It's already February somehow. It's high season in Guanacaste, and although there are noticeably more people on the beaches, in the pool, and on the roads it's still easier and less stressful than traveling east/west in Austin. It's nice to see that a lot of the tourists are from here in Costa Rica, lots of Tikos from San Jose enjoying their country.
Thankfully we had some amazing visitors over the holiday break (a little over a month because we are on a trimester schedule) to make it feel like home. NanaCC and Opa arrived the day we returned from Nicaragua for a 10 day stay. Our plan was to enjoy the local beaches before heading to the Arenal/Fortuna area to enjoy the mountains, jungle, cooler temps, and hot springs. Opa and NannaCC did not disappoint, they brought the holiday cheer in suitcases full of decorations and presents. It's easy to forget Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching when it's 80 degrees and sunny everyday.
We headed to Playa Grande our first full day together for some boogie boarding and beach combing. 3 generations of strong women!
Opa and the girls
Impressively, Opa joined Cara and ran to the beach. A 4 mile run on a very hot morning.
After a long day at the beach everyone was pretty tuckered and ready for the mountains. We spent an overcast day at our favorite spot, Baldi Hot Springs. We spent at least 6 hours swimming, floating, and lounging around in the water.
3 Generations all love hot springs!
Walking from our AirBnB to a local restaurant for dinner.
Although it rained nearly the whole time we were in Arenal, our AirBnB had a great open air back patio on the second floor which gave us an amazing view of the trees which held 2 courting iguanas and lots of toucans. We also played plenty of rounds of Uno and read while NannaCC, Parker, and Cara worked on and completed a 1,000 piece puzzle.
Upon returning to the coast, we hiked to our favorite local mini waterfall in Mar Vista and discovered that the pools are full of small crayfish. NanaCC was the bravest and could withstand the nibbling crayfish on her feet the longest.
After our hike we enjoyed a swim, a drink, dinner, and a sunset at Gracia. A great way to say farewell and wrap up an amazing time together.
Our stockings made it!
We collected driftwood from Playa Grande to construct our Holiday Bush this year. It was kept together with tinsel and lights. It immediately made the house feel like the holidays.
Christmas morning
Sugar cookie decorating!
On Christmas evening we joined some friends at Playa Brasilito for food, the sunset, and a bonfire. It was a great way to end our first tropical Christmas.
A few nights later we got together with our neighbors and friends, Kai's family to celebrate Hanukkah. Although not Jewish, Joe and Sam mentioned Kai was really curious about Hanukkah so Cara fried up some latkes, I made homemade apple sauce, and we brought over some dreidels and a menorah to celebrate with friends.
After Hanukkah, we had about a week to just enjoy our beaches and each other. This may be my favorite sunset photo so far.
I love this one too. This massive tree washed up sometime during the rainy season. It's fun to think about the journey it took to end up on this shore.
Sybil and I went on a Daddy daughter date to PurrVida a local Cat Cafe. For $20, you ge a treat and a coffee, an hour to hang out with the cats, and the option to take one home if you'd like. We were the only ones (and the 23 cats) in the cafe and had such a peaceful time playing with the cats and doing Sybil's daily reading practice.
Sybil loved painting one of her Hanukkah gifts.
Sybil, seen her with her best stinkerbutt face, and Cara spent one morning hiking together at Mar Vista. Despite the picture, Sybil was an awesome hiking buddy.
Just after the new year, Scotty, Amanda, Kai and Alona came to visit!!!
We spent our first evening at Playa Grande catching a few waves and enjoying the sunset. Cara's gift to me was surfing lessons which we had taken the week. Scotty, aka Sedeucer, quickly showed off his California roots and popped up on several waves.
They rented the condo next to ours, which was amazing. We were easily able to coordinate meals and swim times and maximized the 60 hours we had together.
After back to back days at Grande and surfing, we were ready for a chiller beach experience to finish off their quick trip so we headed to the Senderos and Playa Dantita. It was low tide and the waves were muy suave.
Cara and Amanda snuck off to enjoy a trail run.
Amanda and Cara still got it! Low tide, while not great for surfing, is the best time for throwing.
Playa Dantita
We are so thankful to have good friends willing to take time out of busy lives to come spend time with us. The girls had an absolute blast hanging out with Kai and Alona.
It was such an amazing break filled with family and friends that starting school the day after they left was a bit rough, but we wouldn't have changed a thing.
Huge thanks to NannaCC, Opa, and Scotty, Amanda, Kai, and Alona for making it an unforgettable winter break.
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