just arrived from La Fortuna, yet I didn't wanna pay $90 bucks.
• So, of course, to the beach I went! My view, of course, was epic. {Dawn Pic - peaceful}
  
• I suppose, I'm so accustomed to beaches & beach towns that Tamarindo was like.. Uh.. Ok! lol. (No disrespect) 
• I want go as far to say it was an empty trip. but! I'm sure you get the point by now. 
• Stay Tuned - More to follow

La Fortuna

la Fortuna

• I took a jeep-boat-jeep from Monteverde - la Fortuna - Pictured here is the boat - not jeep/lol
  
• I glared out the open-side view the entire ride - Seeing the Arenal volcano in the near distance
  
• Arenal Volcano, the trek I promised myself I'll do while here; and that's exactly what I did! 
• 'I love to hike', even that can be considered an understatement! This hike, in particular, was quite different - first, I hiked it with an amazing group & guide! Secondly, it unsurprising had a tropical feel.. It felt exhilarating! #HikeNation
  
•  Here, the other night, a nice young lady & I went out to a latin club - where she taught me how to Salsa dance!
• She had great dance moves, I tried; I guess I did sub par for it being my initial time. 
• I'm dwelling on taking this tropical cooking class before I leave here - that'll really impress the ladies, Right?!?

Monteverde x2

  Monteverde x2

• Hey, imagine that one moment when you're on travels and a random dog walks in the club with you! Yeah, you guessed it, that's exactly what happened last night in Monteverde, Costa Rica! Lol.. #hillarious  This circumstance is 'highly' unlikely in my home country of the #USA... Just saying, but that had me gigling.. Which is always good. "Lmao" #Dog #danceclub #random #funtimes #Man'sbestfriend #Go-Dj
  

Also in Monteverde - I trek the cloud forest: Pictured below is an overview of the map of the forest trials; without hesitation, I'm sure you can assume which trail I took............

Indeed - Cano Negro Trail

Zip line - CR

• So, my friend convinced me to go on a zip-line tour - fun! 
• Nothing quite like a Costa Rica Winter Sunset mountainous view...
           
• During alone time, I seldom sit and daydream of someday traveling West Africa.
• So many places to explore in a lifetime...... Africa, particularly, will be a howling experience - I truly believe.
• Traveling and exploring really opens up your third eye..    #PinealGland   #Alive  
• I'm not the most adventurous guy in the world - but hey!!!! #Zip_Lining 
  

Costa Rica Exit Fee

Hey, to all current & future Costa Rica travelers, be aware, that there's an exit fee of $28.00 x1 only if exiting by air..  It's due before checking in for your departure flight - for the one's who were unaware, like myself... If you're flying on an American airlines back to the U.S. as your final destination, then the exit fee is more than likely automatically included in ticket fare.
That's all....

'Wanderlust Inspiration'

In Life, Take Risks

1. ''The world is a book, and those who do no travel read only a page.'' - Saint Augustine
2. "Travel teaches toleration" - Benjamin Disraeli
3. "Don't tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled" - Prophet Mohammed
4. "I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than wake up in any city on earth." - Steve McQueen
5. "There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign." - Robert Louis Stevenson

San Jose

San Jose

• Every traveler, at least at one point in time during travel; has been ripped off by that one douchebaggery taxi driver - right?!?   And that's what exactly happened to me the other day as I was catching a ride from the bus stop... Gotta luv it.....
• Have you seen the currency bills (Colonies) of this country?!      By far the most colorful & planned! All Colonies bills variations are of different colors; they feature tropical animals on them. But in a distant second place is Canadian currency bills - which are made of plastic.  I heard their bills (CAN) actually melts sometime in the summertime! lmao... Could you imagine literally burning your money away?!?  lmao....  I'll throw up a pic of the highly - decorative Colonies dollars. 
• I do eat somewhat healthier when traveling - o.k. the 'drinking' part I can surely work on...
  

Travel Tips & Hacks

Weekly Travel Tips & Advice

1. Generally speaking; Tuesday's at 3 p.m. EST is the best time to book airline tickets; as this is the time when airlines schedule their flights. This day gives you better flight deals; it's also when airlines release all their flight sales.
2. Ironically, flying on either Tues or Wed the best time. As those are the least desired times of travel per week. Hence, business travelers travel the weekend, to and from their destinations - those are the busiest/ most desired. So it's more costly to flying at that time. So, remember to book your flight. or flight out Tues or Wed. 
3. If you're flying domestically, then booking 4-6 weeks out is ideal - albeit there are a few last minute deals that even I got a decent deal on. Kayak.com is a reasonable search engine as well as Momondo.com, jetradar & hipmonk - thank me later...   :)
4. Eat local food. For one, it's normally cheaper. Always remember to ask the local's for food recommendations.
5. Be adventurous when traveling abroad, however, slow down a bit. Avoid trying to cram - 5 countries in only 5 weeks time - too little time. The more time spent, the more fun and memorable the experiences are!!
6. Just before you board your flight set your watch destination time; or use the world clock function  on your smartphone.
7. I know this may sound cliche, but buy that inexpensive little souvenir at the local bazaar - as you never know that one friend or family member you'll later think to surprise.
8. A day before international travel, call your financial institution and have a travel alert put on your card - also do the same as you arrive back home. And try and get the bank's 'toll-free number as well'
9. Before leaving for international travel, photocopy  your passport's information page. Print out a copy for yourself - as well as emailing it to yourself. That way you'll also have it on digits.

Adios Monteverde

Adios Monteverde

• My last day there I climbed a tree - it was something to do. It was about 25 meters tall, It had vines drooping down all sides to clinch on too while ascending and descending.  I made it the top, which had a natural lookout whole; with a view over most of the town..

• The Senorita at reception was beautiful & nice. That's a great little getaway place to be (Monteverde/ Santa Elena).    
• I was really thinking of heading to Arenal to hike the Volcano - which is like a 10-hour hike I hear.  But instead headed back to San Jose to meet up with my friend fairly soon. 
• Soon as I got here I touched up on some Spanish; If I stayed here long enough I'd be fluent in no time.
• Thighs are still pretty sore from that hiking day....
• Tomorrow I'll be studying some more Espanol - then I'll be planning for the next week..
• Off to be now, free breakfast buffet in the a.m!
• Adios   

Meeting new and cool people is always fun; I met a really cool American couple a few days ago. Californians, very down to earth! We played a card game [President  Asshole] Yeah, I know, don't ask. lol.. It was fun however, especially playing with them, the guy Michael had somewhat of a sense of dry humor.. Cool - He was funny...  And they made a good couple.. Goodluck to the two!  But I didn't get to exchange direct contact info with them...

Today was chill for the most part - I hiked some... some more... and some more.... About 9 miles I'll say.. Pretty much saw every known establishment here in the tiny and high elevated town of Monteverde, CR..


I completed online work - as I'm starting to work more online.. It sort of pays to have PC skills in today's fast paced environment.

Tomorrow is a laundry day..  The hostel charge a little too much - So I imagine that I'll hand wash & dry; to save that 7 bucks, Smh.  C'mon man...   :)

                                        Horseback Riding - CR

1. First of all, 'wait for it, wait for it' - thanks to all for allowing me to share my travel experiences. 
2. The horse I rode during the ride name was 'Pedro' - go figure...
3. Great weather yesterday, although strong winds and my cap was blown off my head several times. And the first that it happened, a 'Tica' (Costa Rican local) retrieved it quickly and sprinted maybe 150 meters in distance.. Only to hand it to me while still riding my horse. That's dedication if any! 'Gracias Senor', I replied.. 
4. The view was uplifting, as you can see in the photos. We passed by numerous coffee farms; which was overshadowed by an array of soul lifting sunshine! 
5. Passing by locals along the route, some smiling some not; some waving, some aren't. Yet, I still felt a sense of sereneness! A subtle peace and calm, hearing the horse's horseshoes clink on the natural ground surface.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Facts of Costa Rica

1. Interesting fact of Costa Rica: Its actually 'Legal' to drink-and-drive here! Ok people, that's not a legitimate reason to relocate here - just saying.. lol... #Safety--1st...
2. Costa has a static population of about 4.5 million; and an overall human life expectancy of 77 yrs - one of the highest in the world...
3. Here in CR, a 'soda' is a small, informal restaurant that serves traditional meals like chicken, rice, beans and salad for $2-$3 a plate.
4. Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) & Ticas (females). 
5. Costa Rica hosts more than 5% of the world's biodiversity even though its landmass only takes up .03% of the planets surface...
6. There are 800 miles of coastline/beaches in Costa Rica between the Pacific & Carribean coasts. #RAD

Costa Rica on a shoestring

!Hola Costa Rica 

1. Why didn't I pay more attention in High School Spanish class?!?      Habla Usted Ingles?!? LoL...
2. The single most exhilarating aspect of 'travel' would be the in-flight experience - albeit extreme turbulence would set you on an affirmative path!
3. A night Rainforest tour in Monteverde, Costa Rica; yeah, count me in. 
4. That awkward moment when you meet another traveler and when you part ways - you think should you share contact info; right at departure time. Suddenly Drake's hit single "No New Friends" plays in my head: just with some people, of course, not all....
5. Horseback riding this evening in Santa Elena, CR..... I should go cop' a cowboy hat & cowboy boots... Then again, not! I'm a Nomad...  
6. Random: On the rainforest tour the other night; we saw a Kinkajou - I actually never heard of it; of course until that night. Wonderful nature experience! #Kinkajou
7. 'Pura Vida!' - a Costa Rican phrase that literally means 'pure life'; with connotations that suggest translations such as 'full of life'. Either way - Pura Vida!
8. One other point of being in a foreign country is the local language ceases to leave your subconscious mind. If I'm not mistaken, I was lucid dreaming in Espanol the other night; On the other hand, I was probably day-dreaming. 
9. Oh my, how so much do I miss living in Thailand! It was there that unforgivingly heard the Thai greeting, 'wai' "Sawadee Khrup"; a little cute Thai lady would greet me, also it was said as a farewell.
10. I'd repeat it in my thick American accent, then they'd normally bow & give a giggly type grin - for some reason, not one bit did I feel embarrassed or offended. Thailand --- "The Land of Smiles"
11. I went on a nice jog yesterday; it was refreshing - it was misty the whole time..