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
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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..